Philippians Three

1 Finally,

my brethren,

rejoice in the Lord.

For me to write the same things to you is not tedious, but for you it is safe.

2 Beware of dogs,

beware of evil workers,

beware of the mutilation!

3 For we are the circumcision,

who worship God in the Spirit,

rejoice in Christ Jesus,

and have no confidence in the flesh,

4 though I also might have confidence in the flesh.

If anyone else thinks he may have confidence in the flesh, I more so:

5 circumcised the eighth day,

of the stock of Israel,

of the tribe of Benjamin,

a Hebrew of the Hebrews;

concerning the law,

a Pharisee;

6 concerning zeal,

persecuting the church;

concerning the righteousness which is in the law,

blameless.

7 But what things were gain to me,

these I have counted loss for Christ.

8 Yet indeed I also count all things loss

for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord,

for whom I have suffered the loss of all things,

and count them as rubbish,

that I may gain Christ

9 and be found in Him,

not having my own righteousness,

which is from the law,

but that which is through faith in Christ,

the righteousness which is from God by faith;

10 that I may know Him

and the power of His resurrection,

and the fellowship of His sufferings,

being conformed to His death,

11 if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.

M.O.T. – Christian Life (Gaining through Losing)

C.I.T. – Paul wanted the Philippians that nothing was comparable to knowing Christ and gaining Him.

Thesis – The desire to know and gain the righteousness of Christ should be the motivating factor in our lives.

Proposition – I want the hearers to understand that the righteousness of Christ in their lives is worth more than power, money, or prestige.

Probing Question – If I place Christ ahead of all earthly ambitions, what will I gain?

Unifying Word – Promises

1. Freedom from the Old Testament law. Vs. 1-3

2. Freedom from Competition. Vs. 4-6

3. Fellowship with Christ in His righteousness. Vs. 7-9

4. Fellowship of His experiences. Vs. 10-11

12 Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected;

but I press on,

that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me.

13 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended;

but one thing I do,

forgetting those things which are behind

and

reaching forward to those things which are ahead,

14 I press toward the goal

for the prize

of the upward call of God

in Christ Jesus.
15 Therefore let us, as many as are mature,

have this mind;

and if in anything you think otherwise,

God will reveal even this to you.

16 Nevertheless, to the degree that we have already attained,

let us walk by the same rule,

let us be of the same mind.

M.O.T. – Christian Living (Keep going forward)

C.I.T. – Paul reminded them that he had not achieved perfection, nor had they, however, he continued to go forward to obtain it.

Thesis – Although we have not yet achieved spiritual perfection, it is a goal worth pursuing.

Proposition – I want the hearers to not become discouraged over real or perceived lack of spiritual progress, but to continue pressing on toward that goal.

Probing Question – How can we not become discouraged and give up?

Unifying Word – strivings

1. Remember that those we consider spiritual giants have not yet arrived at total spiritual maturity. Vs. 12a

2. Remain aware of the goal. Vs. 13-14

3. Renew our bonds of Christian unity. Vs. 15-16

17 Brethren,

join in following my example,

and note those who so walk,

as you have us for a pattern.

18 For many walk,

of whom I have told you often,

and now tell you even weeping,

that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:

19 whose end is destruction,

whose god is their belly,

and whose glory is in their shame—

who set their mind on earthly things.

20 For our citizenship is in heaven,

from which we also eagerly wait

for the Savior,

the Lord Jesus Christ,

21 who will transform our lowly body

that it may be conformed to His glorious body,

according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.

M.O.T. – Christian Life (following the right example)

C.I.T. – Paul reminded the people that they must follow those that have their minds set on God and not earthly things.

Thesis – Christians must choose to follow those who are committed to Christ, even though it may lead to sacrifice and suffering, instead of those promising the easy life and way to God.

Proposition – I want the hearers to make the correct choices in who to follow on their spiritual journey.

Probing Question – How can Christians differentiate between spiritual and worldly leaders?

Unifying Word – Examples

1. Godly leaders are willing to sacrifice anything and suffer if necessary to serve Christ. Vs. 17

2. Ungodly leaders are concerned about material gain and ease more than true service to God. Vs. 18, 19