Open Door Policy – Hiding Treasure in the Trash

Open Door Policy – Hiding Treasure in the Trash is the final message in our Lenten sermon series.  The Apostle Paul considers all of the good works that he can muster as trash.  Garbage!  Only Jesus can bring us close to God.

Suffering in the World

One frequent comment that comes my way is suffering in the world.  Why doesn’t God take it away?  Paul’s right there with you.  10 I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.  For the Christian the goal isn’t to make this dying world “better” it’s to take a completely different path.  Suffering isn’t fun, but it does drive you closer to your Lord Jesus.  God will take you out of this veil of tears and plop you in a better place – in the glory of heaven right next to God.

Move the Goal Posts

Find your treasure in Jesus by losing yourself, losing everything of value, and now moving the goal posts. 12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. If you are still here with me, you have not reached your goal of eternal life with Jesus.  The verse touches on one of the more confusing points of theology for people.

What About Works

Ok, fine.  Jesus is the reason, I make it to heaven.  What about the good works?  How do those fit into the theological puzzle?  God still wants them right?  But they don’t matter?  It’s not that they don’t matter – it’s that their purpose has changed.  God moved the goal posts.  I pray that you don’t mistakenly think that God likes you for your performance.  He likes you because of Jesus’ performance.  Jesus took hold of you by your faith.  By faith in Jesus you’re forgiven, you’re his child.  Heaven it yours.

Want to hear more?  Watch this week’s message taken from Philippians 3, Open Door Policy – Hiding Treasure in the Trash.