God’s plans for me

Philippians 3:1~21 What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, 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 is through faith in Christ - the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. (8~9)

♬ Hymn for scheduled worship: Korean/English Hymnal #5 From All That Dwell Below the Skies (#3 in previous version)

Paul wished to be found in Christ. When we deeply meditate on the Word of God, we come to a correct understanding of ourselves and focus ourselves on God’s heart. If we go out to the field at such times, we will confirm that the messages have been fulfilled and answers have come already. If we live such lives, we will live as people of God who stand at the spiritual summit, accomplishing God’s plan. We, however, have so many shortcomings. How can we overcome our shortcomings and become people who accomplish God’s plan?

1. What must we find?

If we overcome ourselves, know God’s grace and give thanks to God, just as Paul did, we will be able to discern all things as we look at our present reality. Moreover, we will not lose heart but come to know the plan of God who has begun a good work in us and will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.Philippians 1:6 We may not fully understand right now, but we will hold on to the desire that God has placed in us as our covenant.Philippians 2:13 And God promised that He would meet all our needs for the sake of His covenant until the day of Christ Jesus.Philippians 4:19 This is the very first covenant that we must find.

2. What are the signposts in our lives?

If we understand God’s plan, we will come to see the important signposts in our lives. Jesus proclaimed that all problems that came about as a result of sin have been resolved on the cross of Mount CalvaryMatthew 18:1~20 and spoke about the kingdom of God on the Mount of Olives. When people held on to this Word and devoted themselves to prayer in Mark’s upper room, disciples arose,Acts 9:1~43 doors of missions opened,Acts 13:1 and they received the answer of saving the cultureActs 16:6~10 and the age.Acts 19:21 This is the very signpost that we must search for in our lives.

3. Strength to overcome the world

Like Paul, God’s children must pray so that God’s plan becomes our plan. Then we will get a taste of God’s blessings that are of the greatest worth that we would consider all the background and success of the world rubbish; we will receive as an answer the greatest sense of specialty to accomplish God’s plan; and we will enjoy not the riches of the world but the reward of heaven that God bestows upon us from above. It is at this time that we gain the strength to overcome the world, which God grants to us. If we gain this strength, we will have victory in any circumstances.

Forum Topic

What are the things you want to do, things you want to have and things you want to enjoy? Let us humbly lay down all the things that belong to us and pray earnestly so that we may understand what God desires.

Core Training Message / 2013.8.17