Knowing Christ
Sermon 10 in Series
Philippians 3:1-11
[1] Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you is no trouble to me and is safe for you.
[2] Look out for the dogs, look out for the evildoers, look out for those who mutilate the flesh. [3] For we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh—[4] though I myself have reason for confidence in the flesh also. If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more: [5] 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; [6] as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless. [7] But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. [8] 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 [9] 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—[10] that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, [11] that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.
DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1. What is the gospel distortion that Paul warns the Philippians about? How does Paul’s warning turn the words of these opponents against themselves?
2. What are some other distortions of the gospel that we must beware in our day (gospel+” or “gospel –” or “off-center gospel”)?
3. How does verse 3 show that the Christian life is fundamentally about worship and denial? What do these two things mean?
4. What is Paul doing by listing his honors and accomplishments in vv.5-6? What does he make of his impressive tower of honor (vv.7-8)?
5. How does Paul speak of the “surpassing worth of knowing Christ?” What does it mean to know him truly? How will your plans for 2023 reflect that you want to know Christ more?
6. What is the hope that Paul looks forward to in vv.10-11? How does the power and hope of the resurrection affect the way you live?References: 2 Thess. 1:11-12; Acts 15:1-12; Gen. 17:14; Rom. 4:9-12; Deut. 10:16; Jer. 4:4; Ezek. 44:7; Gal. 1:8; 2 Cor. 3:6; John 16:13-14; John 17:3; Luke 14:33; Rom. 3:20-22
