Phillipians 3 Bs

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A Challenge to Know Christ Review Chapters 1 and 2.

What were the main themes?

Application to your life?

L O O K I N G

B A C K . . .

1

Love for one another can have a powerful impact on those who are the body of Christ looking in to see if we have The following true story is a great example. anything worth seeking. outside

One summer while on a mission project with Campus Crusade for Christ in Poland, I found myself in need of a translator. My usual translator was away for a few days. I recruited a translator from another team, and we began our three-mile walk to the village where we were teaching a group of college students. While we were hiking along, I asked Gosha if she had been thinking more about spiritual issues since she had been translating for us. I figured that any unbeliever who spent several hours a day translating Bible studies must be affected. She said that in fact she had been reflecting on her relationship

I asked what specifically caused her to more openly consider God. She said, “It’s the love I see that Jim and his wife and all of the Americans on the team have for each other. I have never lived with a group of people who care so much for each other. It is obvious to me that their ability to live in such harmony under stressful living conditions could only be possible if God is truly in their lives. Being here with them has made me want God in my life too!”

with God more than ever before. Gosha seemed amazed at herself because previous to that time she had no

How does this story reflect the truths we studied in the first two

interest in God at all.

chapters of Philippians?

A Challenge to Know Christ PHILIPPIANS 3:1-21 In light of PaulÕs situation, why could he rejoice?

Contrast false circumcision with true circumcision. What are some things you observe?

List some ways Christians put their confidence in the flesh (3:3-4).

3:2 C ONTEXT : F ALSE CIRCUMCISION One particular group in Paul’s day was especially guilty of putting confidence in the flesh. These were the Judaizers (referred to as “dogs, mutilators of the flesh, and false circumcision” NASB). They plagued Paul and his converts constantly. Confused about the gospel, they added works of the law to faith in Christ, both for salvation and for Christian living. The Old Testament rite of circumcision was of special concern to them. They did not omit faith in Christ but added works of the flesh. Paul called such men “deceitful workmen” (2 Corinthians 11:13). John Walwoord and Roy Zuck, The Bible Knowledge Commentary, (Wheaton: Victor Books, 1983) p. 659.

What do you learn about PaulÕs heart in verses 7-12?

Contrast someone who puts knowing Christ as top priority in his life with someone who doesnÕt.

3:3 C ONTEXT : TRUE CIRCUMCISION The Old Testament rite of physical circumcision was not only a sign of covenant relationship, but it was also intended to be related to spiritual circumcision of the heart (cf. Deut. 30:6). Writing to Gentiles, Paul made it clear that he and they were the true circumcision. This was because they had no confidence in the flesh. Ibid, p. 659

How do verses 8 and 9 relate to your walk with Christ?

What is involved in Òpressing onÓ (3:12-14)?

Why was it significant for Paul to Òforget what lies behind and reach forward to what lies aheadÓ?

How can you apply this principle in your walk with God?

L I F E C H A N G E What are some indicators in your life that you are putting confidence in the flesh? How can you make knowing Him your top priority? If you really consider Òeverything as loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ,Ó what changes would there be in your (a) priorities, (b) use of time, (c) most important activities?

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©1996 WSN Press; Campus Crusade for Christ, Inc.

STUDENT GOVERNMENT PRESIDENT RHODES SCHOLAR PHI BETA KAPPA NCAA CHAMPION CONFERENCE CHAMPION

U Why would someone with these accomplishments have reason to celebrate?

Achievement can lead to self-confidence. Is it good to be self-confident? Why or why not? What does a healthy self-confidence look like in the life of a Christian? SEEKING THE LORD

Paul said, “I count all things but refuse, junk, garbage.” Why? “Day by day, I continually reckon and consider everything else in this world and my life junk, for this one thing that I may know Him.” Now if I had been writing that, I might have said, “that I might serve Him.” Paul is coming to the end of his life, as a matter of fact, he is in a Roman prison while he writes this letter. He is not even certain whether he’ll escape with his life, but as he writes he says, “I am continually giving up everything and counting everything but loss that I may know Him.” Now, Paul, I thought you already knew Him. I mean, you met Him on the road to Damascus 30, 40, 50 years ago. You already know Him. What do you mean you are counting everything but loss that you may know Him? The apostle Paul would say, “Well you can know Him, and then you can know Him some more.” You can know Him and you can know Him and you can know Him and you can know Him some more. The Christian life is not starting with Jesus and graduating to something better. It is starting with Jesus and ending up –BY RON DUNN with Jesus.

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