New Testament in a Year – Philippians 3

No Confidence in the Flesh - Philippians 3:1-11

Understand It

• What did Paul call on believers to do? (3:1)
• Why did Paul repeat essential truths to the Philippians? (3:1)
• What did Paul say about certain false teachers? (3:2)
• Whom did Paul identify as "true"? (3:3)
• What autobiographical facts did Paul give? (3:4-6)
• In what sense was Paul not boasting, even though he was calling attention to his accomplishments? (3:7-9)
• Why did Paul view his former accomplishments as "rubbish"? (3:8)
• What was Paul’s status in Christ? (3:9)
• What longings did Paul admit to the Philippians? (3:10-11)
• What hope did Paul express? (3:11)

Apply It

• What do you need to start counting as rubbish for the sake of Christ?
• When you face struggles this week, how can you remember to rejoice rather than complain?

Pressing on Toward the Goal - Philippians 3:12-4:1

Understand It

• What was Paul’s testimony? (3:12-14)
• In what ways did Paul’s spiritual life resemble the discipline of a runner? (3:12-14)
• What was Paul’s view of the past? (3:13)
• What was Paul’s goal? (3:14)
• How did Paul call the Philippians to share his view? (3:15)
• What did Paul hope for the believers who disagreed with him? (3:15)
• What was Paul’s plea to the Philippians? (3:16)
• How did Paul want believers to imitate him? (3:17)
• How did Paul describe God’s enemies? (3:18-19)
• Where did the Philippian Christians have their citizenship? (3:20)
• Whom did the Philippian believers eagerly await? (3:20)
• What characterizes citizens of heaven? (3:21)

Apply It

• What spiritual workout or training this week will help you run your Christian marathon?
• In what way can you renew your commitment to press on toward the goal of being like Christ?