CARPE’ DIEM – SEIZE THE DAY
Text: Philippians 3:12-16
Ephesians 5:15–16: “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best of the time [redeeming the time], because the days are evil.”
Matthew 6:34: “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”
“Carpe Diem” = means to live life at its fullest, to squeeze each moment until all the sap of life has run out! What a wonderful motto for us!
Mabel Newcomber: “It is more important to know where you are going than to get there quickly. Do not mistake activity for achievement.”
1. GOD’S PURPOSE. (Vs.12)
Ephesians 2:10: “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
Romans 8:28: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
Proverbs 19:21: “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.
The Bible describes the attitude of many who lead lives of purposelessness: 1 Cor. 15:32
The Apostle Paul could boil down his entire existence to two words: to “know Him.”
Philippians 3:10–“That I might “know Him [Jesus] in the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings.”
Orison Marden: “There’s no grander sight in the world than that of a person fired with a great purpose, dominated by one unwavering aim.”
2. FORGET THE PAST. (Vs.13-14)
WE MUST FORGET THE BAD.
1 Corinthians 15:9 –“For I am the least of the apostles, who am not worthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.”
Galatians 1:13- “For you have heard of my former conduct in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God beyond measure and tried to destroy it.”
Romans 8:1- “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus.”
Psalm 103:12, “As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.”
Micah 7:19, “He will again have compassion on us and will subdue our iniquities. You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea.”
WE MUST ALSO FORGET THE GOOD.
Many people zero in on one good period in their life. Many churches give in to this temptation. [Our glory days are not behind us, but ahead of us!]
Paul says, “I refuse to live in the past. My reason for living is to be like Jesus, and whatever happened yesterday, good or bad, is now ancient history. I will live for Jesus today.”
3. FACE THE PRESENT. (Vs.15-16)
It is easy to live in the past. It is easy to dream away the future. It’s a real challenge to face the present, because it means we can no longer allow ourselves the luxury of saying, “One of these days… I’ll do something..”
Psalm 46:1 –“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”
Psalm 23:4- “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”
Joshua 1:9- “Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Matthew 6:34- “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”
CONCLUSION: Paul said, “I press toward the mark.” The mark is the finish line. Paul was consumed with not only running his race, but also finishing the race. He dreamed of the day when he hit the tape and crossed the finished line in heaven.