Lesson 4:
Christ is Everything (Phil 3:1–4:3)
Story-Telling…
What was one thing you wanted very badly and how did you go about achieving it?
In this passage, Paul’s concern is with the Philippians’ relationship with Christ and how it may be affected by
their suffering and the temptation to be religious. He presents his story as an example on what living a
crucified life means and to pursue what really matters.
Digging into the Word…
Read Philippians 3:1-3
Paul begins this portion with a warning on the false teachings of the Judaizers, as he has often done so [v. 1],
but there is no reason from the language to indicate that these false teachings have taken hold as in the
Galatian Church. The Judaizers are his enemies and his concern for the Philippians’ relationship with God
and their mutual friendship move him to exhort them to adopt a similar stance.
1.
What was the motivation of the Judaizers? (Gal 6:12-15)
They were Jewish Christians who were preaching a corruption of the gospel of grace, that it was not
enough for Gentiles to be saved by faith in Christ alone, but that they had to become like Jews through
Law observance and circumcision to be saved. However, they were not really interested in the salvation of
their hearers, instead they were avoiding persecution by keeping their Jewish identity (Judaism was a
recognized religion in the empire); to boast in the success of their ministry (measured by the number of
Gentiles persuaded to be circumcised); and to appear religious while leading a hypocritical life. They were
the epitome of “selfish ambition”; “vain conceit”; and looked only to their own interests [2:3-4]. Thus Paul
was warning the Philippians not to be tempted to be outwardly religious to impress others and so become
like the Judaizers. He will then proceed to share his life as an example for them to emulate.
2. How are true believers different from them?
A sentence packed with theological implications, Paul points out that true believers are people who:
Have circumcised hearts (Rom 2:29, Deu 30:6): Not only Jews but Gentiles together, living a life of godliness,
not in adherence to tradition without a change of heart.
Worship (“Minister”) by the Spirit of God: Denotes the priestly service of believers who are devoted to God
by living in the Spirit.
Glory in Christ Jesus [Jer 9:23-26]: Putting one’s full confidence and trust in Christ, not human strength,
wisdom or wealth, thus glorying in Him.
Put no confidence in the flesh [Gal 3:2-3]: Flesh signifies the former life before Christ and the implication for
Gentiles undergoing circumcision is the rejection of Christ for their own human effort for attaining
righteousness, which is essentially spiritual suicide. We are to live by the Spirit and not by the flesh.
Read Philippians 3:4-14
3.
Why does Paul reject his past achievements? (vv. 4-6)
Paul was essentially telling the Philippians that if anyone wanted to “play church” by being religious so that
they would look holy and be admired, he would beat them all. But he says “he’s been there and done
that” and it did not do him any good (which he will go on to explain) because it only resulted in spiritual
pride and a false sense of righteousness, and did not bring him the satisfaction and true righteousness he
now has in Christ. Likewise, the Philippians should abandon any desire to be religious (Law observance and
circumcision) to “score points” with God and look good before men.
4. What does Paul mean by “Knowing Christ”? (vv. 7-11)
To know Christ is not merely having head knowledge about Him, but to know Him in a personal and
relational way. It is akin to a relationship between a child and parent or a husband and wife, based on
personal experience and intimacy. Thus, Paul urges the believers to single-mindedly pursue Christ by
imitating His life [2:5-11] by:
© R-AGE YA Ministry
1
Leader’s Notes
Lesson 4: Christ is Everything
Philippians 3:1–4:3
Realigning one’s goal to Christ’s [vv. 7-8a]
Not only does Paul reject religious observance as a pursuit, he then expands “loss” to include everything
else (material wealth, honor, power, religious standing, comforts, happiness, health, etc) and counts all
these as unimportant because of (not “compared to” in the NIV) the far surpassing value of knowing Christ.
Paul then implies that to gain Christ, one has to view the things one valued as excrement and street trash.
Living a crucified life [v. 10]
Knowing Christ begins with Paul embracing Christ’s resurrection power (rather than his own means) as it
guarantees his resurrection and this empowers Paul to endure current suffering enabling him to rejoice in
the Lord. Knowing Christ also involves suffering like Christ. Like Christ who suffered on behalf of the world He
loved, Paul suffers for the world as a witness for Christ’s suffering and death for them, thereby “becoming
like Him in His death”. And as Christ suffering led to His death resurrection, this will be the result of Paul’s
suffering. Thus through Christ’s power, it empowers Paul to suffer for Christ and to be certain of his hope for
resurrection. This is the reason he rejoices constantly [1:29-30, 2:17-18, 3:1], not about the suffering, but it as
evidence of his intimate relationship with God.
5.
What is the “prize” that Paul is straining towards? (vv. 12-14)
Paul knows however, that he has not yet reached the final goal and so strains like a runner to win the prize.
The prize is not heaven or reward but Christ himself - the complete knowledge of Christ in His presence. Paul
is reminding them and us not to be distracted by the realities of the present but to be driven by an eternal
perspective. This helps us stay the course when tempted to pursue any path other than God’s
(perseverance); to rejoice in the midst of suffering [v.1]; and to resist illusory sinful pleasures. Thus we are to
vigorously pursue the final act in God’s plan of redemption for our lives when we will be made perfect and
will be able to enjoy true union and intimacy with God. We are to keep our eyes on the prize as we run the
race of life that we may finish well.
Read Philippians 3:15–4:3
6.
What was Paul’s desire for the Philippians after sharing his story? (3:15–4:3)
-
That they would be like-minded and put it into practice by imitating him, and therefore Christ [vv. 15-17]
They would eager wait for the Saviour, remember their identity as citizens of heaven and to live likewise
and not conform to the pattern of this world. The Greek word translated “wait for” denotes a waiting
that is eager and intense; it means “expect anxiously”. [vv. 18-22]
To stand firm as one body. [4:1]
Again through the singling out of 2 key leaders, Paul renews his call for unity within the Church, as a
practical application of all that he has exhorted them to do. [4:2]
-
Concluding thoughts…..
Christ who showed us that God’s nature was one of humility, obedience and love. Paul instructs us to follow
his example, which is modeled on Christ, to submit to God’s will for our lives no matter how difficult it may
get. While we may not experience persecution or literal death, we are to reject the postmodern influences
of individualism, materialism etc. and to die to our desires and live for God’s purposes. This means devoting
our lives and energy to growing in our relationship with God and to make Him known.
Take time to reflect on what is the primary pursuit of your life. After today’s lesson, what adjustment do you
need to make to your pursuit, if any? Share with the group.
© R-AGE YA Ministry
2
Leader’s Notes
Lesson 4:
Christ is Everything (Phil 3:1–4:3)
Story-Telling…
What was one thing you wanted very badly and how did you go about achieving it?
In this passage, Paul’s concern is with the Philippians’ relationship with Christ and how it may be affected by
their suffering and the temptation to be religious. He presents his story as an example on what living a
crucified life means and to pursue what really matters.
Digging into the Word…
Read Philippians 3:1-3
Paul begins this portion with a warning on the false teachings of the Judaizers, as he has often done so [v. 1],
but there is no reason from the language to indicate that these false teachings have taken hold as in the
Galatian Church. The Judaizers are his enemies and his concern for the Philippians’ relationship with God
and their mutual friendship move him to exhort them to adopt a similar stance.
1.
What was the motivation of the Judaizers? (Gal 6:12-15)
2. How are true believers different from them?
Read Philippians 3:4-14
3.
Why does Paul reject his past achievements? (vv. 4-6)
© R-AGE YA Ministry
1
Member’s Notes
Lesson 4: Christ is Everything
Philippians 3:1–4:3
4. What does Paul mean by “Knowing Christ”? (vv. 7-11)
5.
What is the “prize” that Paul is straining towards? (vv. 12-14)
Read Philippians 3:15–4:3
6.
What was Paul’s desire for the Philippians after sharing his story? (3:15–4:3)
Concluding thoughts…..
Christ who showed us that God’s nature was one of humility, obedience and love. Paul instructs us to follow
his example, which is modeled on Christ, to submit to God’s will for our lives no matter how difficult it may
get. While we may not experience persecution or literal death, we are to reject the postmodern influences
of individualism, materialism etc. and to die to our desires and live for God’s purposes. This means devoting
our lives and energy to growing in our relationship with God and to make Him known.
Take time to reflect on what is the primary pursuit of your life. After today’s lesson, what adjustment do you
need to make to your pursuit, if any? Share with the group.
© R-AGE YA Ministry
2
Member’s Notes