“I Count Not Myself Yet to Have Laid Hold”

Introduction
I.     Some Christians seem to conclude that they are saved, and that there is no way 
       that they will be lost.
       A.  This is a popular belief among those who have espoused the Calvinistic idea
	 that if one is once saved one cannot be lost.
       B.  Some who are Christians, though, seem to believe this, too.
       C.  Paul disproves this concept in Phil. 3:1-16--NASB.
II.   We must be careful to avoid beliefs that are contrary to truth.
III.  In our lesson today we will consider Paul’s teaching, “I count not myself yet to
       have laid hold,” and will make applications in our lives.

Body
I.    “I count not myself yet to have laid hold.”  Phil. 3:1-16.
      A.  Paul is encouraging the Philippians to “rejoice in the Lord.”  Vss. 1-3.  
           1.  We don’t know who composed the church in Philippi at the time of this 
	    writing, but we are reminded of the women at the river and the jailor and
	    their families as the first in this church.  Acts 10:9-34.
2. 	Paul’s admonishing them did not trouble or bother him, but it was “safe” so as to benefit the Philippians.  Vs. 1.
           3.  They were not to follow the false teachers requiring adherence to the law, 
                because  they were the true “circumcision.”  Vss. 2-3.
     B.  Paul then shows how that he had reason to have “confidence in the flesh,” but
           he had given up these things for the “sake of Christ.”  Vss. 4-7.
     C.  Paul had given up “all things” so as to be accepted by Jesus.  Vss. 8-11.
           1.  Paul counted earthly things “refuse” or “rubbish.”  Vs. 8.
           2.  He did this so as to be found not in his own righteousness, but in the 
                “righteousness of Christ” which “comes from God on the basis of faith.” 
	    Vs. 9.
           3.  Paul sought to allow himself to experience sufferings so as to be resurrected
	    to life.  Vss. 10-11.
     D.  Paul makes it clear that he has not already “obtained” this life.  Vss. 12-14.
           1.  Paul knew that he was not “perfect.”  Vs. 12.
           1.  He is forgetting the things of the past.  Vs. 13.
           2.  He is “pressing on” or “stretching forward” to this life eternal.  Vs. 14.   

II.  Paul urged the Philippians to live by the rule or standard which they had   
      accepted.  Phil. 3:15-16.
A. 	He urges those who are “perfect” or mature, or full-grown to be minded or think as he thought.
B. 	He recognized that their minds would change through time.
C. 	They are urged to walk by the “same rule.”
1. 	God has a set standard by which we are to walk.  Gal. 1:6-8; II John 9-11.
2. 	We have no choice as to our faith and practice, if we are to be pleasing to God.
D. 	Let us be diligent in the study of the word of God and in its application to our lives!
1. 	Be faithful in public worship.  Heb. 10:24-25.
2. 	Be faithful in daily living.  Eph. 4:1-3.

“I Count Not Myself Yet to Have Laid Hold,” page 2.

Conclusion

I. 	Paul did not think that exhorting the Philippians to “rejoice in the Lord” was an irksome or disagreeable task.
II. 	We should live each day, “rejoicing in the Lord,” knowing that our sins are forgiven and that we will one day live with the Godhead or Godhood and the redeemed of all ages.
III. 	We, like Paul, must recognize that we have not arrived in heaven and that we are not “perfect” in the sense that we shall be one day, but we must strive for that blessing which will come at the end of this life.
IV. Let us encourage one another!

Prepared by:
   David Arnold
   September 6, 1998