What Really Matters?

Philippians 3:1-11

Announcements

Fall Retreat meeting tonight. I contacted everyone’s parent (i think) but you and your parent need to stay after services for that meeting.

High school small groups will not meet this Friday, but will meet next week.

Youth night this Friday here at the church from 6-10. Come hang out and invite a friend. I am still debating on what kind of food to have… Maybe dominos or I might make something.

Introduction

Book of Philippians

imagine you’re running a race—maybe it’s for your school’s track team, or maybe you’re competing in a big video game tournament. You’ve been working hard for this, and you can see the trophy waiting at the finish line. When you finally cross the finish line, the crowd cheers, and you’re handed the shiny gold trophy. You’re on top of the world!

But then something strange happens. Just as you’re about to lift the trophy, someone comes up to you and says, “Hey, by the way, this trophy doesn’t actually mean anything. It’s just plastic. The real prize? It’s something totally different.”

Can you imagine how weird that would feel? All that time, effort, and focus spent on something you thought was so important—only to find out it wasn’t worth much at all.

In Philippians 3, Paul talks about how, for much of his life, he was chasing after what he thought were the “trophies” of life—things like achievements, status, and approval. But once he met Jesus, he realized that all those things he used to think were so important didn’t really matter. Compared to knowing Christ, they were just like that plastic trophy—worthless.

So today, as we look at Philippians 3:1-11, we’re going to talk about what really matters in life and what it means to chase after something that truly lasts: a relationship with Jesus.

Read Philippians 3:1–11 “Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you is no trouble to me and is safe for you. Look out for the dogs, look out for the evildoers, look out for those who mutilate the flesh. For we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh— 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: 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; as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless. But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. 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 and be found in him, not having …”

Pray

1. Earthly Success Won’t Save Us (Verses 1-6) (8 minutes)

Paul’s Warning Against False Confidence (v. 2-3): Paul warns against placing confidence in outward signs of religious practice (circumcision) or achievements.

Application to Students:

Today, we often put our confidence in things like grades, sports, popularity, or how many followers we have on social media. These things might seem important, but they can't save us or give us lasting joy.We must be aware of "false trophies" in life. Like Paul, we can be tempted to think that our accomplishments or our good deeds can make us right with God. But that's not the case.

Paul’s Achievements (v. 4-6): Paul lists all his impressive credentials: he was a Hebrew of Hebrews, a Pharisee, zealous for the law, and blameless in his religious efforts. But even with all of this, it wasn’t enough.

Illustration: Imagine a student who is perfect in every way—straight A’s, star athlete, everyone likes them. But in the end, Paul says, even the best of the best isn’t enough to get us to God.

Key Point: You can do all the right things, be the best at everything, and still not have what matters most—Jesus.

Knowing Christ Is Far Greater Than Any Achievement (Verses 7-8)

Paul’s Radical Change in Perspective (v. 7-8): Paul says that everything he used to value, he now counts as "loss" for the sake of knowing Christ. In fact, he considers it “rubbish” (trash).

Greek term for “rubbish” (skubalon): It’s not just trash—it’s like waste, something worthless and even disgusting. That’s how Paul views his former achievements compared to Christ.

Application to Students

Think about something you really value. Paul is saying that even the best, most prized things in our lives pale in comparison to knowing Jesus.Question: What things are you placing above your relationship with Jesus? Is it your school success, social status, or friendships?

Illustration: Imagine getting the newest phone that everyone’s been talking about. But then, right after, you get an offer for something infinitely better—something that will last forever and never break. That’s how Paul feels about his past achievements vs. knowing Christ.

Key Point: True value is found in knowing Jesus. Everything else, no matter how shiny, fades away.

The Power of Resurrection and Suffering- Jesus is worth it (Verses 9-11) (7 minutes)

Paul’s Desire to Be Found in Christ (v. 9): Paul doesn’t want to be found in his own righteousness but in the righteousness that comes through faith in Christ. This righteousness is not earned; it’s a gift from God.

Illustration: Think about getting a free ticket to the best concert or game ever. No matter how hard you try, you couldn’t earn it on your own—it’s just given to you. That’s what God’s righteousness is like.

The Power of His Resurrection and Fellowship of His Sufferings (v. 10): Paul talks about knowing the power of Christ’s resurrection, but also sharing in His sufferings.

Application to Students:

This might seem hard to understand. Why would Paul want to share in suffering? The truth is, following Jesus isn’t always easy. Sometimes, it might mean going through hard things. But there’s power in it because we become more like Jesus.Just like an athlete grows stronger by pushing through difficult training, we grow closer to Christ through challenges and hardships.

Paul’s Goal (v. 11): Ultimately, Paul wants to attain the resurrection from the dead—life forever with Jesus.

Key Point: Paul sees everything through the lens of eternity. Knowing Jesus, living in His power, and even sharing in His sufferings is worth it because of the hope of eternal life.

Conclusion (5 minutes)

Summarize the Main Points:

Our achievements or good deeds can’t save us.Knowing Christ is worth more than anything else we could pursue.There’s power in the resurrection and even in the hardships we face for Jesus.

Challenge to the Students:

Ask them to think about their own lives. Are they chasing after things that won’t last, or are they pursuing what really matters—knowing Jesus?Encourage them to seek a relationship with Christ over any “trophy” this world can offer. Like Paul, they can count everything else as loss compared to the greatness of knowing Jesus.

Small Group Questions

What are some things in your life that you’re tempted to put before Jesus?

Why do you think Paul was willing to give up everything to know Christ?

How can we share in both the power of Jesus’ resurrection and His sufferings in our everyday lives?