Text: Php 3:14
A. Individual goals.
To be like Christ. a. God’s will for us is to be conformed to the image of Christ (Rom 8:29). b. As disciples of Christ (Mat 28:19), our objective is to be as our Master (Luk 6:40).
To grow in the knowledge of Christ. a. In order to be like Christ, we need to make it a goal to grow in His knowledge (2Pe 3:18). b. Transformation begins with the renewal of mind (Rom 12:2). c. As we study the word of God, it is like a mirror to us (Jas 1:23-25), transforming us into the image of Christ (2Co 3:18). d. Diligence in studying the word of God is necessary for us to be approved of God (2Ti 2:15). e. Seeing that growing in the knowledge of Christ is so important, what can we do to achieve this goal?
To grow in the grace of Christ. a. In order to be like Christ, we need to make it a goal to grow in His grace (2Pe 3:18). b. Transformation results in the renewal of life (Eph 4:23-24). c. As we grow in the Christian graces, we will be fruitful Christians (2Pe 1:5-8), bearing the fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:22-23). d. Diligence in developing the Christian graces is necessary for us to enter heaven (2Pe 1:10-11). e. Seeing that growing in the grace of Christ is so important, what can we do to achieve this goal?
B. Congregational goals.
To be a glorious church. a. God’s will for the church is to be glorious, holy, and without blemish (Eph 5:27). b. As the chaste bride of Christ (2Co 11:2), her objective is to present every man perfect in Christ Jesus (Col 1:28).
To provide edification for the members. a. In order for the church to grow unto perfection, she needs to make it a goal for every member to receive edification (Eph 4:11-13). b. Growth begins with edification (1Pe 2:2). c. As we grow in knowledge, we should strive to become teachers (Heb 5:12). d. The church will be destroyed if members do not grow in knowledge (Hos 4:6). e. Seeing that edification is so important, what can the church do to achieve this goal?
To provide opportunities for service for the members. a. In order for the church to grow unto perfection, she needs to make it a goal to provide opportunities for every member to serve in the church (Col 1:10). b. Growth results in service (Eph 4:16). c. As we grow in service, we should strive to take on greater responsibilities (1Ti 3:1). d. The church will die if members do not grow in service (Rev 3:2). e. Seeing that service is so important, what can the church do to achieve this goal?