Fight for Joy: the Upward call (Philippians 3:12-14) Questions for Reflection and Discussion

Dig Deeper

In Philippians 3:12-14 the Apostle Paul continues to challenge the Philippians based on his own walk with Christ. Paul begins by emphasizing that he himself has not been perfected, “Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected…” and is therefore, like his readers is a work in progress.  The same confidence he expressed toward the Philippians at the beginning of his letter, “He who began a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ” (1:6), he has for himself.

By the phrase “already perfected” Paul is not referring to sinless perfection but rather means “to carry through, or bring to an end/fulfillment.” Bible teachers use the term progressive sanctification to refer to the Holy Spirit’s work in the life of a Christian whereby he or she increasingly becomes more like Christ. (Positional Sanctification occurs at the moment of conversion and refers to the Christian’s position in Christ, “found in Him” Philippians 3:9. Perfect Sanctification, also called glorification if the completion of Spirit’s work in the Christian upon appearing before Christ. See 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24.)

What insights about progressive sanctification in the life of a Christian do the following Scriptures provide?

Philippians 2:13--

1 Thessalonians 4:3-7--

1 Corinthians 3:9-17--

2 Corinthians 6:17-7:1--

Galatians 5:22-25--

Romans 8:29-30--

Application

Set aside time this week to sit down undistracted with your Bible and journal. Evaluate your spiritual progress. Make/keep your plan simple. Track your progress. Keep your eyes on the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Memorize This

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

#creationdebate

I enjoyed and was challenged by last night’s debate between Bill Nye, “the Science Guy” and Ken Ham, of Answers in Genesis. Both Nye and Ham are to be commended for their spirited, yet respectful debate.  The popularity of the debate caught many in the media by surprise-- at least  three million viewers watched live, Facebook reported that the debate was the number 1 trending topic for hours before the event began, and Twitter, #creationdebate and Ken Ham occupied the worldwide twitter trending, during and after the debate. For more about the debate visit Answers in Genesis here.

For Christians interest in creation should come as no surprise as Psalm 19:1 declares, “The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament shows His handiwork” and Romans 1:20, “For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead.” For more resources check out the following links--

Post-Debate Recap with Ken Ham & Georgia Purdom 

Institute for Creation Research's That's a Fact Videos

Lee Strobel's The Case for the Creator 

Fight for Joy: Purpose, Power & Passion (Philippians 3:10-11) Questions for Reflection and Discussion

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Wow! In one verse, Philippians 3:10 the Apostle Paul sums up the ultimate purpose, power

and passion of every Christian. The purpose or “goal” (HCSB) of the Christian is to “know

Christ.” This knowledge is both instantaneous and ongoing. In one sense Paul, whose

name was formerly Saul came to know Christ en route to Damascus (Acts 9:1-19). Yet

here in Philippians 3 after decades of service as a missionary he expresses his desire to

deepen his knowledge of Christ (Philippians 3:8-14).

The “power” or force, dynamis, from which we get our word dynamite, enabling this

knowledge, is the resurrection of Christ from the dead. Finally, the “fellowship of His

sufferings” is using hardships and sufferings we experience as a means to grow in our

knowledge of Christ and His passion on our behalf.

The Christian’s purpose-- what do the following Scriptures reveal about the goal of

knowing Christ?

John 17:3--

Jeremiah 9:23-26--

The Christian’s power-- what do the following Scriptures reveal about the power of the

resurrection in the life of a Christian?

Romans 6:1-11--

1 Corinthians 15:20-28, 56-57--

The Christian’s passion-- what do the following Scriptures reveal about the role of

suffering in the life of a Christian?

John 15:18-16:4--

1 Peter 2:21--

Application

How is the Holy Spirit leading you to deepen your knowledge of Christ?

Memorize This

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

Jesus. © NKJV