2009 Dec 27 - How do you define success? (Phil. 3:1-16)

How do we define success?

In class, our definitions of success centered around being successful parents and family members. We recognized that may define success in material terms. Paul defined success as being part of Christ’s kingdom, aligned with him in life, in suffering, in death, and ultimately in resurrection.

How do get ourselves back on track when we are off-course?

Those of us in class have every intention of aligning our lives with Jesus, being good citizens of the kingdom. But we acknowledge that we sometimes wander. When we do, what practices help us put Christ’s kingdom back in front?

• Prayer
• Scriptures
• Sermons
• Hearing the Spirit of God speak to our hearts
• “A good, swift kick in the pants”
• Encouragement, help from others (see the video: http://video.yahoo.com/network/100000089?v=5017561&l=100022574)

While that kick in the pants has come to several of us (per testimonies in the class), not every bad thing that happens is the result of our disobedience. Bad things really do happen to good people. But bad things are catapults to good things, whether they were intended as a “kick in the pants” or not.

TAKEAWAYS

• Righteousness can come as an inner transformation or an outer set of laws. Most people find the laws easier to live by (or at easier to pretend to live by). When I act, am I following a law or following my heart?
• Ebenezer: We may not yet be perfect, but we have reached a level of maturity. We should rejoice in how far God has already brought us, but recognize that God has more for us to achieve as well.