PHILIPPIANS 3 : 1-11
The church in Philippians was started by Paul. He was given a dream in the night by God that told him to help the people in their region. Paul's new church plant loved him and helped him as he continued to spread God's word. Jailed for preaching the Gospel, He wrote a letter to the Philippian church to encourage them, challenge them, and urge them to lay down their lives for the cause of Christ.
Questions:
What are some good things about the culture(s) you’ve grown up with?
Are there things that come naturally that you tend to look to for confidence? What are things Paul could put confidence in (3:4-6)?
Why does he consider his heritage to be “loss” (3:7-11)"?
What does he value more?
The temptation for the Philippians was to seek righteousness by obeying OT laws according to Jewish culture. What does our culture seek wrongly in relationship with God?
What things that Paul says he wants do you want? (3:10-11) Are there things you DON’T want?
What has God been saying to you through this passage?
Ask God to stir up a desire to know Christ more than any other desire. How would that make our life better? more challenging?
Connection (within a House Church):
In your group, discuss how we all have things we value about ourselves. What do you think of the idea of treating those things as less important than knowing Christ? There’s real cost.
Go Deeper:
Why can’t Paul experience Christ’s Resurrection without sharing in His suffering and death? (Luke 9:22-26; John 12:23-26; Rom 6:5-10; 2 Cor 4:7-18)
Memory Verse of the Week:
Did a particular verse make you think? Write it down and memorize it!
More Resources: https://thebibleproject.com/explore/philippians/