Philippians 3: Pressing on Toward the Goal

Introduction

Philippians 3:11 - “attain the resurrection from the dead”
In this context, how was Paul preparing to achieve his goal?
- Philippians 3:7 - He counted what he previously had as loss.
- Philippians 3:12-13 - “forgetting what lies behind”
- Philippians 3:17
For Paul, resurrection was a reality. Is it to us?

What kinds of resurrection does the Bible discuss?
- Figurative, spiritual - Romans 6:4; Colossians 2:12; 3:1
  - When? Baptism
- Literal, body - John 6:40, 44, 54; I Corinthians 15:23; II Timothy 2:18
  - When? On the lasy day (day of judgment)
Which resurrection was Paul aiming to attain?
- Philippians 3:14
- I Thessalonians 4:16
Old Testament verses
- Job 19:25-27
- Psalms 16:9-10; 49:13-15; 71:20
- Isaiah 25:8; 26:19; 53:10
- Ezekiel 37:1-10
- Daniel 12:2
- Hosea 6:1-2; 13:14
- Jonah 1:17-2:2, 6-7, 10
- Acts 13:35
- I Corinthians 15:4
- I Corinthians 15:54-55

Old Testament
- Widow’s son in Zarephath - Elijah (I Kings 17)
- Shunammite’s son - Elisha (I Kings 4)
- Man thrown into Elisha’s grave (II Kings 13)
New Testament
- Jairus’ daughter - Jesus (Mark 5)
- Widow’s son at Nain - Jesus (Luke 7)
- Lazarus - Jesus (John 11)
- Many saints (Matthew 27)
- Tabitha - Peter (Acts 9)
- Eutychus - Paul (Acts 20)

Foretold three times (Matthew 16:21-23; 17:22-23; 20:17-19)
Crucified, then buried in Joseph of Arimathea’s tomb (Mark 15)
- Tomb sealed by a large stone (Mark 15:46; 16:4)
- Witnessed by Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses (Mark 15:4)
- Guarded by soldiers (Matthew 27:65-66)
An empty tomb = a risen Savior who appeared to many
- I Corinthians 15:3-5

How did people react to the idea of resurrection in the New Testament?
- Acts 17:32; 23:8; 26:8; I Corinthians 15:12

Many say heaven is their goal, but whose home will heaven be?
- I Corinthians 15:50-55; I Thessalonians 4:16-17
Our goal ➡️ becoming Christ like
- Romans 6:5, 11, 22
If our goal is for our bodies to be resurrected, what steps should we take now to reach that goal?
- Romans 6:12-13; I Corinthians 15:58; Philippians 3; Colossians 3
What impact should remembering our future resurrection have on our daily life?
- II Peter 3:11-12
- I Thessalonians 4:18
Have we become too comfortable on this earth? Do we look forward to heaven only during difficult times?
What are the consequences of forgetting about or not believing in the resurrection - in reality or in effect?
- I Corinthians 15:19
  - I Corinthians 15:32
  - Mo point in our spiritual servie if it isn’t goal-oriented.
- I Corinthians 15:33
  - Caution against being around people who believe / act / talk like this life is all there is (Romans 8:5-8; Philippians 3:18-19)