Philippians 3:12  Goals and the Magic LAMP

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Phil 3:12 Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. 13 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, 14  I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you. 16  Nevertheless, to the degree that we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us be of the same mind.

17 Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern.

Specific/Measurable/Activating/Realistic/Transforming

Lock on to Target - determined by Biblical purpose, objectives/faithfulness, needs, sanctified desires (TOYL Project Planner – S.M.A.R.T)

1Cor 9:24 Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it.

25 And everyone who competes/fights for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. 26 Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. 27 But I discipline my body (appetites/habits/emo) and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified/reprobate

Without goals we’re  like Alice in Wonderland..."Cheshire-Puss... would you tell me please, which way I ought to go from here?" "That depends a good deal on where you want to go to," said the Cat. "I don't much care where," replied Alice. "Then it doesn't matter which way you go."  

Our goal in life is not to be more God-like (omnipotent, omniscient, self-existing, etc) ... but to be more Christ-like (serving, sacrificing, God-glorifying, etc). What God expects of us is to be more Christ-like as we live out our lives here on earth. Jesus came not only to save us from ourselves... and our warped motives... but also to show us what our lives can... and should be like.   Jn 17:4 glorified...finished work

Satan Wins: when we don't believe God's commands are applicable (suggestions/guidelines) and we look at life from our perspective 

Act according to Plan - and make the most of the minutes (every time we succeed it is because we believe we can do it, and then act)

 Time is the interval during which we can sin (indulge our desires) or get blessed (invest in our Biblical priorities). 

I. Our Time Isn’t Our Own  1Cor 6:19 you are not your own 20...glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's. Stewardship

II. We Have All The Time There Is and will have to give an account for faithfully using it acc to God’s purposes and will

III. Make Most Of Time By Walking In Wisdom Eph 5:15 See then that you walk accurately/diligently, not as fools but as wise,

16 redeeming the time, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.

IV. Don’t Spend, Kill Or Waste Time, but rather fruitfully invest it in:  Life Purpose & Plan (love God/others); Objectives; Goals, Priorities 

 TOYL (God {Spiritual growth}; family & friends {Relationships}; {Work career};  re-creation/leisure {Personal growth}; Disciplemaking {Ministry}

Mk 4:19 cares of this world, deceitfulness of riches, desires for other things/pleasures entering choke the word, becomes unfruitful.

Lk 21:34 Take heed...hearts be burdened/stupor with  giddiness/hangover and drunkenness and worries  1Pt 5:7 cast all your cares on Him

Satan Wins: when we misuse/waste our time on purposeless self-gratification believing the lie that we won't have to give an account

Manage Progress - by review and evaluation  1Tim 4:12 be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. 15 Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all. 16 Take heed to yourself and to the teaching/doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.

Mk 13:33 Take heed...14:38 Watch (guard) and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak

Those who don’t learn from history are doomed to repeat it.  The only thing we learn from history is that we don’t learn anything from history.

Satan Wins: when we think ignorance is bliss and go with the flow rather than purposely manage our lives

Persevere for the Prize - with passion and GRACE (Phil 2:13 God is at work in you to will and to do His good pleasure)

"We act as though comfort and luxury were the chief requirements of life, when all that we need to make us really happy is something to be enthusiastic about." Charles Kingsley    2Tin 2:1 be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 commit these to faithful who will be able to teach others also. 3 endure hardship  4 don't entangle self with the affairs of this life, that he may please 5 competes 

Satan Wins: when we wimp out, thinking the Christ following life should be easy, and fail to pay the price of pursuing Him and reward

Questions for Reflection/Discussion/Response:

1. Which of your goals for the past year did you make the most progress towards or most proud of accomplishing? Why?

2. What did you learn from doing a TOYL Goal Autopsy on a goal that you didn’t reach or make as much progress towards as you intended?

3. What goal are you most excited about reaching this year? Why? How will you ensure you make the progress you desire? TOYL Goal Galvanizer

4. What motivates you to set and strive towards godly goals that glorify God? What takes the wind out of your sails? How can you correct that?

5. How could the Body be of help to you in fulfilling your purpose on earth by achieving goals that would please you and God?