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“Rising Above Mediocrity” Philippians 3:12-16

“Rising Above Mediocrity” Philippians 3:12-16. Keys to thriving instead of just surviving. Part 1 of 2. What’s wrong with mediocrity?. Please note 2Pet.3:18 . It is not in the form of urging, pleading, suggesting, or any such thing. It is in the form of a commmand .

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“Rising Above Mediocrity” Philippians 3:12-16

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  1. “Rising Above Mediocrity”Philippians 3:12-16 Keys to thriving instead of just surviving. Part 1 of 2

  2. What’s wrong with mediocrity? • Please note 2Pet.3:18. It is not in the form of urging, pleading, suggesting, or any such thing. It is in the form of a commmand. Is the verse directed to an individual, or collectively toward the church? From the previous verse, and 1:1, “yes” seems the appropriate answer. “Growing” churches are comprised of “growing” individuals. • Now, how many faithful congregations can you name that are truly thriving(growing) spiritually and numerically as opposed to those “holding their own” or just surviving? Why are there always more of the latter than the former?

  3. The most obvious answer is: • That there are more congregations comprised of individuals who are satisfied with “keeping house” than those comprised with individuals willing to overcome mediocrity! Mediocritycomes from the middle French/Latin, medi- half or halfway and ocris- stony mountain. Thus it means “halfway up the mountain or hill.” The problem is, mediocrity is as far as most seem to get! See Matt.13:8ff; John 15:8ff; and 1Cor.3:6. • It should be noted that there may sometimes be legitimate reasons for a lack of congregational numerical growth, Rev.2:13; 3:11. But in the absence of these conditions, what should we do to overcome mediocrity?

  4. Keys to Rising Above Mediocrity: • Be a Grumble-free individual/Church! We have fat-free, sugar-free, caffine-free, cholesterol-free, and taste-free….but rarely, grumble-free! There is always a place for good, sound, constructive criticism. But, grumbling, mumbling, and complaining accomplishes little other than throwing a wet toesack on the fires of enthusiasm for the Lord and His Cause! Please note John 6:15 > 41 > 52 > 60-61 > 7:10-12 > 20 > 30-32. Though Jesus had done several miracles previously (cf. John 4:45-50; 5:7-8; 6:2,12-13) proving His divinity, some grumbled against Him. This grumbling was not done openly, 7:13, where it could be legitimately heard and addressed. Jesus went from being sought for the throne to being sought to be stoned… because of grumbling! Phil.2:14-16Note the connection herein made to being grumble-free!

  5. Keys to Rising Above Mediocrity: • Be an Unlimited Potential individual/Church! Ever know someone who never seemed to say “can’t”? Was that person someone who seemed to drift along, never causing any problems but never really seeming to accomplish much either? Hardly. We serve a God of impossible things! His faithful followers also do impossible things, Heb.11. They did so for two reasons: • Relationship with God, Ex.14:13-14; and • Attitude, Heb.11:1-3, 6, 7-38, 39! Note also Phil.2:12-13. The Creator of the Universe is “at work in you” to accomplish His purposes > Phil.4:13! Jacksonville, TX may not be the most fertile field there is for souls. But with the talent, knowledge, and resources we have, why can’t we thrive rather than survive? We can, if we combine an unlimited potential attitude together with a love for souls! Mt.16:26Jn.4:35

  6. Next time, we’ll look at other Keys: • Being a Magnanimous individual/church • Being a Prayerful individual/church • Being an Active individual/church. For now, let’s remember: God is not pleased with mediocrity. If we are to get up and over the hill of mediocrity, we will have to be grumble-free and have an unlimited potential attitude in working for His Cause and Kingdom.

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