10/03/2010 Philippians 3
This page includes key slides from the sermon, a link to the sermon podcast, and a large range of questions you can pick from for your small group.
Sermon Scripture References:
Philippians 3
Summary:
Like a swimmer stretching their arms forward as they head for the prize, Paul
stretches everything he has towards a greater intimacy with Jesus here and now.
Jesus said wide is the way to destruction and narrow is the way to eternal life.
It turns out the very structure of Chapter 3 paints a wide way to the left, a
wide way to the right, and a narrow path in the middle of the chapter where Paul
presents a vision for the Christian life. So much of our time is spent thinking
about our problems and praying to Jesus about them. Paul shows us another way,
where the primary center of our lives is not praying to Jesus, but praying about
him - making knowing Jesus and worshipping him the primary concern of our lives
- making our problems secondary. Could this be why he can constantly saying
throughout this letter written from prison the most unexpected word - REJOICE !
QUESTIONS
1. What are some of the credentials people hold that help make this world a better and safer place ?
2. We saw in verses 1-6 that before becoming a follower of Christ, Paul had credentials he held that gave him a false sense of eternal security. What are a few of the credentials people have today that might give them a false sense that they will gain entry into heaven ?
3. Imagine the Apostle Paul being interviewed by a reporter from the Roman Times Newspaper. The reporter says to Paul You had it all! You were at the top of the religious and academic world. And you lost everything. Now you are in jail. You have no influence no power and not platform. Is this faith you have in Christ worth all you have been through and lost ? In light of Paul's words in this passage v. 4-9, what do you think he would say to the reporter ?
4. How can Paul's example influence the way we view our own credentials and accomplishments.
5. As you read verses 3:1-11, what kinds of errors do you think Paul was trying to refute? Can you imagine ways that Christians might make similar errors in different ways today?
6. Using your own words, re-state verse 3:3 to list four traits of a true Christian.
7. In what sorts of fleshly things - family history, virtues, talents, etc. are you tempted to put your confidence?
8. What's the difference between trying to adhere to a religious system and trusting in the person of Christ?
9. Paul's one great passion in life was to know Christ. Its easy to say this, but how does one actually practice this ?
10. In verse 3:9 Paul says that his secure standing with God comes "from God" and "through faith Christ" What does this mean?
11. In what ways might adopting Paul's value system affect the way you live ?
12. Why is belief in the resurrection of Jesus, and certainty that we will be raised to eternal life essential if we are going to live lives of deep surrender to God's will?
13. What are your biggest questions about eternity ?
14. How does your confidence that you will one day be raised to eternal life influence how you live today?
15. Paul not only longed for the power of Christ, but he also wanted to share in his sufferins (v. 10) What does this mean ?
VERSES 12-21
16. Paul says that he has not already obtained "all this" What has Paul not obtained.
17. Paul says he forgets what is behind as he pursues his prize. What past things might he be forgetting?
18. Why does Paul need to forget these things ?
19. Describe one way in which you can forget what lies behind and press on to take hold of the prize God has for you.
20. What do you suppose leads some Christians who have reached a certain level of maturity to act as though they have arrived ?
21. How can we avoid falling prey to this attitude ? (See verses 13-14, 16)
22. Christians are often full of self-pity and despair when they continue to fall and sin. How is Paul's approach in 3:12-16 different?
23. What is something from your past that you need to let go of because it is dragging you down and keeping you from following Christ with your whole heart ? How can our group support you in this?
24. We live in a world with countless sensual enticements crying for our attention. What is one earthly enticement that tends to get your attention and distract you from the things of Christ? What is one thin you can do to weaken the grip of this earthly thing?
25. Take a moment to write down some of the ways God has provided for you in the following areas:
Material provision
Relationships and people you deeply appreciated
Spiritual Blessings
Other joys God has placed in your life
26. Now Let's take some to express thanks to God together in prayer for his provision and the blessings he has poured into our lives
27. How did Paul view the unwritten pages of life that were ahead of him?
28. What verse in our readings struck you most and why ?