The Attitude of Champions

 

 

Last week we talked about the need for us to audit our lives. Today, as we conclude Philippians 3, Paul changed the language form accounting to athletic. He said his goal was to know Christ, to be like Christ, and to be all Christ had in mind for him. This is a great example for us that we should not let anything take our eyes off our goal - which is knowing Christ. I call today's message, "The Attitudes of Champions/Winners." Let me give you some of the attitudes of champions from this passage today.

1. Champions never give up. "I press on..." Don't get sidetracked or slowed down. It is easy to get sidetracked my things around us, or let circumstances or people or things take our eyes off the focus. We have to keep pressing on. Train yourself to run the race of life. Go into strict training in order to get the prize. It takes training never to give up.

2. Have a clearly defined goal (v12). Without vision, people perish. If you don't have a goal, you will always be spinning your own wheels. You need to have a purpose for living. Try to write your life's mission statement.

3. Never allow previous defeat to discourage them or past achievement to take them into pride. (v. 13) Do not dwell on the past. Do not let your past be used against you to hinder your future. Do not use your past as an escape for not trying or for dropping out, or for avoiding proper spiritual conduct in your relationship with God. We must devote ourselves to God, whatever our present circumstances. Paul had a lot in his past to dwell upon, but he refused to let past achievement be the focus. WE have all done things for which we are ashamed, and we live in the tension of what we have been and what we want to be. Because our hope is in Christ, we can let go of past guilt and look forward to what God will help us become. Don't dwell on your past. Instead, grow in the knowledge of God by concentrating on your relationship with him now. No matter your past, realize that you are forgiven, and then move on to a life of faith and obedience. Look forward to a fuller and more meaningful life because of your hope in Christ.

4. Champions are focused (v13). Be focused. As a runner, every effort must be toward the finish line. Not only to finish but to finish well enough to get a prize. This is not a short distance. It is a marathon. In a marathon you see people around you limping and some dropping out entirely. But to win the prize, you must focus on the finish line. Do not get involved in so many things while in a marathon. Paul says, "One thing I do..." (v13) How many things are you involved in that are distracting you from pressing on? If you keep looking at other people you could easily drop out. Deep your focus. What kind of race are you running for Christ? What prize do you seek? Opposition is a distraction. If you face opposition, tell yourself, "I will not allow you to take my focus away from the finish line." If you have lost your focus, pray and ask God to keep you back, and to help you stay on track and reach the goal. If you are thinking of quitting, be advised: maybe it is because you have lost your focus and you need to renew your commitment to Christ so you can press on toward the goal of being like Christ.

5. Listen to the coach (v14). He takes his profession seriously and so he listens to his coach. The coach makes the call. To reach the finish line, you must listen to the coach. Your coach is Jesus Christ.

6. They are team players - this does not mean uniformity, but unity. Paul said in verse 15 that the sign of maturity is not to quit, is not to be distracted, but rather to press on. He then explains that it is possible that you will see others do things differently. Do not get bent out of shape because of that, play by the rule of the game. Be faithful in what God has called you to do. Play your part faithfully no matter how small. Be flexible! Continue to learn and grow while governing your life by the light you have already received.

7. They are role models (v17). "Join in following my example.... You have us for a pattern." Champions are good role models. Paul was a role model, and he wants you and I to be godly role models to those looking at us. Let your life speak volumes and not your talk. Be consistent!

8. Champions know the tricks of their enemies. Outsmart the enemies of the cross in your life. How do you know the enemies of the cross? "Their minds are set on earthly things" (vv 18, 19). But for you, your mind should be set on heavenly things, because your citizenship is in heaven. Be passionate about reaching your goal. Do not lose your passion for your goal. Your goal is to win the prize. Be passionate about that. If you seek earthly pleasures and treasures you will not have joy, and you may not be able to win the prize.

9. Expect to win! Have a great expectation about your future (v20-21). "Who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body" If you don't expect to win, you will not have the courage to press on. Expect to win. Whatever you face in life, tell yourself, "This too shall pass." You may be living today with cancer, or Alzheimer's or AIDS. You health may be weakening and you feel like you are going to die. Paul says, "don't quit, expect to win." Ultimately, our present bodies will be transformed into the glorious body of His. Let us enjoy our lives to the fullest and refuse to allow circumstances, people and things to rob us of our joy.