Philippians 3:12-4:1; Psalm 86:8-17

Phil 3:12-4:1
In vv. 10 and 11, Paul has said that he wanted to know Christ and experience the power of His resurrection. In v. 12 he goes on to say that he hasn't arrived--he's not perfect! But he is pressing on, working for that goal of knowing Christ fully. He didn't dwell on his past, just as we must not dwell on the past (after all, we are forgiven!), but we must look forward to what is ahead. Paul uses the analogy of an athlete in training for a race as he presses on--strives with all his energy and strength--to reach the goal of Christian maturity. vv.12-16

Paul himself had focused his goals on becoming more and more like Jesus, and so he could tell the Philippians to pattern their lives after his. What a powerful testimony! v. 17 He had already reminded the Philippian believers to watch out for the Judaizers (those who wanted to add the Jewish law to ensure salvation), but now he warns them to watch out for so-called Christians who do not live up to the name of Christian through their conduct. Remember that good conduct does not earn us salvation; that's a free gift! But once we are born into God's family, He expects us to acts like a Christian. These people whom Paul was mentioning were thinking only of themselves and their own needs and desires; they were not thinking of eternal things in any way. In other words, they showed no evidence of the new birth through Jesus. We, however, are citizens of heaven waiting for the Lord's return. He is our Savior. "He will take our weak mortal bodies and change them into glorious bodies like his own, using the same power with which he will bring everything under his control." v. 21 Because of all this, Paul tells us to stay true to the Lord. v. 1

Psalm 86:8-17  David gives us a pattern for our prayer lives.

• Praise: "No pagan god is like you, O Lord. None can do what you do! All the nations you made will come and bow before  you, Lord; they will praise your holy name. For you are great and perform wonderful deeds. You alone are God." vv. 8-10 

• Prayer:  David goes from praise to prayer. In fact, he prays for himself. "Teach me your ways, O Lord, that I may live according to your truth! Grant me purity of heart, so that I may honor you." v. 11

• Praise: ...and then he goes back to praise! "With all my heart I will praise  you, O Lord my God. I will give glory to  your name forever, for your love for me is very great. You have rescued me from the depths of death." vv. 12-13  "...you, O Lord, are a God of compassion and mercy, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness." v. 15

• Prayer: ...and once again back to prayer! "Look down and have mercy on me. Give your strength to your servant; save me, the son of your servant. Send me a sign of your favor...for you, O Lord, help and comfort me." vv.16-17