Joyful Living - Week 6: Joy in Knowing Christ
Small Group Discussion Guide
For the week of March 8th, 2020
Connecting (Aim for 15 minutes)
Breaking the Ice/Think Time
• What has been the greatest accomplishment in your life?
• Quick Review… Looking back at your notes from this Sunday’s sermon, what caught your attention, challenged, or confused you?
Understanding the Truth (Aim for 30-40 minutes)
Read Phil. 3:1-11
What is Paul’s command in v. 1?
In v.2, Paul seems to hold no punches back about those trying to confuse the church in Philippi. What do dogs, evildoers and those who mutilate the flesh have in common? What are these people trying to teach the church?
What reason (for) does Paul give for his warning in v.2? see v.3
What does this statement “glory in Christ and put no confidence in the flesh” in v.3 mean? Can we place any confidence in our works for salvation? Why or why not? Discuss
What reasons does Paul give in vv. 3-6 as to why he could have confidence in the flesh if need be? Make a list of those reasons together as a group.
Paul had seemingly reached or was on his way to reaching the pinnacle of his previous faith and the greatest height of his community, so why was he willing to give all of it up? See v.7
What does Paul mean when he says in v. 8a “I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord”?
In v.8b, how does Paul describe his self-righteousness and accomplishments apart from Christ Jesus? The Greek word for “rubbish” that Paul uses is “dung”. Would you consider your accomplishments reached apart from Christ as Paul does, why or why not?
For what purpose (in order that) was Paul willing to strip himself of such accomplishments? V.8c-9
Is it necessary to strip ourselves of our works in order to live in a righteousness that depends on faith? i.e. baptism, confirmation, I pray everyday, I give the needy, I’m a good person
Together make a list of the what a believer receives through a righteousness by faith. See vv.10-11. What stands out to you about that list? Why?
Seeing Our Savior
* Read Phil. 3:1-11; Rom. 8:14-17; Eph. 2:8-10*
These passages are another reminder that just as we are called to give up all we have for Christ, He was willing to give up His throne, His place in heaven, and share His inheritance with us. He didn’t count equality with God a thing to be grasped but humbled himself even to the point of death on a cross. He did so to share his inheritance, offer a place in heaven and make a relationship with his father possible for those sinners who would place their faith in his saving work. To the praise of the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!
Living the Truth (Aim for 20 minutes)
Do you believe God will let you into heaven because you’re a good person? If you believe this, you are a person depending on your own works over the work of Christ. Therefore, which of your own works are you in need of considering as “rubbish” that you may gain Christ?
The gospel is the power of God unto salvation, do you understand it? What questions do you have about salvation and or why our works don’t help? Discuss with your group. Read Eph. 2:8-9 together.
What are you willing to give up in order to know Christ more? i.e. friends, gods, etc.
God not only hears, but loves to answer prayers that are “according to His will.” (1 John 5:14-15). We can pray confidently when we pray obediently to this truth. You have just spent time discovering God’s will for you. Now, ask God for what you need to fulfill His will in your life, your friends & family, neighbors, church & community. Don’t be afraid to ask forgiveness where you have blown it, strength where you are weak, courage where you are afraid.
Prayer Requests (Aim for minimum of 10 minutes)
Pray that God reveals to you who He truly is