CHRISTIAN PROGRESS AND OUR GOAL IN LIFE IS HAVING A PARTNERSHIP WITH JESUS!

Presented by Gerald Cumby

Philippians 1:3-11, "I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart and, whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God's grace with me. God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus. And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ-to the glory and praise of God."

The idea of Christian Partnership is strongly stressed in the above verses.

There are certain things which Christians share:

Christians are partners in grace. We owe a common debt to the grace of God. With that in mind, we can't be partners with God until we accept the FACT that Jesus is God's Son.
Christians are partners in the work of the gospel. We share a task; that being of furthering the gospel by defending it against the attacks of the enemies and by building up the faith and devotion of its friends. Sharing Jesus is caring for the souls of our family and friends. Sharing the love of Jesus makes us partners in the work of the gospel.
Christians are partners in suffering for the gospel. Although we may never have to suffer as do Christians in foreign lands, we must stand for truth and pray earnestly for their release from captives and the atrocities they are experiencing. Stand up for Jesus even when we are in enemy territory. Stand for truth…It will truly set you free.
Christians are partners with Christ. This is the love that cannot be more exemplified than giving one's life for the cause of Christ. Make Jesus Lord. Give Him your life. Trust Him during trying circumstances.

In the scriptures in Philippians 1:3-11, we can see the importance of:
Christian Progress and the Christian Goal:

Paul's prayer for his people has always been that their love would grow greater every day (1:9-10), "And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, ¹⁰ so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ,"
Paul's prayer was that they would grow to the point of being able to distinguish right from wrong. Note: Look at where they were coming from and where they are to go. Remember…we come from darkness to light when we accept Jesus as Savior.
Grow to the point of not causing others to stumble - meaning "not causing others to fall into sin or yield to temptation." We must set an example of "faith and trust" to our family and friends. Living the faith is so very important in every Christian's life.
The final aim/goal for the Christian: (1:11), filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ - to the glory and praise of God." - To live such a life that the glory and the praise are given to God; i.e. no credit for man himself - he is what he is only by the grace of God. We must give up and accept our place in service to our Lord and God.

The hardest thing for man to give up is his pride of ownership.

"A proud man is always looking down on things and people; and, of course, as long as you are looking down, you cannot see something that is above you." - C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity

"All men make mistakes, but a good man yields when he knows his course is wrong, and repairs the evil. The only crime is pride." - Sophocles, Antigone

"Through pride we are ever deceiving ourselves. But deep down below the surface of the average conscience a still, small voice says to us, something is out of tune." - C.G. Jung

But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." James 4:6

"Look, he is coming with the clouds," and "every eye will see him" (Rev 1:7)