INTERACTIVE TEACHING/LEARNING GUIDE
SESSION TITLE:
FOCAL PASSAGES:
“InJoying Forgiveness”
(Philippians 3:1-14)
Central Teaching/Learning Aim: To help the learner accept the forgiveness of Christ
and set goals to press on for the upward call of God.
I.
HOOK - Creating Interest in the Word
Option A. Cyclist Armstrong
Option B. Video Clip “Les Miserables”
Option C. Firefighter Arrested
II.
Book – Getting Into the Word
Discussion Guide – Teacher’s
Discussion Guide – Learner’s
III.
Look – Getting the Word into Life
Self evaluation/goal sheet, “Living a Forgiven Life
IV.
Took – Conclusions
Option A. "The Swimmer" Moussambani
Option B. Sin Enslaves, Forgiveness Frees
Option C. A Father’s Strength and a Son’s Heart
Exegetical
- What it meant to Paul and the Philippians . . . THEN
Theological
- What it means for God’s People . . . ALWAYS
Pedagogical - What it means to Us . . . NOW
THEE WORD – Daily Devotionals
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I. Creating Interest in the Word (Hook)
Option A. Share the following story:
Three-time Tour de France champion is in the midst of another tour. Listen to a
quote by him about determination.
Cyclist Armstrong Finds Purpose Through Pain
“I become a happier man each time I
suffer”, says Lance Armstrong, the
world’s best cyclist, who at 25 was
diagnosed with advanced testicular
cancer.
After months of chemotherapy, Lance ate
Mexican food, played golf and lay on the
couch. One day his wife, Kriston, said,
"You need to decide something: Are you
going to be a golf-playing, beerdrinking, Mexican-food-eating slob
for the rest of your life?"
"This conversation changed
everything," Lance said. "Within
days, I was back on my bicycle. For
the first time in my life, I rode with
real strength and stamina and
purpose. Without cancer, I never
would have won a single Tour de
France. Cancer taught me a plan for more purposeful living, and then in
turn taught me how to train and to win more purposefully. Pain and loss
are great enhancers."
Citation: Lance Armstrong, "Back in the Saddle," Forbes (12-3-01);
submitted by Van Morris, Mount Washington, Kentucky
Ask – Do you agree or disagree with Armstrong’s statements about pain and
loss?
How can you turn the trials, pain and guilt of past sin into victory?
Read – Philippians 3:12-14
Just as Lance Armstrong had to put past illness and failures behind him, we
must enjoy the forgiveness found in Christ and press on to new victories.
State – Today we will discuss how to accept the forgiveness provided for us and
live in the present and the future for the glory of the Lord.
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Option B. Video Clip Movie – “Les Miserables”
Begin at 2:05:40 from the opening
credit. Lasts approximately threeand-a-half minutes.
Story line:
Javert has chased
Valjean for years vowing to see him
rot in prison. He finally catches him.
He has a gun pointed at him. Valjean expects to die. To his amazement, Javert
releases him and throws himself into the river and drowns. He finally forgives
Valjean and takes his own life instead of Valjean’s.
State – This is a good picture of what Christ did for us. He died in our place so
we would not have to die although we are guilty of sins which should lead to
death.
State – Today we will discuss how to accept the forgiveness provided for us and
live in the present and the future for the glory of the Lord.
Read – Philippians 3:12-14
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Option C. Share the following from an excerpt from ABCNews.com July 1, 2002.
Firefighter Arrested
P A Y S O N, Ariz., July 1
— A part-time firefighter has been charged
with starting one of the two Arizona
wildfires that combined to form the
largest wildfire in state history.
Federal authorities say Bureau of Indian
Affairs reserve firefighter, Leonard Gregg,
29, started the blaze allegedly in hopes of
being called up to fight it.
Gregg lives on the Fort Apache Indian
reservation, where 60 percent of adults are unemployed. Investigators say
he lit two fires on June 18, one of which was put out.
The other became the Rodeo Fire, which started about two miles from his
hometown of Cibecue. It later merged with a fire set by a lost hiker.
"This individual started the fire so as to earn money as a contract firefighter,"
said U.S. attorney Paul Charleton. Officials say he made $8 an hour as a
contract firefighter.
"I'm sorry for what I did," he said in court on Sunday, but a judge cut him off
and told him he shouldn't make a confession at the hearing.
Shock on the Reservation
"We're shocked at the arrest of a Native American," said Dallas Massey,
chairman of the White Mountain Apache Tribe. "I am relieved that we found
who the person was. It really don't matter if it is a tribal member, or not
member. We just found who it was today like everybody else."
The massive blaze continues to rage out of control in some areas.
So far, the wildfire has burned 450,000 acres — two-thirds of which is on the
reservation — and destroyed 423 homes. At one point, 23,000 people were
evacuated from their homes, many from the town of Show Low.
According to the complaint filed against Gregg, he didn't expect the fire to
get so big. He was charged with two counts of willfully setting fire to timber
or underbrush. If convicted of both, he would face up to 10 years in prison
and fines of up to $500,000.
ABCNEWS' Brian Rooney and ABCNEWS affiliate
KNXV in Phoenix contributed to this report.
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Ask – What was the first thing Gregg did in court? (He sought forgiveness.)
Ask someone to share a personal example of a time when he/she sought
forgiveness. What was the outcome? How did it feel?
Next– Share the following quote by Harry S. Truman.
If you've done the best you can--if you have done what you have to do-there is no use worrying about it, because nothing can change it, and to be
in a position of leadership ... you have to give thought to what's going to
happen the next day and you have to be fresh for ... what you have to do
the next day. What you're "going" to do is more important than what you
have done.
Ask – Do you agree or disagree with this statement?
Read - Philippians 3:12-14
State – Today we will discuss how to accept the forgiveness provided for us and
live in the present and the future for the glory of the Lord.
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II. Getting Into the Word (Book)
Utilize the discussion guide to examine the background and the scripture
passages.
DISCUSSION GUIDE
(Teacher’s Copy)
Why would Paul feel the need to repeat his statement “rejoice in the Lord” to the
Philippians? (verse 3:1)
1.
He said it was for a safeguard for them. Paul was commanding them to “go on
rejoicing”.
Who was Paul warning the Philippians to “be aware” of in (verses 2-4)?
2.
a. scavenger theologians b. evil theologians c. fleshly theologians
Who would be “Theologians” in our day in which to be aware?
3.
Religious cult leaders stressing works, money raising ministries that are unethical,
ritualistic traditions with no spiritual depth, etc.
4.
What four reasons does Paul mention in (verse 3) that identified the Philippians as
true worshipers.
a. true circumcision “Christians” b.worship in the spirit
d. put no confidence in the flesh
c. glorify Christ
5.
How can these traits be used to judge the validity of a religion?
6.
How could Paul have boasted of his inheritance? (verses 4b-5a)
He was Jewish born, a pure descendant of Abraham. He was separated from the
Gentiles.
7.
Religious upbringing is helpful,l but it will not guarantee personal salvation. How can
you share with a religious lost person about personal forgiveness?
8.
What religious achievements had Paul accomplished? (verses 5b-6)
He had pharisaic standing, his zeal to persecute the church, he was a law keeper.
9.
Why do religious achievements not guarantee personal salvation?
10.
Paul counted all of his achievements as nothing compared to knowing Christ. Is
there anyone or thing that you hold up as more important than knowing Christ?
(verses 7-8)
11.
What are the results of knowing Christ through faith as outlined in (verses 9-14)?
a. experiencing Christ b. resurrection power
d. death like Christ
e. resurrection from the dead
g. a plan for life following God’s will
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c. suffering like Christ
f. complete forgiveness
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12.
According to Paul, is spiritual perfection possible this side of heaven? (verses 1213)
No, we should not have perfection as our goal. Forgiveness is available because
perfection is impossible.
13.
A Christian’s goal should be to make progress, to become a Fully Developing
Follower of Christ. How are you doing on this journey?
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DISCUSSION GUIDE
Why would Paul feel the need to repeat his statement “rejoice in the Lord” to the
Philippians? (verse 3:1)
1.
2.
Who was Paul warning the Philippians to “be aware” of in (verses 2-4)?
a.
b.
c.
3.
Who would be “Theologians” in our day in which to be aware?
4.
What four reasons does Paul mention in (verse 3) that identified the Philippians as
true worshipers.
a.
b.
c.
d.
5.
How can these traits be used to judge the validity of religion?
6.
How could Paul have boasted of his inheritance? (verses 4b-5a)
7.
Religious upbringing is helpful but it will not guarantee personal salvation. How can
you share with a religious lost person about personal forgiveness?
8.
What religious achievements had Paul accomplished? (verses 5b-6)
9.
Why do religious achievements not guarantee personal salvation?
10.
11.
Paul counted all of his achievements as nothing compared to knowing Christ. Is
there
anyone or thing that you hold up as more important than knowing Christ?
(verses 7-8)
What are the results of knowing Christ through faith as outlined in (verses 9-14)?
12.
13.
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a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
According to Paul, is spiritual perfection possible this side of heaven?
(verses 12-13)
A Christian’s goal should be to make progress, to become a Fully Developing
Follower of Christ. How are you doing on this journey?
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III. Getting the Word Into Life (Look)
Distribute self evaluation/goal sheet, “Living a Forgiven Life”, and guide
members to complete.
Note – You could place members into groups and allow them time to share
and encourage one another.
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Living a Forgiven Life
Complete the following self evaluation/goal sheet in order to experience a forgiven life.
F
orget the past – (Philippians 3:13)
List anything in your past that you have not released to God.
O
rder it gone
Claim the forgiveness of Christ and stake your freedom! Do it now!
R
echarge the relationship – (Philippians 3:8)
What “things” do you need to count as loss in order to have a right relationship
with Christ? List here.
G
o with God - (Philippians 3:10)
How can you “know Him” by spending more time with Him?
Outline a plan to spend time with the Lord.
I
nvest in the future -(James 5:1-3)
How can you store up treasures in heaven? Write your investment plan.
V
isionalize the strategy – (Philippians 3:14b)
What is the upward call of God on your life?
Who are you called to be?
E
nergize forward – (Philippians 3:14)
How can you “press toward” your goals?
What action do you need to take this week?
N
ever retreat
Do not allow yourself to return to thoughts of past sins!
Spend all of your energy on your eternal strategy.
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IV. Conclusion (Took)
A. Share – the following story and then close in a prayer of commitment to “press
on towards the goal”.
Help for Long Race
Eric "The Swimmer" Moussambani of
Equatorial Guinea was an unlikely hero of the
Sydney Olympic Games. The 22-year-old
African had only learned to swim last
January, had only practiced in a 20 meter
pool without lane markers, and had never
raced more than 50 meters. By special
invitation of the International Olympic
Committee, under a special program that
permits poorer countries to participate even
though their athletes don't meet customary standards, he had been entered in
the 100 meter men's freestyle.
When the other two swimmers in his heat were disqualified because of false
starts, Moussambani was forced to swim alone. Eric Moussambani was, to
use the words of an Associated Press story about his race, "charmingly
inept." He never put his head under the water's surface and flailed wildly to
stay afloat. With ten meters left to the wall, he virtually came to a stop. Some
spectators thought he might drown! Even though his time was over a minute
slower than what qualified for the next level of competition, the capacity crowd
at the Olympic Aquatic Center stood to their feet and cheered the swimmer
on.
After what seemed like an eternity, the African reached the wall and hung on
for dear life. When he had caught his breath and regained his composure, the
French-speaking Moussambani said through an interpreter, "I want to send
hugs and kisses to the crowd. It was their cheering that kept me going."
Source:N.Y. Times (9-20-00)
State - We have a clean slate through the forgiveness of Christ; let’s live this
week with the prize of the upward call of God in sight. Let’s encourage one
another to help keep us going.
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B. Optional Method – Share the following story and then close in prayer.
Sin Enslaves, Forgiveness Frees
Richard Hoefler’s book, “Will Daylight Come?”, includes a homey illustration of
how sin enslaves and forgiveness frees.
A little boy visiting his grandparents is given his first slingshot. He practiced in
the woods, but he could never hit his target. As he came back to Grandma’s
back yard, he spied her pet duck. On an impulse he took aim and let fly. The
stone hit and the duck fell dead.
The boy panicked. Desperately he hid the dead duck in the woodpile, only to
look up and see his sister watching. Sally had seen it all, but she said nothing.
After lunch that day, Grandma said, “Sally, let’s wash the dishes.” But Sally
said, “Johnny told me he wanted to help in the kitchen today. Didn’t you,
Johnny?” And she whispered to him, “Remember the duck!” So Johnny did the
dishes.
Later, Grandpa asked if the children wanted to go fishing. Grandma said, “I’m
sorry, but I need Sally to help make supper.” Sally smiled and said, “That’s all
taken care of. Johnny wants to do it.” Again she whispered, “Remember the
duck.” Johnny stayed while Sally went fishing.
After several days of Johnny doing both his chores and Sally’s, finally he
couldn’t stand it. He confessed to Grandma that he’d killed the duck.
“I know, Johnny,” she said, giving him a hug. “I was standing at the window and
saw the whole thing. Because I love you, I forgave you. I wondered how long
you would let Sally make a slave of you.”
Richard Hoefler, Will Daylight Come?
State – How long will some Christians allow sin to enslave them? Let’s live in
Christ’s forgiveness and set our sights forward.
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C. Optional Method – Share the following story and then close in prayer.
A Father’s Strength and a Son’s Heart
Father and son, Dick and Ricky Hoyt, have run together in more than 800
Ironman races (which include
swimming, biking, and running). But the
son, Ricky, was born with cerebral
palsy. To race, he must be pulled,
pushed, and carried by his father.
There is a part of us that might jump to
the conclusion that Ricky does not race
at all, but that his father does all the
work.
But tens of thousands of TV viewers
saw the son's role in 1999, when wind,
cold, and an equipment failure made progress hard on Ricky, even though
his father was the one pedaling the modified tandem bike. Dick knelt down to
his son, contorted and trembling in the cold, as the two were still facing many
more miles of race on the defective bike. He said to the child belted to the
bicycle seat, "Do you want to keep going, Son?"
The father would be the one enabling and providing the means to overcome,
but the son still had to have the heart to finish.
Holiness By Grace (Crossway Books, 2001)
State – Our Father has provided the means to overcome sin and defeat,
but we have to have the heart and determination to press on.
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PHILIPPIANS: InJoy the Journey
“InJoying Forgiveness”
Philippians 3:1-14
EXEGETICAL
(What it meant to Paul and the Philippians . . . THEN)
THE ESSENCE OF THE PHILIPPIANS' RELATIONSHIP WITH CHRIST,
a Relationship demanding of the Philippian Believers both Joy and Watchfulness against
"Works Salvation" Theologians, (among whom Paul had once Possessed the Highest Claim ,
but which He had ultimately Denounced To Pursue Christ Alone),
PROVIDED A DIVINE RIGHTEOUSNESS BASED ON FAITH IN CHRIST,
AN EXPERIENTIAL KNOWLEDGE OF BECOMING MORE LIKE CHRIST, AND THE
ABILITY TO LIVE LIFE IN "RESURRECTION POWER."
I.
The CONTENT of Paul's General Command to the Philippians, which He Repeated for
Their Spiritual Safety, was that They Rejoice in the Lord, (1).
A. The Content of Paul's Command to the Philippians was that They Rejoice
in The Lord.
B. The Purpose for which Paul Repeated the Command "Rejoice in the Lord" was
because the Philippians needed the Spiritual Safeguard.
II. The CONTENT of Paul's Specific Command to the Philippians, since They were Properly
Related to God, was that They Watch Out for "Works Salvation" Theologians, (2-4a).
A. The Content of Paul's Specific Command to the Philippians was that They Watch Out
for "Works Salvation" Theologians, (2)
B. The Reason the Philippians were to Watch Out for "Works Salvation" Theologians,
according to Paul's Command, was because The Philippians were Properly Related to
God, (3).
C. The One with the Most Cause to Trust a "Works Salvation" was Paul, (4a).
III. The REASONS Paul had More Cause to Trust a "Works Salvation" than Any Other
Person were because of His Religious Inheritance and His Religious Achievements,
(4b-6).
A. A Reason Paul had More Cause to Trust a "Works Salvation" than Any Other Person
was because of His Religious Inheritance, (4b-5a).
B. Another Reason Paul had More Cause to Trust a "Works Salvation" than Any Other
Person was because of His Religious Achievements, (5b-6).
IV. The PURPOSE for which Paul Considered All His Religious Inheritance and
Achievements Worthless was so that He Might Gain Christ, (7-8).
A. The Basis on which Paul Had in the Past Considered His Former Religious Gains as
Loss was Christ, (7).
B. The Basis on which Paul Presently Considered All Things as Comparative Loss was
The Excellency of Knowing Christ Jesus His Lord, (8a).
C. The Purpose for which Paul Continued to Consider All Things as a Loss to be
Suffered was so that He Might Gain Christ, (8b).
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V. The ESSENCE of "Gaining Christ," as Paul expressed His Desire to the Philippians,
Included a Divine Righteousness Based on Faith In Christ, an Experiential
Knowledge of Becoming More Like Christ, and the Ability to Live Life in
"Resurrection Power," (9-11).
A. The Essence of "Gaining Christ," as Paul expressed His Desire to the Philippians,
Provided A Divine Righteousness Based, not on the Law, but on Faith In Christ, (9).
B. The Essence of "Gaining Christ," as Paul expressed His Desire to the Philippians,
Provided An Experiential Knowledge of Becoming More Like Christ, (10).
C. The Essence of "Gaining Christ," as Paul expressed His Desire to the Philippians,
Provided The Ability to Live Life in "Resurrection Power," (11).
VI. The PURPOSE for which Paul Continued to Pursue Fully Knowing Christ,
as He
Acknowledged to The Philippians, was So That He Might Apprehend The Full Salvation
for which Jesus Christ Had Apprehended Him, (12-13a).
A. The Content of Paul's Acknowledgment to The Philippians was that He Had Not Yet
Experienced Fully Knowing Christ, (12a).
B. The Content of Paul's Acknowledgment to the Philippians was that He Had Not Yet
Been Spiritually Perfected, (12b).
C. The Purpose for which Paul Continued to Pursue Fully Knowing Christ, as He
Acknowledged to The Philippians, was So That He Might Apprehend The Full
Salvation for which Jesus Christ Had Apprehended Him, (12c).
D. The Content of Paul's Acknowledgment to The Philippians was that He Did Not
Consider Himself to Have Attained Fully Knowing Christ, (13a).
VII. The Singular GOAL toward which Paul Continued to Pursue Fully Knowing Christ, as
He Reported to the Philippians, by Means of Forgetting the Past and Striving Forward, was
To Experience Christlikeness, (13b-14).
A. The Goal of Paul's Life was Singular, (13b).
B. The Means by which Paul Continued to Pursue His Goal of Christlikeness was by
Forgetting the Past, (13c).
C. The Means by which Paul Continued to Pursue His Goal of Christlikeness was by
Striving Forward, (13d).
D. The Goal toward which Paul Continued to Pursue Fully Knowing Christ, was to
Experience Christlikeness, (14).
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THEOLOGICAL
(What it means for God’s People . . . ALWAYS)
FAITH IN CHRIST ALONE (WITHOUT WORKS)
PRODUCES RIGHTEOUSNESS AND CHRISTLIKENESS.
I.
II.
III.
IV.
KNOWING THE LORD GIVES BELIEVERS CAUSE FOR REJOICING, (1).
REJOICING BELIEVERS REJECT ANY SALVATION BY WORKS, (3-4).
ANYONE WHO KNOWS CHRIST CONSIDERS WORKS VALUELESS, (4-8).
ANYONE WHO KNOWS CHRIST ENJOYS RIGHTEOUSNESS BY FAITH,
EXPERIENCES BECOMING MORE LIKE CHRIST, AND EXERCISES RESURRECTION
POWER, (9-11).
V. NO ONE IN THIS LIFE ENJOYS SPIRITUAL PERFECTION, (12a, 13a).
VI. ANYONE PURSUING CHRIST ENJOYS SPIRITUAL PROGRESS, (12c, 13b- 14).
PEDAGOGICAL
(What it means us . . . NOW
INJOY THE JOURNEY OF CHRISTIAN MATURITY.
(A Fully Developing Following of Christ . . .
Enjoys the Process.)
I.
GOOD WORKS WON'T MAKE YOU SPIRITUAL, (1-3).
A. THE ONLY WAY TO REJOICE IS "IN THE LORD,” (1).
B. BEWARE OF THE "WORKS SALVATION" PROPONENTS, (2-3).
C. DON'T TRUST IN WORKS TO MAKE YOU SPIRITUAL.
II. RELIGION WON'T MAKE YOU SPIRITUAL, (4-6).
A. RELIGIOUS INHERITANCE MEANS NOTHING, (4-5b).
B. RELIGIOUS ACHIEVEMENT MEANS NOTHING, (5c-6).
C. DON’T TRUST IN RELIGION TO MAKE YOU SPIRITUAL.
III. ONLY JESUS CHRIST CAN MAKE YOU SPIRITUAL, (7-14).
A. ABANDON YOUR OLD CREDENTIALS, (7-8).
A. APPEAL TO CHRIST ALONE, (9).
B. ADVANCE IN CHRISTLIKENESS, (10-14).
1. CHRISTLIKE MATURITY SHOULD BE YOUR GOAL, (10-11).
2. CHRISTLIKE MATURITY CANNOT YET BE ATTAINED, (12a, 13a).
3. CHRISTLIKE MATURITY IS A JOURNEY YOU TAKE, (12b, 13b-14).
C. INJOY THE JOURNEY OF CHRISTIAN MATURITY.
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Daily Devotionals
Philippians: InJoying Sacrificial Service
July 13/14, 2002
Monday – Read Philippians 3:1-14



There is another threat to the Church at Philippi, which is revealed in this passage.
What is that threat?
Paul warns the church in vs. 2-3 against what group of people?
What group of people would be most impressed by Paul’s spiritual pedigree in vs. 5-6?
Tuesday – Read Philippians 3:1-14


What did Paul mean by “those mutilators of the flesh”? In what sense is “flesh” used
in vs. 2? In what sense is it used in vs. 3?
Paul contrasts Christians as the “true circumcision”. What three characteristics set
them off from Paul’s opponents?
Wednesday – Read Philippians 3:1-14



Why do you think Paul cites his religious pedigree?
He calls these elements of his religious pedigree “loss” and “rubbish”. How can his
righteous upbringing be considered “loss” rather than just “rubbish”? How did it hinder
him?
Paul is stirred up as he writes this part of the letter. We are at the very core of his
belief system. Paul contrasts two kings of righteousness. Describe how each type of
righteousness is obtained.
Thursday – Read Philippians 3:1-14


Paul lists four intense desires in vs. 10-11. What are they? How are they obtained?
Paul desired to become like Jesus in his death (vs. 10). How does this desire affect
his obedience to Christ with what he is facing in prison at Rome?
Friday – Read Philippians 3:1-14



How can legalists in your congregation have the same deadly effect on the Christian
faith as the “circumcision party” threatened to have at the Church in Philippi? Why are
these kinds of people such difficult opponents?
Paul speaks of “the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose
sake I have lost all things” (vs. 8). What had Paul lost? What have you lost in order to
follow Christ?
What might you have to leave behind in order to love Jesus and desire Him with the
same intensity as Paul? What keeps you from full obedience?
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