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St. Paul School of Leadership & Discipleship Lesson 175 - DEVELOPING WARRIORS—NOT WIMPS (PART 4) By Frank Eiklor and the Shalom Team Chapter 4 The Spirit of God's Warrior Each of us in an example—good or bad—to those around us. Each is an open book to family, friends and acquaintances who are reading our lives.
That's why Paul is my number one mentor and hero. He played no games with God and was never a "phony Chrisian." I want to live my life the same way, so that I can say to others "Follow me as I follow Christ." I challenge you to do the same. Let's continue our study in Philippians. This time we look at the spirit of the warrior named Paul.
1) THE PHONIES—Philippians 3:1-2 You will meet false Christians from time to time who will try to deceive you. The more you spend time learning God's word, the more you will recognize the true from the false.
2) THE PASSION—Philippians 3:3-10 Many years ago, Philippians was the first Bible book I memorized. I loved (and still do) how Paul put Jesus Christ first in saying farewell to his blind past (v. 3-6) in order to win the approval of Christ and experience for himself the power of Jesus' resurrection and share in any suffering that would come (v. 7-10). This is the true "warrior spirit."
3) THE PERFECTING—Philippians 3:11-12 God has a plan for each of our lives. Look how Paul is our example in never thinking "we have arrived" and begin to grow lazy and compromise with the world's sins. Instead, he wanted nothing other than God's total and complete will for his life—and would be satisfied with nothing less! 4) THE PRESSING Philippians 3:13-14 Here is how a warrior goes to battle. We put any past sins under Christ's blood and then leave the past behind. Our eyes are now on Jesus as we press on to the greatest prize of all—hearing "well done!" from the Lord when we go to be with Him. How do we press (or push) on? By loving, studying, and obeying God's Word. And by living pure lives and sharing Christ's love with others.
5) THE PATHFINDER—Philippians 3:15-19 Here we have Paul again urging us to follow his example (v. 17). If you and I will walk in total obedience to what Jesus tells us, we can be a pathfinder to others. There will be many bad examples (v. 18-19). Let's be good examples and true warriors.
6) THE PERFECTING—Philippians 3:11-12 Paul knows "Only one life. it will soon be past; only what's done for Christ will last." Jesus Christ promised to return. He will. You and I must live each day as if it may be our last. We are going home soon to be forever with our Lord. That's when the party begins!
CONCLUDES NEXT STUDY
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