When You Find Out What Really Matters STUDY GUIDE

For the week of November 19

2023

Icebreaker: Paul tells us in Philippians 3:1 to “rejoice in the Lord!” What are some ways you rejoice in Him?

Sermon Title: Better call Paul “When You Find Out What Really Matters” – Philippians 3

Group Discussion:

Read Philippians 3:7-8 – From perceived loss to actual gain – Major shifts in thinking. How does Paul’s perspective on the value of worldly achievements and possessions challenge our values and ambitions? How can we practically apply Paul’s attitude and way of thinking to our own lives and pursuits?

Read Philippians 3:9 – From my own righteousness to His. Based on this verse, how do you describe righteousness through faith? How can this righteousness help us understand salvation (i.e., deliverance, redemption) and the significance of our ongoing relationship with Jesus?

Read Philippians 3:10-11 & John 5:24 – From death to life. How can this perspective influence our attitudes and behaviors to reflect the life-giving, life-transforming nature of a relationship with Jesus? What are some practical ways we can effectively share this reality of “death to life” with others who need hope and faith?

Read Philippians 3:12-14 – From looking backward to moving forward. How can we embrace this notion of letting go of the past while focusing on a meaningful future? How can we make this a reality for ourselves, family members, and others?

Read Philippians 3:17-21 – From earth focused to heaven focused. How does Paul’s cautionary message apply to our present-day culture and our individual lives? What are signs that we might be unintentionally adopting contemporary, secular values that are contrary to Jesus’ teachings? How can we guard against such influences and strive to live in alignment with Jesus’ truth and hope?

Spiritual Discipline: Prayer and Scripture

• Pray specifically each day this week for the Lord to help you can gain deeper insight and understanding of Jesus: His claims, His way, His life, His teaching, His character, and His impact.

• To help achieve this insight and understanding, read and study John Chapter 15 this week (see RightNow Media, Mt. Gilead Church tab for John 15 bible commentary).

Action Steps:

He made everything including you. He holds all things together, including you. He died and was raised for everyone, including you. He lived sinlessly, gave unselfishly, moved miraculously, and He reigns victoriously.

Make a conscious effort this week through prayer and reading scripture to move from “knowing about Jesus” to “knowing Jesus,” from “liking Jesus” to “being more like Jesus” (Reading suggestions: See John 5:16–47 and the entirety of John chapters 14, 15, 16, & 17).