(01/07/18) Jeremiah Cua; Interpreter: Eleanor Ng
New Year, New Wishes

Scriptures: Philippians 2:5-11, 3: 9-17; 2 Timothy 4:7,8,18; 1 Cor.11:1

I. Jesus Christ press on towards the glorious Kingdom of God (Phil. 2:5-11)

II. Paul’s new wishes (Phil 3: 12-14, Ref. Phil. 3:9-17)

• 1. To forget (discard) the past–

• 2. To press on “ in the front ”, towards the goal

• 3. To run to the end of the journey (2 Tim 4:7) — I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith.

• 4. A crown of righteousness is reserved (2 Tim 4:8a) — to hold on to the faith, so the crown will not be taken away from me. (Ref. Rev. 3:13)
• 5. To look up to the Lord that He will bring me into his heavenly kingdom

III. Paul’s encouragement – Imitate Christ (1 Cor. 11:1, Phil. 3 15-17, 2 Tim. 4:8, 18)

• 1. Paul imitated Christ in his entire life, he also wanted the children of God to imitate Christ (1st Cor. 11:1)

• 2. As many as are ‘Perfect” (Mature) should meditate on this thing – to be like Christ

• God will reveal this to you – to imitate and follow Christ (Phil. 3:15)

• 3. Paul encouraged us to follow him, and also keep an eye on those who follow Christ (Phil. 3:17)

• 4. To hold on to the faith that the Lord, the righteous judge, will award us the crown of righteousness (2nd Tim. 4:8. ref. Rev. 3:13)
• 5. To look up to the Lord, who will rescue us from every evil deed, and also bring us into His heavenly kingdom (2nd Tim. 4:18)

Speaker: Jeremiah Cua, Interpreter: Eleanor Ng