October 6, 2002Pm.  Title:  “True Value!”  Philippians 3:4b-14  

By Ronald E. George Jr. at the Fayetteville Baptist Church

One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.  What one person hates another person loves. 

Why do some think that hunting is a great way to spend much time and money, but others think that harvesting of wild animals should be considered a crime.  What motivates some to spend countless hours shopping for that deal of a lifetime, but others are sitting in the car waiting.  What makes some spend their lives working at their jobs, but others are content to sit at the house?  Why is it that some spend their lives partying, drinking, and doping, but others never or rarely party?  Why do some people spend their lives in church and serving the Lord, but some never darken the doors until they have to?  Why is it that some church members never miss a church service, Bible study, prayer meeting, or revival meeting, but others rarely attend? 

It all depends on what you value. 

What determines the value of a substance or matter?  What makes something significant? 

Phil 3:4 (KJS) Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more: 5 Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, [of] the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; 6 Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless. 7 But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. 8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things [but] loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them [but] dung, that I may win Christ, 9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: 10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; 11 If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. 12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. 13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but [this] one thing [I do], forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

 

Qualifications for determination of value.

1.  Value is: worth, merit, appeal, significance, attraction, importance, or meaning.

Perspective is the who of value

The object is the what of value.

The culture/society is the where of value.

2.  Who determines value?  Who is the one who is asking about the value?  What are the factors that are influencing the person making the value?  How much are they are willing to believe about the value of the matter? 

3.  What determines value?  How long will it last?  What does it look like?  What function does it perform?  What does it smell like?  Do you want it? 

4.  Where determines the value?  What do the people in that town or area spend their time and talent on?  What did their parents spend their time on?  What does the government permit through the laws and policies that they set? 

5.  What do we value?  To determine what we value we have to look at what things do we spend our time, talents, and money to achieve?  What are we willing to sacrifice our selves for?  What do we think about the most and spend the most of our time on?  That is what we value. 

6.  What did Paul value?  7  But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ.  8  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 

How did Paul show what he valued?  Paul was willing to do whatever it took to know Christ and follow the leading of God in his life.  He was willing to give his all for the cause of Christ.  He was willing to give his life for the sake of giving the Lord to all those that he could reach. 

7.  Why should we value what Paul valued? 

Knowing Christ is the most significant and valuable possession we can have.  Knowing Christ is fulfilling the purpose for which we were created.  Knowing Christ and serving Him is the single greatest matter of all of our lives.  Have your values changed?