1. Read Philippians 3:1–7. The command to rejoice here is not a happiness dependent upon circumstances. Our rejoicing is “in the Lord.” What does it look like for you to rejoice in the Lord? Recognizing that this command is repeated throughout the New Testament, why do you think God cares so much about our joy?
2. In Philippians 3:1–7, Paul warns the church against those preaching a counterfeit gospel. False teachers are not merely mistaken—they are dangerous. Rejecting the cross in any context is always a false gospel. And false teachers have mastered the art of making the cross seem ultimately unnecessary. What are some of the counterfeit gospels that threaten the church today? What does it look like to be on guard against these false gospels?
3. Read Philippians 3:8–11. For those united with Christ, our faith is not just one of several important aspects of our life. No, our faith is at the center of our entire life! Notice the word “everything” in verse 3:8. What are some things in your life that compete with the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus as your Lord? Be honest.
4. Throughout his letters, Paul is clear that our good works are not the grounds of our righteousness (Romans 3:21–4:25). With that in mind, what do you think Paul means in 3:9 when he talks about a righteousness that “depends on faith”? What does that mean?
5. Read Philippians 3:10–11 again. What could it look like for you to, in faith, “share in the sufferings of Jesus and become like Him in His death”? What specific things in your life need to be laid down or put to death to press on in the faith?
Matt Blackwell compares the vanity of our earthly efforts with the supreme worth of knowing Jesus.
