Philippians 3:12-16 - Listen to this message now or download as: MP3

Overcoming the things that hold you back -  Phil 3:12-16

The first thing that holds you back in life is allowing yourself to be satisfied by what you have been able to achieve.

The first thing that holds you back in life is allowing yourself to be satisfied by what you have been able to achieve. Things like being married, having kids, a job, a hobby and some friends. These things are good but not if they replace your relationship with Christ. When Paul thought about his achievements he said that they were all rubbish compared to knowing Christ Phil 3:4-8. Pride makes us not want to admit that we need Jesus, that it is actually him that gave us and enabled us to have the good things we enjoy.

Secondly, if we are honest we should feel the consequence of our pride by feeling guilty. It is wrong to think we can live without God, as though we could achieve anything with out him. Guilt is meant to set you free not paralyse you. Saying sorry to God for pride means you can forget your failure and press on Phil 3:12-14.

Lastly, having wrestled with our pride and guilt the next mistake we make is to think that it’s all about ourselves. Jesus exposes your pride and takes away your guilt so that you can reach your full potential. This means worrying less about yourself so that you can become a part of Christ’s family Phil 3:15-16. Christ sets you free from yourself so that you can love God and love people without pride, guilt and selfishness holding you back.

The Rev