Fight for Joy: Knowing Christ (Philippians 3:7-14) Questions for Reflection and Discussion

Dig Deeper

The Apostle Paul begins Philippians 3, “Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord.” Here again Paul emphasizes that joy for the Christian is not to be dependent on life’s circumstances but rather on a growing trust relationship with the sovereign Lord. Victory in the fight for joy is ultimately realized in relationship-- “knowing Christ.” (Philippians 3:10) The depth of our knowing Christ is determined by our answer to three questions-- 1. The ledger question: What things do I consider gain and what am I counting loss? 2. The lien question: What hindrances are there in my life that prevents me from knowing Christ more fully? And, 3. The Lordship question: Who or what determines my pursuit of Christ?

Ledger Question-- Read Hebrews 11:24-26. How is Moses’ response to the ledger question an example to follow? What insights about gain and loss are realized from the following Scriptures?

Matthew 19:28-29--

Mark 8:36--

Luke 14:33--

Lien Question-- Read Jeremiah 1:17-19. How is Jeremiah’s response to the lien question an example to follow? What encouragements to lay aside hindrances are gained from the following Scriptures?

Ephesians 4:22--

Hebrews 12:1--

1 Peter 2:21--

Lordship Question-- Read Acts 9:3-19. How is Saul’s response to the lordship question an example to follow? What additional insights are gained from the following Scriptures?

Colossians 2:6--

1 Thessalonians 5:23--

1 Peter 3:15--

Memorize This

Philippians 3:14-- I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus