1. Open with prayer. (2-5 min)
2. Read Philippians 3:1-16.
3. Discuss these questions with your group. (20-45 min)
MY STORY | Vulnerability
What is an achievement that meant a lot to you in the short term, but not as much in the long term? What did you learn from that experience?
DIGGING DEEPER | Practical Biblical Application
If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless. (Philippians 3:4–6)
Paul lists many of his own badges of personal honor, calling them reasons for “confidence in the flesh”. What kind of status and respect do you think those qualifications might have earned him?
What are some sources of “confidence in the flesh” that used to be (or still are) meaningful to you?
But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith... (Philippians 3:7–9)
What does it mean to consider an achievement “as loss for the sake of Christ” (3:7)?
What would it mean to find joy and satisfaction in the work of Jesus rather than our own achievements? Is it possible to experience both in a way that’s honoring to God? Why or why not?
GROWING TOGETHER | Spiritual Friendship
How can finding joy in God’s grace help us with our everyday relationships?
I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. (Philippians 3:14–15)
What does Paul mean when he says, “Let those of us who are mature think this way”? How would someone who is not mature think?
How can we be a model to others in making the “prize of the upward call of God” more important to us than our badges of personal honor?
MOVING OUTWARD | Faith in Action
An ancient spiritual discipline is the practice of secrecy—a type of modesty where you intentionally avoid broadcasting the impressive things you have achieved. What is one area in your life where you can practice this type of secrecy, allowing people around you to see your joy in Christ and not your personal achievements?
Looking back at your notes from this week’s message, was there anything you heard for the first time, stuck with you, challenged or confused you?
Message Notes
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