Philippians 3:1-11

In our study of Philippians, we will see a church created by the sovereign grace of God, united in Christ, and participating together in the gospel. From the Lord opening Lydia’s heart in Acts 16 to Paul’s confidence that “He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion,” we will see that Christ is faithfully building His Church. As we walk through this letter, we will discover who we are in Christ, why we are His people, and therefore how we are to live—serving one another, striving together for the gospel, growing in love, rejoicing in the Lord, and learning with Paul to be content in whatever circumstances the Lord appoints. Together we will press on to know Christ and eagerly await the day of Christ, confident that the One who began His work in us will complete it, all to the glory and praise of God.

Discover

What does it mean “to rejoice in the Lord”? How is that different than rejoicing in your circumstances or accomplishments?

How would you define “legalism” as it relates to Christianity? Why is it sometimes difficult to recognize?

In what do you place your confidence in? How would you rank them and what does that ranking reveal?

Nurture

What truths about the Lord Jesus help you hold on to your joy in the Him when circumstances provide little reason to rejoice?

What is the difference between knowing about Jesus and truly knowing Him? How would experiencing the “power of His resurrection” and sharing in “His sufferings” deepen that knowledge?

How would you distinguish between “a righteousness of my own that comes from the law” and “the righteousness from God that depends on faith" in Christ”? How does that distinction affect your confidence before God?

Act

What practice or discipline will you begin this week, not to earn God’s favor, but to know and rejoice in Jesus more deeply?