WINNING CHRIST

 WINNING CHRIST 

But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,
(Philippians 3:7-8)

  • Paul was a religious Pharisee 
    • He was intelligent
    • Zealous 
    • Proud of his religion
  • Something happened in Damascus Road that made a change 
  • He gave up his wrong beliefs, sinful ways, old practices... 
  • He said in verse 7, What things were gained to me, those I counted loss for Christ.
I.  THERE IS A PRINCIPLE OF GAINING BY LOSING
    A.  What it means by the words, "Gain by losing". 
        1.  Examples of gain by losing. 
            a) Lose weight 
            b) Removing accessories in car racing
            c) Runner as illustrated in Heb. 12: 1 
         2.  Examples of losing by seeking to gain.
            a) Covetous fool, Luke 12: 15-20
     B.  The teaching of Jesus in Mark 8:34-36. 
     C.  Common practice and application. 
        1.  Commonly, people seek gain for themselves before others. 
        2.   The teaching of Christ is to lose in order to have spiritual gain.  
            a) Paul's gain is losing things for Christ. 
        3.  What about you? 
            a) Are there things hindering you to come to Christ? 
            b) Are there things hindering your spiritual growth? 
                - What are your reasons why you cannot come to church? 
                - What do you think is hindering your service for God or your giving?  

II.  THERE IS A PRINCIPLE OF FAITH IN LOSING TO GAIN. 
        A.  Paul said, Yes! Matthew 5: 37; 2 Cor. 1: 18-20. 
            1.  He was being positive. 
            2.  He is full of faith. 
        B.  He said "Doubtless".  Philippians 3: 8
            1.  Doubt is sin, Romans 14: 23
            2.  Doubt hinders blessing and answers to prayer, James. 1: 5-8. 
        C. Paul knew who he believed and he is persuaded, 2 Tim. 1: 12 

III. THERE IS A PRINCIPLE OF A SURRENDERED LIFE 
        A.  Paul said, "I count all things but loss...." v.8. 
            1.  He was willing to surrender every known sin and practice. 
                a)  In order to grow in knowledge, 2 Pet. 3: 18. 
                b) In order that his growth and usefulness will not be hindered. 
        B.  Paul said, "Christ Jesus my Lord". 
             1.  He acknowledged the Lordship of Christ in his life. 
             2.  He yielded his life to the Lord, Romans 6:11-13. 
        C.  We must live a surrendered life to the Lord. 
              1.  Do not try to justify your sins 
              2.  Do not strive against God with your sins, Isa. 45: 9.  
              3.  Instead Strive against sin and live for God, Hebrews 12: 1-4.  
              4.  Are you living for yourself or for God?  Phil. 1: 21; Gal. 2:20. 
              5.  Is there sin in your life that you could hardly give up yet you know it is displeasing?

IV.  THERE IS EXCELLENCY IN KNOWING CHRIST 
        A.  Paul mentioned "Excellency of knowledge".
               1.  Knowing Christ is the greatest fulfillment in life, Mark 8: 36. 
               2.  Knowing Christ more is above all knowledge, 2 Cor. 4: 18 
        B.  Paul mentioned in verse 10. "That I may know..."
               1.  Him, Jesus Christ. 
               2.   The power of His resurrection, 1 Cor. 15: 14; Romans 1: 16. 
               3.  The fellowship of His sufferings 
                    a) We have fellowship with God because Christ suffered for us. 
                    b) We suffer for Christ because he suffered for us, Romans 8: 17
                    c) We experience Christ's comfort when we suffer for Him, 2 Cor. 1:3-5. 
                4.  Being made conformable to his death means... 
                    a) We become Christ-like in our character 
                    b)  Christ showed an example of humility (Phil. 2: 5-11). 

CONCLUSION:  

  • Are there areas in your life that you have not yet surrendered to the Lord? 
  • Is Christ your Lord in all areas of your life?
    • In your time management
    • In your finances (Do you give tithes, offerings) 
    • In your family
    • In your work
  • What should you do with your sinful habits? 
  • Phil.3: 7-8; 
  • Phil. 1: 21 
  • Gal. 2: 20
  • Prov.  3: 5-6




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