“Joy’s Resolve” (Philippians 3:1-11) by Jason Greene

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Pastor Dave will ask us to pray for him as he prepares the Easter message for the Richland campus. We are hoping you will do this together sometime during your small group meeting.

This week you may want to break into smaller subgroups for questions three through seven. This would allow for more personal conversation and application.

Here are the sermon questions with answers to help you facilitate discussion:

1. Share about a past accomplishment that made you or your parents proud.

Answers will vary. Question 4 refers back to these answers, so you’ll want to allow time for everyone to answer.

2. Read Philippians 3:1-11 together and review the following:

a. Why is Paul so concerned about the people in v. 2?

He wanted them to watch out for the Jews that were teaching a false message.

b. What does confidence in the flesh mean (v. 4)?

It is trusting in our own strength and ability apart from God.

c. What about Paul’s resume is so unique (v. 5-6)? How does he view his resume in v. 7-8?

His own accomplishments as a Jew were higher than those of his Jewish opponents. He views his resume as rubbish, because he knows that his achievements are of no benefit for salvation.

d. Describe the two types of righteousness from v. 9.

“Own righteousness” — proud self-righteousness based on external good works and morality.

Righteousness through faith in Christ, based on trust in Christ for our salvation.

e. What does Paul resolve to do/be as he experiences joy (v. 10)?

He desires to know Christ more — His power, His fellowship, His life.

3. Legalism is substituting rules, regulations or rituals for a relationship with God.

a. How do you see legalism practiced today?

The world works on the concept that if you are good enough, you are accepted. So therefore we wrongly assume that God works this way. We can see it in our Christian churches when we expect that if we’re doing the right things we will be accepted by God. It also includes when we value the approval of others more than the approval of God. Legalism is evident in many other religions, which teach that you must earn your way to acceptance.

b. What is the difference between obeying Biblical commands and legalism?

Legalism is following religious rules and regulations from my own effort. It is often based on fear and trying to earn the respect or approval of others, going through the external motions without a heart change. The choice to obey Biblical commands is based on a growing trust and relationship with God. It is knowing that my righteousness is not based on anything I can or will do. It is choosing to obey out of love and a knowledge that there is provision and protection when we obey what our Father asks us to do.

c. In what way do you fall into legalism?

Answers will vary. May include reading the Bible just to check it off the list, saying “I’ll pray for you” but not actually stopping to do it, doing a service/outreach project and then taking all the glory for it.

4. Have you been able to count your past accomplishments as “rubbish or loss” compared to knowing Jesus? How have they gotten in the way of knowing Jesus more fully? How could you use your accomplishments (past and future) for Kingdom purposes?

Refer to the answers given in Question 1. If we desire to be known by our past accomplishments then we probably haven’t gotten to the point where they are counted as “rubbish”. Our accomplishments can lead to pride which hardens our hearts and makes us less able to know Jesus. You could also reflect back to discussion question #7 from last week on posture, position and privilege.

Some of the ways we can use our accomplishments and abilities for Kingdom purposes include:

• Serving others (giving without expecting)
• Serving within the church (to build up the body of Christ)
• As a platform to give God glory (giving God the praise)
• Making Christ known through word and deed (faithfully, humbly serving right where you are is a vital witness)
• Credible witness (maybe your knowledge of science allows you to have a “voice” to speak to a younger person about creation)

5. Parents: Would your children say you want them to know Jesus above all else? Above accomplishments in school, sports or activities? Above good behavior? What changes or tweaks could be made, if any?

The hope is that this question will spark good, Bible-based reflection and discussion about our priorities as parents and how we model those priorities to our children.

Often it’s the questions that we ask our kids that reveal where our priorities are. Do we ask them, “How did you see God work today? Did you have an opportunity to trust God today? I know you were anxious about your test today, did you pray about it? Did you feel God drawing near? Is there a Bible verse or passage that is special to you right now?”

We are called to train up our children, but it’s often easier to focus on the external issues, rather than the heart issues. We want to raise kids who know, love and follow Jesus so we should try to address heart issues above any outward actions.

6. What is the difference between “knowing about” Jesus and “knowing” Jesus? How have you moved from just “knowing about” Jesus to “knowing” Jesus?

Pastor Jason reminded us that lasting joy comes from knowing Jesus, and that the essence of salvation is to know Christ. (John 17:3). We can know about Jesus like we know facts and information about our President, or a famous athlete. However, knowing Jesus is a personal, intimate, progressive relationship. It involves time, purpose and desire. Paul has been a Christian for 25 years when he writes Philippians 3:10; he is still craving more.

Answers will vary on the second question, but should reflect a growing desire for personal relationship with Jesus. Practically this may look like growth in prayer, in scripture meditation, in identifying with Jesus sufferings, in listening and obedience.

7. How have you experienced joy in the Lord when life was difficult, lonely, and/or tragic? What did you resolve to do or think?

Answers will vary. Some of the ways we can draw near to the Lord are through prayer, Bible reading/meditation, the Church (community), and Creation. We can experience joy even in the most difficult times. This would be a good time to review the sermon outline points: RUN from legalism, REVERE what matters, REST in true righteousness, and RESOLVE to know Christ more.

8. Challenge: Review Paul’s resume and find the Old Testament significance behind his list of accomplishments.

The following summary is from the ESV Study Bible and Pastor Jason’s sermon notes. The first four are family privileges, the last three are his accomplishments.

• Circumcised on the 8^th day, in accordance with OT law (Lev 12:3)
• Of the people of Israel – ethnic Israelite
• Tribe of Benjamin – he knew the tribe from which he came. Benjamin was the only child of Jacob born in the promised land.
• Hebrew of Hebrews – his Jewish ancestry. In addition, he spoke Aramaic, even though he was from Greek-speaking Tarsus.
• A Pharisee – strictest religious sect (Acts 26:5) Pharisee means “separated one” and would not associate with the unclean.
• Zeal, persecuting the church – he may have thought he was following the footsteps of Phinehas (Num. 25:11) and Elijah (I Kings 19:10,14). His persecution of the church was well known (Acts 9:1-2)
• Blameless under the law – doesn’t say sinless, but blameless. According to the Pharisees, 613 commandments could be maintained.