“Find Joy” – Philippians – Week 8

Philippians 3:12-21

Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 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. Only let us hold true to what we have attained. (Philippians 3:12-16)

Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself. (Philippians 3:17-21) 

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Head

• What is Paul encouraging others to join him in striving towards?
• When Paul talks about the “mature”, to what and who is he referring to?
• Who does Paul tell the Philippians are enemies of the cross? How would you describe them?

Heart

• Share some examples of how you see yourself striving towards the prize (the full grace of God) in your life.
• In this passage, we are reminded that our citizenship is in heaven. How does this reality impact your sense of who you are, where you belong, and what you do?

Hands

• As you reflect upon this passage, the sermon, and our discussion today, what about yourself have you become aware of and how are you being led this week?