Setting the Destination

… All I want now is Christ.  All I want is to know Christ and the power that raised him from death. I don’t mean that I am exactly what God wants me to be. I have not yet reached that goal. But I continue trying to reach it and make it mine. That’s what Christ Jesus wants me to do. It is the reason he made me his. 13 Brothers and sisters, I know that I still have a long way to go. But there is one thing I do: I forget what is in the past and try as hard as I can to reach the goal before me. 14 I keep running hard toward the finish line to get the prize that is mine because God has called me through Christ Jesus to life up there in heaven.  Phil. 3:8,10,12-14  (ERV)

Paul’s Comments on His Spiritual Journey

1. None of Us Have Arrived

… I have not yet reached that goal.  vs. 12

2. Christ Wants Us to Continue Deeper

… But I continue trying to reach it and make it mine. That’s what Christ Jesus wants me to do. It is the reason he made me his.  vs. 12

3. Have a Single Focus

… there is one thing I do …  vs. 13

4. Forget What is in the Past

… I forget what is in the past …  vs. 13

5. Strive Hard to Reach the Goal Ahead

… and try as hard as I can to reach the goal before me.  I keep running hard toward the finish line …  vs. 13,14

6. A Prize Awaits You at the Destination

… to get the prize that is mine because God has called me …  vs. 14

Write Down 7 Goals from these 7 Areas

Thought Provokers:  

1. a) Prayer and Christ’s Life

How much time would you like to spend with the Lord each day?

What main character trait of Christ’s Life would you like to grow in?  Love, Integrity, Forgiveness or Excellence

1. b) Development of your God-given Abilities 

What gift, skill or abilities given by God would you like to grow in?

What is your motivational gift?

What are you good at?

1. c) Physical Health and Fitness

When you step on the scale – what number do you want to see come up?

How often would a camera see you exercising each week?

1. d) Family Relationships

What would a video camera record of your conversations with your spouse?

What would you be doing in the evenings?

What programs would you be watching?

What activities would it show with your children?

1. e) Financial Responsibility

How much will you be giving?

How much will you be saving?

How much will you be earning?

How much will you be spending? 

1. f) Natural Work or Vocation

How can you be “salt and light” in your workplace?

How can you grow in excellence at your work?

What work will you be doing in 1 year?

1. g) Church and Community Involvement

What church ministry will you be working in?

What influence would you like to have with your friends, neighbours, and the people in your community where you live?