Coach’s Corner

Long before Rick Warren showed up on the scene, the Apostle Paul was writing about and demonstrating what it means to be “Purpose Driven”.  Philippians is a spectacular example of living a life with purpose.  To read this letter is to hear the passion and deep commitment of a man to a cause.  What’s so amazing is that this letter was written from prison.  No whining or crying here.  This was no “health and wealth” success story to motivate others to get on board.  No… this is a man in difficult circumstances that accepted them in stride and continued his commitment to the cause of Christ… a life filled and lived with purpose.

VS 3-11, LOVE YOU, MEAN IT - I’m not sure where I first heard that phrase, but it’s always been something you say with a bit of a chuckle.  But for Paul, that’s exactly what he was expressing here… but in a very deep and real way.  He describes specific ways that he is thankful for them and has been praying for them.  It would serve us all well to be specific with each other when we encourage each other.  Paul goes on here to describe how our spiritual growth will lead us to feel a growing concern for people in need.  As we share the message of hope with others, we should also make prayer for their progress a part of our service to them.  Our commitment to pray for for other people struggling with sin will have a significant impact on their spiritual growth as well as our own.

VS 12-18, THE POWER OF PURPOSE - Paul could have been excused here if he wanted to take a little break from ministry while sitting in prison.  It’s not exactly the Presidential Suite of the Ritz.  But he used even this situation to lead and minister.  He never drifted from his mission.  That’s the power of purpose.  Each one of us has purpose.  Most of us search for it in the secular arena.  But God’s purposes for us are much higher than that.  Our purpose may very well play itself out in a secular environment, but the purpose will be something that serves God’s kingdom.  When we lay hold to that, here’s what we’ll find:

1. A purpose will motivate you.
2. A purpose will keep your priorities straight.
3. A purpose will develop your potential.
4. A purpose will give you power to live in the present.
5. A purpose will help you evaluate your progress.

A personal sense of purpose works in two ways —- First we work on it —- Then it works on us. Once Paul had determined his life mission, that purpose daily improved his attitude.  In prisons, in shipwrecks, beatings, trials and debates, Paul kept on smiling because of his strong sense of purpose.  On the other hand, when we surrender to our circumstances rather than our purpose, we have good days and bad days.  We are at the mercy of what happnes to us.  When we surrender to our purpose, we have good days wherever we go because the purpose never dies.

VS 12-18, MOTIVES VERSES FALSE GOSPELS - In these verses, Paul explains that he knows that there are people who have taken up preaching the gospel out of selfish or impure motives, but he is not critical.  In fact, he says he rejoices.  This stands in stark contrast to his harsh condemnations in Galatians.  What gives?  I believe the bottom line with Paul was this.. if someone preaches the true gospel, even if their motives are out of whack, Paul will let it stand because God will use his Word to win the lost.  The power is in the message, not the messenger.  However, when teachers begin to alter the gospel to something other than the gospel of salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, then Paul will spare no effort to expose their error.  That’s a tough line to discern at times, but I will let Paul’s example be my guide.

VS 20-24, DO I STAY OR DO I GO - There used to be a song by that title.  Paul wrestled with the same question about his physical life.  But if we belong to God, we cannot lose.  Whether we live or die, we know wil will win in the end.  But while we live, we need to persevere in our faith so that we can make spiritual gains.  Paul’s primary motivation for persevering was his deep concern for others who still needed to hear the Good news of God’s loving power.  There is always a reason to live….. God still wants to use us to save the lives of others.

VS 27, DUAL CITIZENSHIP - I’ve often thought it must be really interesting to enjoy citizenship in two countries.  As a dual citizen you get the benefits of both countries.  Paul here advises us that we actually do have dual citizenship - here and in heaven. But only our heavenly citizenship will last forever.  He calls us to make that our higher calling, our higher priority.  To live as citizens of heaven, to see our role there as the motivater for our actions.  But as dual citizens, we will live that out here.  And in that way, we can win others to the kingdom of heaven and have them join us there.

YOUR TURN…..