This sermon from Philippians 3:1-14 brings attention to Paul’s unstoppable focus on Christ in his life and ministry, and what we can learn from him in that.
Sermon Outline
Focused Joy speaks against the opponents of the gospel and rejoices in the true people of God (Philippians 3:1-4)
- Rejoice in the Lord!
- Opponents of the gospel: Judiazers
- We who believe in Jesus boast in the Lord
Focused Joy does not boast in human abilities, but in Christ’s work in the individual and is letting go of the former things and rejoicing in Christ. (Philippians 3: 5-11)
- Paul, because of his credentials has every reason to boast
- Despite Paul’s past the Lord has changed him, and Paul boasts in who Christ is
- Whatever gains we once had, it is loss compared to the surpassing worth of Christ
Focused Joy pressed on through adversity
- We will not arrive at our goal until we see Christ Himself
- So let us press on
- Choose Joy daily
- Let us forget what is behind and strain ahead
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- Read the whole passage out loud once. What words or phrases stand out to you? Where do you find encouragement in this chapter?
- Paul was once a persecutor of the church and was against Jesus Christ. Now he is writing a letter about boasting in Jesus. Put yourself back in the time of Paul. How would you feel if Paul knowing his past was writing this letter to your church?
- Because we believe in Jesus we have joy in us, but sometimes we have a hard time choosing joy every day. What are some practical ways in your life you can choose joy?
- All this comes back to Jesus, and the joy that was set before Him on the cross. Read Hebrews chapter 12:2. What does it mean that Jesus is the pioneer and perfecter of our faith?
- Paul says in verse 5 “whatever were gains to me now I consider loss for the sake of Christ. What gains did you have before that are now loss because you know Christ?