Notices: August 1-2, 2020

Posted on August 1, 2020 by Editorial Team

WEAR YOUR FACE MASKS AT ALL TIMES
1. It is mandatory to wear a face mask in church at all times.
2. If you feel uncomfortable, kindly exit the church sanctuary to remove the mask in the church foyer.

WORSHIP SERVICES
Please take note that Klang Wesley will continue with online Worship Services in August 2020, using live streaming. Visit the church website: www.klangwesley.com

CHURCH STAFF MEETING
Please take note that the church staff meeting is held on Tuesdays at 2:30 p.m-4:30 p.m. Kindly avoid calling the office staff then, unless it is very urgent.

FEDERAL & SELANGOR STATE GOVERNMENT SOPs
THOSE WHO CANNOT COME TO CHURCH YET:
1. Foreigners and Permanent Residents
2. Temperature above 37.5 degrees Celsius.
3. Have BMI of above 40, severe hypertension or diabetes mellitus, live in a nursing home, haemoglobin disorders, immunocompromised, liver disease, serious heart condition, on kidney dialysis & chronic lung disease.

CORPORATE PRAYER MEETINGS
The Zoom Prayer Meetings are as follows:
Tuesdays-Thursdays @ 8:00 a.m.-8:30a.m.
Thursdays only @ 9:00pm-10:00 p.m.
Kindly contact church office for more information.

COLLECTIONS: JANUARY-JULY, 2020
Offering/Tithes & Others Year To Date RM562,902.46
Year 2020 Planned Expenses RM1,065,494
Actual vs Planned 53%
Missions Faith Pledge Year To Date RM30,556.00
Year 2020 Pledge Amount RM76,100
Actual vs Planned 40%

CONDOLENCES
Our deepest condolences to Mr & Mrs Terrence Tan & family on the demise of Yap Yee Keng’s father, the late Yap Yew Hock on July 30, 2020. The funeral will be on Sunday, August 2, 2020 at the Yap’s residence at 35, Jalan Resak, Palm Grove, 41200 Klang.

UP COMING EVENT (2020)
Aug 23 MW Sunday in Church
Nov 13-15 Seminar by Rev Terence Poh

Pledge Payment can be done via Online to Wesley Methodist Church Klang Bank Account No: UOB 171-315-561-1

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Prayer Lists: August 2, 2020

Posted on August 1, 2020 by Editorial Team

Sunday, (Aug 2) – Pray that God will give us strength of body, strength of mind and strength of soul. Pray that He will grant us wisdom to know what we should do in every situation, and wisdom to choose the course that leads to growth and understanding. Pray that the Lord will give us courage to move out of our comfort zones, courage to stand strong and firm in the midst of difficult situations that require much of us. Pray that God will grant us serenity of heart and spirit, and when our hearts are overwhelmed by trials and tribulations, He will overwhelm us with His shalom peace.

Monday, (Aug 3) – Pray for wisdom for the health authorities and the government as stricter SOPs might be needed in the light of the increasing numbers of Covid-19 cases. As the health DG consistently emphasises the importance of adhering to the SOPs, pray that the public, and people returning to Malaysia from overseas, will cooperate, and will exercise self-discipline to obey the SOPs. Pray against complacent attitudes, and lackadaisical, arrogant and rebellious behaviours that can lead to a surge of new infections. Pray that the authorities will impose strict enforcement of the SOPs, as businesses will not be able to withstand another round of restrictive MCO. Pray for God’s mercy upon us, that He will intervene in our situation, and prevent another round of MCO from happening.

Tuesday, (Aug 4) – The El-Shaddai Refugee Learning Centre has started classes again on July 15, 2020. As there were transportation problems in July and many students could not come back, pray that this will be solved so that more students will be able to come back to school. Pray against a lack of motivation to study, as attendance is poor, and many students find excuses to not come to school. Pray for wisdom for the school authorities to deal with these absentees. Pray that the students and teachers will continue to follow the SOPs, and they will be safe and healthy. Pray for wisdom for the teachers as they need to catch up with the syllabus, and for dedication and patience to motivate the students to excel in their students. Pray for Sister Vivian, for creative ways to include character building in her lessons as she teaches mathematics, so she can direct the students’ hearts towards God.

Wednesday, (Aug 5) – The Sabah state assembly was dissolved on July 30, 2020, paving the way for a snap election in the state. Pray that God will give Sabah a good and stable government. Pray against every spirit of greed, arrogance and pride over the political leaders. Pray that God will raise up leaders who will stand firm for justice and righteousness, with sound minds that think beyond selfish ambitions and short-term gratification, and who have a vision to lead the state forward. Pray that God will deal with those who entice MPs to change political party, thereby causing instability in the state government.

Thursday, (Aug 6) – Pray for our missions work in Sabah: the Asrama Harapan Baru in Pitas which houses Orang Asal students from the ages of 13 to 19. Pray for the committee in charge of the asrama to work in unity for the good of the students, and to have integrity and be accountable for the financial donations from churches and Christian organizations. Pray that more of our church members will come forward and be involved in this ministry to help counsel the students during the mission trips, as many of the students are from broken families / single parents.

Friday, (Aug 7) – Some of the TRAC churches have waited until August to reopen the church building for worship services. Pray for these churches that everything will go smoothly and they will cover all the SOPs. Pray that those who waited so long to return to church worship will truly sense a spirit of unity worshipping the Lord together. Pray also that the SOPs will allow for Cell Groups to meet in homes (this has not been possible since March 18, 2020), if need be, limiting the number of persons due to physical distancing. Above all, pray that TRAC church members will take their faith in God seriously.

Saturday, (Aug 8) – Praise God that about eleven million people have recovered from Covid-19, globally. Praise God for His healing grace, and for all the hard-working medical personnel who have worked tirelessly to tend to the sick. Praise God that He has united believers worldwide to pray for the pandemic. Praise God that during this traumatic time, many have turned to hope and faith in Christ.

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Recorded Live Streaming Worship Service – 25th & 26th July 2020

Posted on July 26, 2020 by Editorial Team

Title: Why Don’t You Get It?
Scripture Text: Jonah 4: 1 – 11 (NIV)
Preacher: Bro Yap Chee Kai

SERMON NOTES:

1.0 The second stanza of the hymn entitled To God be the glory, great things He hath done, “Oh, perfect redemption, the purchase of blood . . .” reminded me of Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s quote: “Jesus himself did not try to convert the two thieves on the Cross. He waited until one of them turned to him.” What a promising assurance from God.

2.0 INTRODUCTION:

Following the aftermath of the late Billy Graham’s evangelistic crusade, South Korea predominantly a Buddhist country began to see a rise in Christianity from 10% in 1970s to 29% in 2010.

2.1 (Just like in the Book of Acts), a divine 100% miracle, revival – the work of God, not men: everyone repented and gave their lives to Christ. How would you have felt, responded or reaction? Praise, thanksgiving, humility?

2.2 This is what we see in 3:5 – a great revival, the Ninevites repented.

3.0 JONAH’S ANGER (vv. 1–3)

Verse 1 starts quite the opposite. Why is Jonah so angry? Doesn’t he have a heart, has he lost his mind? Is there something Jonah is not getting?

3.1 The answer to this question lies: God’s important lesson regarding Jonah’s heart – God is revealing and dealing with the baggages in Jonah’s heart.

3.2 Why didn’t Jonah get it? There is something that Jonah understood, but he still misses the main point.

3.3 Jonah was furious and desires to die in verse 3 – he could not come to God’s term of withholding judgment from the Ninevites. Why did Jonah want the Ninevites to be destroyed?

3.4 The Ninevites were long-standing enemies of Israel: they were extremely brutal, evil, sadistic and violent. Prophet Nahum called Nineveh “a city of bloodshed” – relates to our horrific Nanking Massacre, the Holocaust or the Cambodia genocide.

3.5 Jonah in his pride as God’s chosen people felt the Assyrians did not deserve God’s compassion. That is why Jonah didn’t get it – his pride and hatred has blinded him.

3.6 Application: What about us? Is God trying to uncover the baggages in our hearts? What about the people we unconsciously discriminate against or have prejudices against?

4.0 GOD’S QUESTION (vv. 4–8)

4.1 God’s lesson to Jonah in verse 4 and to us too.

4.2 This question helps Jonah to process his emotions: to introspectively reflect and ask himself; Why does he feel that he has the right to be upset with God’s act of compassion? Who is he to condemn God’s action?

4.3 The narrative motif of the vine (v.6), the worm (v.7), the scorching east wind (v.8), and the blazing sun (v.8) served as an answer to God’s question.

4.4 God’s twofold-lesson:

Firstly, using the argument from “lesser to the greater” (Matt. 6:30): shouldn’t Jonah concern too for the Ninevites and not just the plant? Jonah failed to see from God’s perspective and understand God’s compassion towards the Ninevites.

Secondly, God is telling Jonah and the Ninevites that His mercy extended to them is of His divine providence, although neither of them deserves it.

4.5 Application: God’s love and compassion extend even to the worst of sinners and the enemy of God. God hopes for Jonah to emulate the same compassion towards the Ninevites.

5.0 OUR RESPONSE (vv. 9–11)

5.1 Jonah’s reply in v.9 shows he still did not get it. This applies to also the last two verses (vv.10-11).

5.2 The Book of Jonah ends abruptly – leaving to the probing question: did Jonah get it? Do you think he learned his lesson?

5.3 It is left open-ended for the purpose of contrasting God’s compassion and Jonah’s prideful prejudice.

5.4 Application: It is left open-ended to force us to close this chapter with the choice that we make. Have we got it? Have we truly understood and experienced God’s love, His love and His compassion that compels us to love others? Who are the Ninevites in our lives? Do you want to be a gimper for the Lord?

5.5 Another reason for the Book of Jonah is left open-ended –it gives us the assurance that it has been a difficult journey for Jonah to show compassion, it will be the same for us too.

5.6 Application: Unload your deep hurts to the Lord for His yoke is easy and His burden is light. Allow Him to take residence over your life and transform your life.

6.0 CONCLUSION

6.1 Conclude with the story of Corrie ten Boom – explicated marvelously in her book, Hiding Place. Corrie learned “it is not our forgiveness anymore than our goodness that the world’s healing hinges, but on His. When he tells us to love our enemies, he gives, along with the command: the love itself.”

6.2 Carrie adds: “Forgiveness is the key which unlocks the door of resentment and the handcuffs of hatred. It breaks the chains of bitterness and the shackles of selfishness. The forgiveness of Jesus not only takes away our sins, it makes them as if they had never been.”

6.3 The difference between Corrie ten Boom and Jonah: Corrie recognized that God is sovereign in his compassion towards herself and the Nazi guard. She was able to look at her enemy through God’s lenses and extends forgiveness. Corrie got it, but, Jonah did not.

6.4 Application: We can’t answer for Jonah, but we can answer for ourselves. The question is: Do we get it? Let us pray.

 

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From The Pastor’s Desk

Posted on July 25, 2020 by Editorial Team

Greetings. Last Sunday was the first trouble-free live streaming of the Sunday Worship Service that now replaces the pre-recorded worship services sent to homes since April 2020. It is our prayer that these live streaming online worship services will be a blessing to many, especially to those who currently are not allowed to come into the church sanctuary to worship God, which include all foreigners and permanent residents of Malaysia.

The sad part is that several of the foreigners and permanent residents want so much to return to church, but are not permitted under the federal SOPs (under the National Security Council), but many blue MyKad holders (citizens of Malaysia) are missing from church despite fulfilling all the SOPs. I guess the questions posed are:

1. How safe is the church environment?

2. Why should I come back to church to worship God when God is
everywhere?

Both are valid questions. The first question can only be answered by individuals or heads of families.

Perhaps we may be staying put at home most of the time (especially if our employers allow us to work at home), and rarely go out unless absolutely necessary. If this is the case, then there is consistency when not coming to church.

Perhaps we are staying far away from church, or are based outstation or overseas. Perhaps we are not well and may fall under the many medical conditions listed out by the Selangor State government SOPs that hinder our entrance into any church in Selangor.

However, if our only reason is that we are so comfortable with home worship for these past four months, and that we can choose our appropriate time to worship God over the weekend – then I ask you to think back: why did I come to church to worship God pre-MCO time? Was it only because pre-recorded worship services were non-existent then?

The government who is very cautious about safe-guarding the public from a second wave of Covid-19 infections has imposed strict regulations on all churches and places of worship. Government officers and police have the mandate to inspect all buildings (including churches) to ensure that the SOPs are being followed. These personnel will not hesitate to hold accountable leaders / people who flout the law.

Hence, my plea to all individuals and families who are citizens of Malaysia – come back to worship God in church in August. After the worship service is over, kindly fellowship with others, not in church, but instead in coffee shops or restaurants in Klang. Let us experience our unity by being together in the sanctuary to worship God

Pastor Ashok

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Jonah’s Anger

Posted on July 25, 2020 by Editorial Team

The final chapter of Jonah gives us a unique glimpse into a conversation between God and His prophet. The majority of prophecy depicts the prophets relaying God’s message. Here, we get to see the struggle between the reluctant prophet and a faithful God. I’m almost uncomfortable with Jonah’s level of irreverence, confessing he is angry that God has been merciful. It’s cringe-worthy.

And yet, Jonah was not the first, nor would he be the last, to express discontent with God’s mercy toward a wayward people. In fact, Scripture is full of stories like this. The older brother in the parable of the prodigal son is angry at his father for throwing the rebellious sibling a party (Luke 15:11-32). The Pharisees are angry at Jesus for not following the law like they think he should (John 9:13-16). The disciples are concerned when Jesus addresses a Samaritan woman, someone whose ethnicity and gender signified a person to avoid, not converse with (John 4:1-24).

We like to belong, and we like to decide who doesn’t belong. They deserve God’s mercy. They don’t. They do. They don’t. Maybe this is why I cringe at Jonah’s anger; because I’ve seen that same anger in me. I’ve seen it on a personal level when blessing and favor are poured out on someone’s life whom I don’t feel “deserves” it. I’ve also seen it on a more global level when I generalize an entire people group as “evil” or “lost,” beyond God’s redemption.

This sin tendency was in Jonah, and it is in me too.

How quick I am to forget that I was an outsider once! As Romans says, “For while we were still helpless, at the appointed moment, Christ died for the ungodly” (Romans 5:6). I was ungodly—as evil as a Ninevite. It is only because of God’s mercy through His Son Jesus that I am now in the family as an adopted child of God.

I think it’s interesting that God has the last word in the book of Jonah. We don’t know what Jonah’s response was to God’s question, “Should I not care about the great city of Nineveh…?” (Jonah 4:11). But we know what Jonah’s answer should have been. We see it modeled much later in the story, in the book of Acts.

Peter is trying to convince his fellow Jews that Gentiles can indeed follow the way of Christ. He tells the group that he saw the Holy Spirit descend on a group of Gentiles, just as it had descended upon them. When Peter’s audience heard this, Scripture says, “they became silent. Then they glorified God, saying, ‘So God has granted repentance resulting in life even to the Gentiles!’” (Acts 11:18).

Perhaps they fell silent in awe. Perhaps they fell silent in skepticism. We don’t know. What we do know is ultimately, instead of feeling anger toward God, they glorified Him. They rejoiced that His mercy reached further than they had ever fathomed it could.

Oh, that our response would be the same. That we would never underestimate the breadth and depth of God’s mercy. That we would rejoice every time His mercy blesses someone around us, remembering that it was this same mercy that welcomed us into His family. And that it is only by grace that we remain. (ANDREA LUCADO)

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Notices: July 25-26, 2020

Posted on July 25, 2020 by Editorial Team

IMPORTANT NOTICE DURING THE RMCO PERIOD
The Recovery Movement Control Order (RMCO) is currently on until August 31, 2020. There are still restrictions during this period.
1. Only the church office shall function as usual during office hours (Tuesday –
Saturday, 9:00a.m. – 5:00p.m.).
2. The church staff meeting is held on Tuesdays, 2:30p.m. – 4:30p.m. Kindly
avoid calling the office staff then, unless it is very urgent.
3. Cell Groups are still not allowed to meet in homes. All Cell Groups can
continue to use online ways to meet. No other church meetings can be held
in church now.
4. If you need to contact the church office (Tuesday – Saturday, 9:00a.m. –
5:00p.m.), please call 03-3372 2698. Otherwise, contact the office staff
directly on their mobile phones: Pastor Ashok (012-524 0061) | Jane
(017-622 7226) | Pelita (016-625 6188) | Cheng It (012-915 3640 | Yap
Chee Kai (012-236 0457) |

2ND OFFERING
Kindly note that the 2nd Offering for the month of August Holy Communion Service will go towards the Council of Churches Malaysia (CCM). Please use the special envelopes titled “Second Offering” next weekend.

CORPORATE PRAYER MEETINGS
The Zoom Prayer Meetings are as follows:
MORNINGS (8:00a.m. – 8:30a.m.) on Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays
NIGHT (9:00p.m. – 10:00p.m.) on Thursdays
For more information, please call the church office.

WORSHIP SERVICES
Please take note that Klang Wesley will continue with online Worship Services in August, 2020, using live streaming.

WEAR YOUR FACE MASKS AT ALL TIMES
1. It is mandatory to wear a face mask in church at all times.
2. If you feel uncomfortable, kindly exit the church sanctuary to remove the
mask.

FEDERAL & SELANGOR STATE GOVERNMENT SOPs
THOSE WHO CANNOT COME TO CHURCH YET:
1. Foreigners and Permanent Residents.
2. Have BMI of above 40, severe hypertension or diabetes mellitus, live in a
nursing home, haemoglobin disorders, immunocompromised, liver disease,
serious heart condition, on kidney dialysis & chronic lung disease.
3. Temperature above 37.5 degrees Celsius.

CHURCH OFFICE CLOSED
Please take note that the church office will be closed on Friday, July 31, 2020 in view of the public holiday.

CONDOLENCES
Our deepest condolences to Mr & Mrs Lim Boon Tong & family on the demise of his mother, the late Mdm Tan Bee Choo who passed away on July 20, 2020.

BREAD OF LIFE CORNER @ CCM (OPPOSITE UMMC)
1. You can buy bread & pastries there or have a cup of coffee there.
2. All profits will be channeled to CCM Community Service Project.
3. If you wish to volunteer your service at the café, kindly contact Maya @
012-372 6079
4. See facebook.com/BoL Corner for take away & deliveries

GIVING
While we acknowledge that many people are affected by the current MCO situation, we encourage you to continue giving your tithes / offering during this time through online banking. The details are below:

ONLINE BANKING DETAILS
ACCT #: 171-315-561-1
ACCT NAME: WESLEY METHODIST CHURCH KLANG
BANK: UOB
REFERENCE: TITHE / OFFERING

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Prayer Lists: July 26, 2020

Posted on July 25, 2020 by Editorial Team

1. Pray that we will have a heart of compassion like that of God’s, so He will use us as vessels of compassion to the people in our communities, especially during this time of the pandemic. Pray that God will give us eyes that see those around us who are in need of our compassion, hearts that are interested in their troubles, and that He will provide for us the means to help them. Above all, pray that God will give us His heart for the lost, and place in our hearts a burden for the spiritual needs of people around us. Pray that God will open their spiritual eyes to know that life is beyond the physical, and if necessary, cause them to hit rock bottom in areas where their hearts are hardened so that they will listen to His voice and turn to Him in repentance. Pray that God will open up opportunities, and grant us boldness to share the Gospel with people who are in need of a Saviour.

2. The Covid-19 clusters have started to resurface and increase in the nation, and the number of new cases of infection are rising daily. Pray that all those who are returning to Malaysia from overseas will take the responsibility to faithfully and diligently comply with the mandatory 14-day quarantine, follow all the SOPs, and refrain from any interaction with other people. With the RMCO, many people are behaving as if the pandemic is over and life is back to normal. The health DG warned that if Malaysians did not adhere to government guidelines, then the number of infections would definitely increase. Pray against lackadaisical, arrogant and irresponsible attitudes, and that the public will not be stubborn, selfish and rebellious, and indulge in inappropriate behaviour that put their lives and that of others in danger. Pray that they will not be negligent and careless, and ignore the SOPs the government has put in place. Pray for God’s wisdom and guidance upon the health authorities and the government so that they will make wise and practical decisions to contain the spread of the virus, come up with appropriate SOPs, and enforce them effectively. Pray for God’s mercy, that even as the rakyat takes responsibility to do its part by complying with all the SOPs, the Lord will prevent the nation from having to deal with a second wave of infections.

3. Pray for TRAC: The Board of Ministry will be having a virtual meeting on Wednesday, July 29, 2020. There will be many important items to discuss on the agenda. Pray for God’s wisdom on the chairman, Rev Dr Andrew Tan, and for the Board members, including Rev Ashok.

4. Pray for the economy of the nation, that God’s sovereign hand and blessing will be over our country’s direction and resources. Pray for spiritual breakthroughs in the present political strife and impasses, and the economic uncertainty. Pray that God will help us rebuild our economy and businesses, and strengthen our financial standing. Pray that He will give the nation’s leaders the wisdom to guide the nation out of the current economic difficulties. Pray against any form of corruption – the greatest enemy for economic growth, and that God will expose all corrupt practices, remove corrupt leaders, and break the spirit of corruption in the nation. Pray for God’s mercy, that as the public, businesses and companies work together with the government to contain the virus, our nation will not have to revert back to a second MCO which will adversely affect the economy in the country.

5. The government has maintained strict SOPs for religious places so as to safeguard the worshippers. Other than worship services, no other meetings or activities can be held in church, and only Malaysian citizens can come for the church worship services. Pray that the situation will improve, and everyone will be able to come to worship the Lord, and meetings will be allowed to be held in our church premises. Pray for all the various ministries in our church that are meeting online now – Cell Groups, Youth, Boys Brigade, Sunday School, Adult Bible Classes and Discipleship Groups – that God will bless all those who are involved in these ministries and they will continue to grow in spirituality, and will benefit from these online meetings. Pray for the Hot Kitchen Ministry and the XEE Semester 20, that God will grant them wisdom to find creative ways to carry on with their respective ministries. Pray that God will protect the worship teams as they lead worship every weekend, and also for His protection upon all those who are involved in one way or another during the weekend worship services, as well as the church members who come to worship the Lord.

6. Pray for Sarawak, that God will raise more God-fearing politicians, officers, government servants, and leaders who are corrupt-free, just, competent, hardworking and who love all the various people groups in the state. Pray that the Christians who are emplaced in important institutions in Sarawak will be salt and light in the market place. Pray for the education system that the education syllabus would aim to prepare the next generation to fit into the society, to be innovative and creative, and possess critical, independent thinking skills and abilities. Pray that the education system would also aim to grow new leaders who have good character, strong moral values, good team work and academic knowledge so as to develop the state. Pray that teachers will not be overburdened with too much clerical work, or to have to attend too many new courses, but they will be able to concentrate on imparting knowledge and good values to the students. Pray that religious studies will be optional and non-compulsory.

7. New daily infections of the Covid-19 virus have surpassed 15 million worldwide. Pray that God will intervene and curb the spread of the virus, especially in countries where the daily increase of infections is in the thousands and tens of thousands. Pray for the United States of America, with the highest number of infections, that the government and the medical experts will work together harmoniously to prevent the virus from spreading so rapidly. Pray for the American public to be cooperative, and adhere to the guidelines given by the medical experts. Pray for India where many do not have access to proper medical care and support, that God will provide them with good care or miraculously heal and deliver them. Pray also for nations like Australia and Japan, that are experiencing a second surge of infections, that their governments will operate with wisdom, strength and guidance from God to protect their citizens. Pray for the field of medical researchers who are working diligently to find an effective treatment that God will direct their paths.

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Recorded Live Streaming Worship Service – 19th July 2020

Posted on July 18, 2020 by Editorial Team

Title: Discipleship Means Forgetting the Past & Straining Forward to God’s Goal
Scripture Text: Philippians 3: 12 – 21
Preacher: Rev Ashok Amarasingham

https://vimeo.com/439507504

SERMON NOTES:

1) Introduction
1.1 Recap of last weekend (Philippians 3:1-11)

1.1.1 Paul lashed out at the Judaizers who emphasised obedience to the OT Law

1.1.2 Paul viewed his status and credentials as worthless in comparison to knowing Christ.

1.1.3 Paul never allowed the past to haunt him.

1.2 Today (Phil 3:12-21), Paul focuses on the present and the future.
1.2.1 The problem is that we clean forget to connect the future with the present.

1.3 You can lead a horse to a water trough but you can’t make it drink.
1.3.1 …but a wise leader may create an urge (with God’s help) for the horse to drink.

1.3.2 Ask ourselves the hard questions: Is what is preached useful to me (for now and eternity) however bitter the medicine for my soul?

1.4 Focus for Today
Let go of past failures as Christ forgave you. Strain forward to accomplish God’s goal for eternal reward.

2) Never Rest in your Laurels. We Must Always have a Godly Discontent While Striving for Perfection
2.1 Paul was honest. As long as he was not perfect, Paul needed to be on the upward learning curve (3:12-14).

2.2 The maturity here (3:15) is not perfection but a “certain level of maturity” (short of perfection)

2.3 Without spiritual discipline, there can be no maturity.
2.3.1 Church Theme: Discipline Ourselves so as to Disciple Others (1 Cor 9:24-27 & Heb 13:1-2).

2.3.2 In Phil 3:16, when we live up to God’s commands (Bible), we head to perfection. Let the Bible speak into our souls- let Christ teach us, the Perfect One.

3) Though our Citizenship is in Heaven Yet We Now Follow Godly Leaders who Obey Christ Each Day.

3.1 “Be imitators of me and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example that you have in us” (3:17)

3.2 Good role models were vital because at Philippi, there were plenty of bad role models.

3.3 The (video) illustration: Water & Rock.

3.4 Ultimately, the King of Heaven (Jesus) will come back for his citizens (us) and transform our lowly bodies to be like his glorious body. This is perfection (3:20-21)

3.5 Practical Application
3.5.1 A Daily Prayer to God
“Lord Jesus, I see you coming in the clouds, as a Glorious King and all your people will rise to be with you. Thence your people shall be perfect. As of now, I choose to mature as your disciple and disciple others in turn”

3.5.2 In the Pilgrim’s Progress (by John Bunyan), Christian heeded the warning to find safety in Celestial City. He had a holy discontent.

  • With good companions, Christian progressed well. With bad ones, he landed in trouble. Hence choose your friends wisely- they will shape you.
  • Only Christ is the non-negotiable good friend & Master. Always fix your eyes on Jesus (Heb 12:1-2).

3.5.3 Video Clip: Chariots of Fire -The 400 yards race.

 

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* Streaming License – 31/07/2021

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