“Footsteps leave Footprints”
Signed, Apostle Paul
“Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. To write these same things to you is no trouble to me and is safe for you. Look out for the dogs, look out for the evil doers, look out for those who mutilate the flesh. For we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh—though I myself have reason for confidence in the flesh also. If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eight day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews, as to the law, a Pharisee; as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless. But whatever gain I had; I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and I count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own, that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith.” Philippians 3:1-9 ESV
INTRODUCTION
Bible characters hold significant value as they illustrate God’s character, demonstrate how faith can operate in the face of adversity, and give practical examples of how to live a life that pleases God. No person, apart from Jesus himself, has shaped the history of Christianity like the apostle Paul. Before he was a believer, he was a man who persecuted the believers! Yet, when he did meet Christ, his life was never the same again! From that day on, God did not waste any part of Paul’s life—his background, formal training in the Word, or even Paul’s weaknesses. The apostle Paul will answer this question for us today:
“Paul, what footprints did you leave for us from your life, that you would want everyone to know and to follow?”
Paul’s answer could be: “Please, follow the footsteps that I gave to the Philippian Church in chapter 3:1-9!”
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We will look at each of Paul’s footprints and the lessons he left for us to follow!
- Footsteps of Personal Righteousness will not save you!
Philippians 3:1-3
- Footsteps of Rules and Regulations will not save you!
Philippians 3:5
- Footsteps from a Religious Heritage will not save you!
Philippians 3:5
- Footsteps of Religious Deeds and Good Works will not save you!
Philippians 3:6
- Footsteps with Religious Sincerity will not save you!
Philippians 3:6
- Only the Footsteps into CHRIST’S RIGHTEOUSNESS will save you!
Philippians 3:9
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- What FOOTPRINTS are you leaving behind for your family to follow?
- What FOOTSTEPS are you taking that are God-honoring?
- What FOOTPRINTS are you leaving that reveal the real you?
- What FOOTSTEPS will shape your legacy for those who follow you?
- What FOOTPRINTS are you leaving that reveal your deep desire and conviction to follow Jesus Christ?
- What FOOTSTEPS would you be willing to take today towards the CROSS of CHRIST? He is waiting. He is calling.
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28 ESV
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REMEMBER THIS:
Your FOOTPRINTS can or your FOOTPRINTS will those that follow you for decades to come!
“Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise, but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.”
Signed, Apostle Paul / Ephesians 5:15
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