See It Differently

Main message: See it differently: forget the “it” of past failures and trophies, and fix your focus on Jesus. Shift from self-centered worry to Christlike partnership, joy, and humility, adopting the mind of Christ and pressing toward Him.

Key points:

• Identify your “it” (shame or achievements) and forget it to run after Jesus; only Jesus is “it” (Philippians 3:12-14).
• Joy is not from circumstances; like Paul in prison, choose a perspective that advances the gospel and rejoices anyway (Philippians 1:12-14; 1:3-5).
• Purpose is discovered through partnership: with people in the gospel, with the Holy Spirit, and with Christ—even in suffering (Philippians 1:5; 2:1; 3:10).
• Upgrade anxiety: release self-focused worry and carry godly concern for others (contrasting Philippians 4:6-7 with 2:25-28).
• Trade the mind of the flesh for the mind of the Spirit: think on what is true, noble, and lovely; practice new patterns and be renewed (Philippians 4:8-9; Romans 12:2).
• Adopt Christ’s mindset of self-denial and servanthood; deny yourself, serve others, and let God exalt in His time (Philippians 2:5-11; Luke 9:23).

Scriptures mentioned: Philippians 3:12-14, Philippians 4:6-7, Philippians 4:8-9, Philippians 1:3-5, Philippians 1:12-14, Philippians 4:15-16, Philippians 2:1, Philippians 3:10, Philippians 2:25-28, Philippians 3:18-19, Philippians 2:5-11, Matthew 6:27, Luke 9:23, Romans 12:2, Romans 8:26, Isaiah 53:3, Proverbs 11:25