How To Use This Guide:
listen
Listen to the video and read this week's materials
reflect
Prayerfully answer the questions below
discuss
Meet with your group to discuss
respond
Apply the truth of God’s word to your life
How To Use This Guide:
listen
Listen to the weekly sermon and read through the main passage(s)
reflect
Prayerfully answer the questions below
discuss
Meet with your group to discuss
respond
Apply the truth of God’s word to your life
latest sermon
background
In Philippians 3:12-4:1, Paul admits he is not perfect but refuses to let his imperfections justify spiritual complacency. Christian maturity isn’t about perfection but progress. Because Christ has claimed Paul as his own, he strives constantly toward the day he will be fully united with Him and transformed into His likeness. Spiritual growth is God’s work in us, which demands our determined, persistent effort.
Therefore, Paul encourages believers to choose their role models wisely. Faithful Christians show us what growth truly looks like, while those motivated by pride and worldly desires may lead us astray. Still, even the best human examples are just signs pointing us to Jesus. Our true home is in heaven, our hope is rooted in Christ’s return, and Christ himself is always our steady guide.
Therefore, Paul encourages believers to choose their role models wisely. Faithful Christians show us what growth truly looks like, while those motivated by pride and worldly desires may lead us astray. Still, even the best human examples are just signs pointing us to Jesus. Our true home is in heaven, our hope is rooted in Christ’s return, and Christ himself is always our steady guide.
OPEN
1. What skill have you noticeably improved over time? What were the key factors in your success?
reflect
2. Read Philippians 3:12-16. How does Paul describe his own pursuit of Christian maturity? How does the statement “Christ Jesus has made me his own” reinforce Paul’s motivation to press on?
3. What does Paul mean by forgetting what lies behind and straining forward toward the upward call of God? How has Paul already shown this example to them himself?
4. Read Philippians 3:17-4:1. What sets faithful examples apart from those opposing the cross of Christ? How do our heavenly citizenship and Christ's promised return influence Paul’s urging to “stand firm”?
3. What does Paul mean by forgetting what lies behind and straining forward toward the upward call of God? How has Paul already shown this example to them himself?
4. Read Philippians 3:17-4:1. What sets faithful examples apart from those opposing the cross of Christ? How do our heavenly citizenship and Christ's promised return influence Paul’s urging to “stand firm”?
apply
5. Where are you tempted to use “nobody’s perfect” as an excuse for a lack of spiritual progress? What aspects of your past may be distracting you from pursuing what lies ahead?
6. What discipline would help you press forward toward Christlikeness? How does knowing that Christ is at work in you give hope in this effort?
7. How have other believers encouraged you to follow Christ in your spiritual journey thus far? Who are faithful Christian role models you can learn from? Which aspect of their life would you like to emulate?
6. What discipline would help you press forward toward Christlikeness? How does knowing that Christ is at work in you give hope in this effort?
7. How have other believers encouraged you to follow Christ in your spiritual journey thus far? Who are faithful Christian role models you can learn from? Which aspect of their life would you like to emulate?
resources
Home Groups will resume August 23. If you are interested in joining a group, fill out the interest form below or contact Doug Barnwell at dbarnwell@fellowshipjackson.com.
We ask every Home Group participant to commit to the Four Essentials of a Healthy Group outlined in our Home Group Commitment. These essentials help ensure that every group stays healthy, welcoming, and spiritually meaningful for everyone involved. You can review those here.