Category: Digging Deeper

 

20 But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior. 21 He will take our weak mortal bodies and change them into glorious bodies like his own…

Philippians 3:20-21 (NLT)

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KEEP YOUR EYE ON THE PRIZE

 

We’ve covered a lot of ground this week. We began by discussing what it looks like to sit with ourselves and evaluate our lives from a spiritual perspective. We then unpacked how to eliminate the things that prevent us from living the life God desires for us—and how to replace them with better things. Yesterday, we looked at Paul’s life and ministry as an example of what it means to persevere through trials.

So, as we close out the week, I want you to ponder an important question. It’s the one that brings everything together: Why?

• Why do I need to reflect on what’s happening in my mind and heart?

• Why do I need to say “no” to some things and eliminate those that hold me back?

• Why do I need to listen to new voices and tune out others?

• Why do I need to press on when life is so difficult?

The most concise answer I can offer is this: As a child of God, He is refining you into His likeness so that you can represent Him to a lost world.

In short, you and I might be the first—and perhaps only—glimpse anyone ever gets of who Jesus Christ is. Therefore, it’s imperative that we do all we can to allow our lives to be transformed through the process of sanctification. That’s a theological word that simply means this: as believers, we are set apart for God’s purposes, and the Holy Spirit continually transforms us into the likeness of Christ.

This process takes a lifetime. Remember, we’re all a work in progress—from the moment we invite Jesus to take up residence in our hearts and become our personal Lord and Savior, until the day we take our final breath and meet Him face to face.

In the meantime, keep your eyes locked on Jesus. He is your ultimate why—and He wants to use you to help a hurting world come to know Him.

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C.A. Phillips serves as Communications Pastor and Director of Men’s Groups at NorthStar Church. He is a graduate of the Henry W. Grady School of Journalism at the University of Georgia, and he loves the Dawgs and the Atlanta Braves. He has two (grown) boys and lives in Kennesaw with his wife, Amy, and their German Shepherd, Abby.

 

12 … But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me… 14 I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.

Philippians 3:12, 14 (NLT)

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PRESS ON

 

Paul was as tough as nails. But his resolve wasn’t developed in an instant. Throughout his ministry, he faced what seemed like unyielding adversity. He summarizes some of the physical suffering he endured in his second letter to the church at Corinth:

“I have worked harder, been put in prison more often, been whipped times without number, and faced death again and again.
Five different times the Jewish leaders gave me thirty-nine lashes.
Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned.
Three times I was shipwrecked. Once I spent a whole night and a day adrift at sea.
I have traveled on many long journeys. I have faced danger from rivers and from robbers.
I have faced danger from my own people, the Jews, as well as from the Gentiles.
I have faced danger in the cities, in the deserts, and on the seas.
And I have faced danger from men who claim to be believers but are not.
I have worked hard and long, enduring many sleepless nights.
I have been hungry and thirsty and have often gone without food.
I have shivered in the cold, without enough clothing to keep me warm.”
— 2 Corinthians 11:23–27 (NLT)

Additionally, Paul faced other difficulties. He was persecuted, arrested, and imprisoned multiple times for preaching the Gospel. He was given a “thorn in the flesh,” which he describes in 2 Corinthians 12:7–10. He dealt with false teachers, opposition from idolaters, and the loneliness which resulted from the betrayal of former companions.

If you focused solely on the brutal circumstances Paul endured—particularly in his final years—you might assume he developed a bitter, callous heart. Quite the opposite.

Paul’s letters to the early churches are filled with words of encouragement, perseverance, and the call to embrace the freedom found in Christ. Though a literal prisoner for much of his ministry, he urged believers not to become prisoners of legalism (the law), but instead to live “through faith expressing itself in love” (Galatians 5:6).

If there’s a phrase Paul left for you, for me, and for all believers since his time on earth, it would be this: press on.
It’s a call to perseverance—steadfast determination to endure, no matter the circumstances—and to keep our eyes on the ultimate finish line, the “heavenly prize” he references in Philippians 3:14.

When your world seems to relentlessly oppose you, to kick you while you’re down, and to heap discouragement on you again and again—remember Paul.
Read these words and take heart from a man who had every reason to fold his tent and give up, but never did:

“For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.”
— 2 Corinthians 4:17 (NLT)

 

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C.A. Phillips serves as Communications Pastor and Director of Men’s Groups at NorthStar Church. He is a graduate of the Henry W. Grady School of Journalism at the University of Georgia, and he loves the Dawgs and the Atlanta Braves. He has two (grown) boys and lives in Kennesaw with his wife, Amy, and their German Shepherd, Abby.

 

But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. 13 No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead.

Philippians 3:12b-13 (NLT)

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SWAPPING OUT, NOT CRAMMING IN

 

We all have plenty to do. In fact, I’d wager you have more than your fair share of places to be, tasks to complete, calls to return, and appointments to make. When you begin to think about adding things to your schedule, discouragement can easily set in.

Yesterday, we talked about tuning out certain voices in our lives in order to become the men and women God has called us to be. That’s no easy task—but adding things in is often even more challenging than eliminating what’s already there.

So, let’s take a different approach. Instead of thinking about how you can cram more into your schedule—even really good things like reading your Bible or joining a small group—approach it with the mindset that you’re replacing something of lesser value with something of far greater value.

I remember when I was thirty years old and a young dad, realizing that something had to give. I had started a new job at NorthStar and had two young boys—one four years old and one still an infant. For many years I had coordinated and played on a men’s softball team. I had friends, former co-workers, and family members who played with me, and we enjoyed it immensely for several seasons. But my older son was about to turn five and start playing baseball. I had to make a tough decision: would I continue to play and lead the softball team while also trying to coach my son’s baseball team?

As much as my wife and I both loved our time at the softball field, I knew the better choice was to devote that time to my son rather than try to pack in too much. I’ve never regretted that decision. Was there a sacrifice? Yes—but it was for something better.

For you, it might be a club, a hobby, or maybe spending your free time with friends. All good things, most likely. But what are you forfeiting by giving your time, energy, and money to them? Is there something God has waiting for you that you just can’t seem to make time for?

Once again, as we close, I’m asking you to devote ten minutes of your time today to pray and ask the Lord to speak to you about this. You might already have a desire to serve your community, go on a mission trip, connect in a small group, or start reading a devotional each day. It could even be something as simple as spending more quality time with your family. But perhaps you’ve met resistance—or you simply can’t figure out how to take the next step.

What’s one way you can begin to lock eyes with Jesus on a more consistent basis? He’s ready to make it happen. Are you?

 

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C.A. Phillips serves as Communications Pastor and Director of Men’s Groups at NorthStar Church. He is a graduate of the Henry W. Grady School of Journalism at the University of Georgia, and he loves the Dawgs and the Atlanta Braves. He has two (grown) boys and lives in Kennesaw with his wife, Amy, and their German Shepherd, Abby.

 

But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. 13 No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead.

Philippians 3:12b-13 (NLT)

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CUT IT OUT

 

I absolutely love a good (and clean) stand-up comic. A few of my favorites are Brian Regan, Nate Bargatze, and Leanne Morgan. But there’s another, lesser-known, yet equally hilarious comedian I’ve had the privilege of seeing numerous times: Tim Hawkins.

Tim performed at NorthStar Church for three consecutive years back in the late 2000s. I had the opportunity to see him up close and even had a conversation or two with him before and after his shows. As zany as Tim is on stage, he is rather introverted and tends to keep to himself when he isn’t making people bowl over in laughter. He often listens to his previous performances and takes notes to ensure he doesn’t repeat a bit for the same audience or venue.

I remember talking to his brother Todd (who is also Tim’s manager) about bringing Tim back a fourth time. By this point, Tim was in high demand and had begun to trim his schedule significantly. During our conversation, Todd said something I’ve never forgotten. I’m paraphrasing, but he said, “In the beginning, Tim said ‘yes’ to everything so that one day he could say ‘yes’ only to the things he wanted to say ‘yes’ to.”

I got it. He had reached a point where he could be selective and intentional with how and where he spent his time. Instead of doing 340 shows each year, he was now doing about half that many — and he could pick and choose where he traveled. He had earned that privilege.

Similarly, we work from our early twenties into our forties or early fifties to build a career — often squeezing out the most important voices in favor of the ones we believe will get us further along and closer to our goals. But what about the goal of becoming like Christ? If that is the goal (and it should be), what are we eliminating in order to develop a character like His?

Brian Bloye, Senior Pastor at Westridge Church in Dallas, Georgia, once shared that, like a radio dial, we need to “tune in” to the right voices and “tune out” the wrong ones. The places we go, the people we spend time with, and the things we devote our attention to will shape us – for better or for worse.

As we close, I’d ask you to set aside some time today — just ten minutes — to pray and seek God’s wisdom in this area. Then, jot down at least two “voices” you can begin to tune out to help you become the spiritual leader, spouse, parent, co-worker, or neighbor you desire to be.

Tomorrow, we’ll address the voices we need to tune in to.

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C.A. Phillips serves as Communications Pastor and Director of Men’s Groups at NorthStar Church. He is a graduate of the Henry W. Grady School of Journalism at the University of Georgia, and he loves the Dawgs and the Atlanta Braves. He has two (grown) boys and lives in Kennesaw with his wife, Amy, and their German Shepherd, Abby.

 

12 I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. 13 No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us…16 But we must hold on to the progress we have already made.

Philippians 3:12-14, 16 (NLT)

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SITTING WITH MYSELF

 

I turn on the radio in the car. I search for the latest podcast episode. I flip on the TV as soon as I walk into the living room or bedroom. I scroll on my phone intermittently throughout the day between tasks—or perhaps I complete tasks intermittently between scrolls. Sound familiar?

Life is noisy. It has become increasingly difficult to find spaces and places where we can step away from distractions and into an oasis of solitude. But – at least for me – this is primarily because I’ve chosen this path.

I don’t often choose silence, even when a fleeting moment is available to me. Because of this proclivity to opt for noise and distraction, I have no doubt that the Lord has introduced seasons of difficulty to lead me to carve out more time with Him. After all, He desires nothing more.

Another reason I might not choose to cancel the noise is that I’m afraid I might not like what the Holy Spirit has to say to me. It isn’t because I’m living in sin; it may simply be that I don’t want to disrupt the status quo. What if He asks me to make a life change—or to do something out of the norm—that means I no longer “have control”?

There are also times in life when I’ve experienced failure and pain—sometimes self-imposed, sometimes the consequences of others’ poor choices. In either case, the Lord’s aim is to be close to me, to comfort me, and to mold me into His likeness. Does this happen naturally? Not a chance.

You may have heard the phrase, “Failure is life’s greatest teacher.” This is, quite simply, incorrect. A more accurate statement would be, “Focused reflection on failure is one of life’s greatest teachers.” If I don’t sit with myself, I don’t grow. I don’t learn. Instead, I’m bound to repeat history—no matter how messy or painful my life may become as a result.

Focused reflection is another term for evaluation. It requires time, discipline, and a desire to truly become all that God has created you to be.

The next time you have a moment—in the car, in the bathroom, in your office, or in the coffee shop, consider leaving your phone in your pocket and tuning out the noise. Open your mind and heart to what your Lord and Savior might have in store!

 

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C.A. Phillips serves as Communications Pastor and Director of Men’s Groups at NorthStar Church. He is a graduate of the Henry W. Grady School of Journalism at the University of Georgia, and he loves the Dawgs and the Atlanta Braves. He has two (grown) boys and lives in Kennesaw with his wife, Amy, and their German Shepherd, Abby.

 

“So that I could gain Christ and become one with him.”

Philippians 3:8 (NLT)

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KNOWING JESUS IS EVERYTHING

Paul wanted one thing above all: to know Jesus more personally and deeply. His past achievements, his reputation, and even his religious practices were no longer his identity. He saw Jesus not as an addition to life but as the very center of it.

Jesus once told a parable about a man who found a pearl so valuable that he sold everything he had just to own it (Matthew 13:45–46). Why? Because nothing compares. That is the kind of discovery Paul made. Knowing Jesus became the priceless pearl, worth every exchange, and he never looked back.

Years ago, a Hall of Fame baseball player donated his entire collection of trophies and memorabilia to a small-town school. Over time, the school relocated, and many of the items ended up in storage. Decades later, a janitor cleaning out an old closet found a dusty box of awards that had once meant the world to the sports world. They were forgotten. That is what Paul is saying: earthly success eventually gathers dust, but knowing Christ never fades.

What “trophies” are you clinging to for identity or meaning? Are you ready to trade them in for something lasting?

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Steve Roach serves as the Pastor of Spiritual Growth at NorthStar Church. He and his wife, Amy, live in Acworth and have three girls, Olivia, Sydney, and Hayley and one son, Colton.  He enjoys watching sports and spending time with his family.

 

“Rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ.”

Philippians 3:9 (NLT)

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ONLY JESUS CAN MAKE ME NEW

Paul realized that being made right with God couldn’t be earned. It’s a gift received by faith. No amount of religious effort or moral behavior could cleanse his heart. Only Jesus could do that. That truth changes how we live. We don’t perform to earn love; we live from a place of being deeply loved already.

Max Lucado writes about the story of an old, broken violin left in the attic. It sat silent, its strings rusted and body cracked. One day, a skilled violin maker found it, took it down, replaced the wood, tuned the strings, and polished the finish until it produced music again. The violin could not restore itself; it needed an artisan’s care. Likewise, we cannot repair our souls by effort alone. Jesus is the artisan who restores, renews, and gives us new life by grace.

There was once a man who spent most of his life trapped in guilt over choices he had made decades earlier. He tried self-help programs, philosophy books, and motivational seminars, but nothing worked. One night, someone invited him to a Bible study, where he heard the gospel clearly for the first time. That night, he surrendered his life to Christ and later said, “I thought I had to clean up to come to God. I didn’t realize He was ready to meet me in the middle of my mess.”

This is the gospel: we don’t achieve righteousness; we receive it. Christ did what we couldn’t do. Our job is to trust Him. When we do, our shame is replaced with peace, and our past no longer defines us. Our role is not to rework ourselves by force, but to surrender ourselves and trust Him. He does the transformation.

Are you trying to fix yourself before you fully surrender to Jesus? Come as you are. His grace is the starting point.

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Steve Roach serves as the Pastor of Spiritual Growth at NorthStar Church. He and his wife, Amy, live in Acworth and have three girls, Olivia, Sydney, and Hayley and one son, Colton.  He enjoys watching sports and spending time with his family.

 

“Everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.”

Philippians 3:8 (NLT)

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WHAT THE WORLD VALUES IS TEMPORARY

When Paul says, “everything else is worthless,” he’s not exaggerating. He’s putting life in perspective. The things we tend to chase, such as fame, money, influence, and image, are temporary. They don’t last. But knowing Jesus? That’s eternal. That’s the one pursuit that truly satisfies and endures.

There was once a man who built a beautiful sandcastle by the sea. He worked for hours, sculpting towers and walls, protecting the castle with moats and deep trenches. Finally, at the end of a weary day of building, the tide came in, and in a matter of minutes, the sandcastle washed away as if it had never been there. He stood by the shore empty-handed, amazed that such beauty could vanish so quickly.

Like this man’s story, we can spend our lives making earthly investments, like those sandcastles. But when the waves of time, loss, or change rise, they disappear. However, for those who invest in their relationship with Christ and in things that will matter for eternity, those investments will remain.

Consider the plight of a businessman who once devoted his life to building an empire. He spent years climbing the corporate ladder, amassing wealth and recognition. But when his health began to fail, he realized he had spent so much time investing in things that could not last. One day, sitting in a hospital room, he told his son, “I built towers of money but forgot to build a life with God. Don’t do what I did.”

What are you building your life upon: sand or rock? What “sandcastle” areas in your life need to be replaced with the solid foundation of Jesus?

 

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Steve Roach serves as the Pastor of Spiritual Growth at NorthStar Church. He and his wife, Amy, live in Acworth and have three girls, Olivia, Sydney, and Hayley and one son, Colton.  He enjoys watching sports and spending time with his family.

 

“I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done.”

Philippians 3:7-8 (NLT)

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SUCCESS WON’T SATISFY ME

Paul once lived for accomplishment, status, and the applause of others. But after surrendering his life to Christ, everything changed. Success wasn’t the goal anymore; knowing Jesus was. That’s still true today. You can reach the top and still feel empty. You can achieve more than anyone around you and still feel like something’s missing. Paul is reminding us: success is not the savior our hearts long for.

Hall of Fame NFL quarterback Tom Brady once said in an interview, “Why do I have three Super Bowl rings and still think there’s something greater out there for me? There’s got to be more than this.” That statement could be echoed by many standing at the top of the ladder of success. It proves that even the world’s greatest achievements can’t fill the spiritual void in our hearts. Only Christ can fill that void.

Knowing Christ gives our lives a deeper meaning than success ever could. Paul isn’t saying your work doesn’t matter. He’s saying it can’t define you or satisfy the deepest longings of your soul, such as love, acceptance, and lasting purpose. Let Jesus define your worth, not your wins. Chasing achievement is exhausting, but walking with Jesus brings purpose and peace.

What area of your life are you trying to “prove” yourself in right now? What would it look like to lay that down and rest in the approval you already have in Christ?

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Steve Roach serves as the Pastor of Spiritual Growth at NorthStar Church. He and his wife, Amy, live in Acworth and have three girls, Olivia, Sydney, and Hayley and one son, Colton.  He enjoys watching sports and spending time with his family.

 

“We rely on what Christ Jesus has done for us. We put no confidence in human effort…”

Philippians 3:3-6 (NLT)

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RELIGION CAN’T CHANGE ME

Paul had an impeccable religious record. His résumé was spotless by the standards of his day. But it didn’t bring him peace, joy, or a real connection with God. That only happened when he met Jesus.

In our modern lives, it’s easy to believe that going to church, doing good things, and avoiding bad things will make us right with God. But religion without a relationship is powerless to transform our hearts.

Tim Keller once said, “Religion says, ‘I obey, therefore I’m accepted.’ But the gospel says, ‘I’m accepted, therefore I obey.’” That truth changes everything. Religion often keeps people stuck in fear or pride. But being a Christian is about a personal relationship with Christ, where the Holy Spirit makes His home in our hearts and works to make us look more like Jesus daily.

In this grace-filled relationship, we don’t obey to earn love; we obey because we are already loved as much as we will ever be loved.

Many people mistake proximity to church for intimacy with God. But going through religious motions can’t remove guilt or change the heart. Paul realized that even though he followed every rule, his heart was far from God. Only Jesus can deal with our sin, break our pride, and restore our right standing with God.

A man once visited a gym faithfully for months, checking in at the front desk every day. He wore the gear, drank the protein shakes, and posted about his workouts online. But here’s the catch: he never actually worked out. He never lifted a weight or ran a mile. He assumed that just being in the environment would be enough.

That’s how religion without relationship works. It gives the appearance of transformation, but the change never reaches the heart.

Ask yourself: Am I trusting my religious performance, or my relationship with Jesus? What spiritual habits are helping me grow closer to Him?

 

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Steve Roach serves as the Pastor of Spiritual Growth at NorthStar Church. He and his wife, Amy, live in Acworth and have three girls, Olivia, Sydney, and Hayley and one son, Colton.  He enjoys watching sports and spending time with his family.