Unit 2 LESSON 10

November 9, 2025

Study Text: Philippians 3:1-21- 4:8-20

Central Truth: Christians should be motivated by God's values, not the world's values.

     KEY VERSE--Philippians 3:13-14 Forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus (KJV)

Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. (NLT)

LET'S GET STARTED

Goals help us evaluate whether our achievements match our values. By setting goals and, measuring our progress toward them, we're more likely to succeed. Paul compared the Christian life to a race toward "the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us" (Philippians 3:14). The closer we draw to God, the more we will be motivated by what He values rather than what the world values. Paul warned his friends not to lose their focus on the main goal: receiving their heavenly prize. He used himself as an example to show the foolishness of pursuing what the world considers valuable. The thing that matters most is being made right with God through our faith in Jesus.

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PART 1- Righteous through Jesus Alone

The Worthless of Human Effort             Philippians 3:1-6

Philippians 3 begins with Paul's reminder to "rejoice in the Lord" (verse 1). He was setting up a contrast between people who rejoice in the Lord and people who rejoice in their own human accomplishments. Paul used strong terms to solemnly warn the Philippian believers to keep their distance from legalistic teachers. (1). Dogs. This term cast reproach on the false teachers infiltrating the church. (2). People who do evil. The false teachers were zealous and active, claiming to be spiritual leaders, even apostles. But their goals would tear down the fellowship, not build it up. They robbed people of the blessing of God's grace. (3). Mutilators. The false teachers were Jewish converts who expected Gentile converts to add the existing Jewish law faith in Jesus. Paul saw the danger in this legalism. The ones who were "truly circumcised" were those who worshipped by the Spirit of God and relied on what Jesus had done for them. They "put no confidence in human effort." We must analyze every teaching, comparing what people say with what God has said in His Word. If any message rxalts human effort or contradicts the gospel, we must reject it.

DISCUSS?  Why are people so tempted to earn favor with God through human effort?

The Infinite Value of Knowing Christ                   Philippians 3:7-11

After Paul's conversion, Paul's life was consumed with pursuing a deeper knowledge of Jesus as Lord. Whatever he gave up to pursue Jesus was more than repaid by God's grace. Right standing with God is based on faith, not human effort. Paul's dependence on Jesus helped him maintain focus on eternity (verses 10-11). (1). "I want to know Christ." Paul wasn't satisfied with knowing about Jesus. He wanted to get to know Jesus better (2). I want to "experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead." Paul wanted to live in the power of the Holy Spirit--the One who raised Jesus from the dead (Romans 8:2,11), (3). "I want to suffer with him. Suffering for Jesus was not something to be avoided from Paul's point of view. (4). I want to "experience the resurrection form the dead." Not even death could dissuade Paul from following Jesus, In fact, it would allow Paul to see him face-to-face.

 Discuss?  Evaluate how clearly each of the four "I want" statement is reflected in the way you live. What changes might be necessary?

Part 2-- The Heavenly Prize

                         Press On           Philippians 3:12-14                   

Paul knwe he had not yet achieved his ultimate goal. Instead, he described himself as an athlete pushing toward the finish line. Following Jesus is a lifelong endeavor. We will only have finished the race when we see Him in eternity. Pau's ongoing desire to press forward and grow closer to Jesus kept him from looking back over his past accomplishments. He was too busy moving ahead to get caught up in what lay behind. The same is true when we are passionately pursuing Jesus. Even if we have managed to accomplish great things for Him in the past, we fix our eyes on the future and continue to obediently follow Him day by day. PRESS ON!

DISCUSS? How can we stay passionate about growing closer to Jesus.

Hold On                  Philippians 3:15-21

Continually growing closer to Jesus is a mark of "all who are spiritually mature" (Philippians 3:15). Not letting go of the progress we've made, we keep moving in the same direction--toward the Christlike perfection we will only achieve when Jesus returns. Paul also dealt with another false teaching that was invading the church. Antinomianism (which means: against law:) held that since salvation comes by grace, believers were free to behave however they wanted. By teaching people that a sinful lifestyle creates an avenue for demonstrating God's grace, they were contradicting the truth of God's Word. Paul explained that these false teachers were not headed for salvation, but for eternal destruction. They were indulging their appetites and worshipping themselves rather than God. As Christians, our primary focus should be our eternal home and the soon return of Jesus.. In the meantime, we should each evaluate our progress toward spiritual maturity. Press on toward the prize! Hold on until Jesus returns!

Discuss? How can Christians keep their focus on eternity while continuing to live and function in this world?

      Part 3- Contentment and Giving

        Content through Christ's Strength      Philippians 4:10-13

Philippians 4:10 marks Paul's transition to the final section of his letter.  In these verses, Paul thanks the believers for their financial support and assures them that he is content and "generously supplied" (verse 18) --even in prison. Paul explained to the Philippians that he had learned how to be content with whatever God provided (verses 11-12). Leaning on Jesus was the true secret Paul had learned. Through Jesus' strength, Paul could endure anything (verse 13). Only by learning the secret of contentment--finding joy in Jesus himself--can we be satisfied with whatever God has given us.

Discuss? Some people confuse contentment with laziness. How would you describe the difference between the two?

Generosity Pleases God                Philippians 4:14-20

Paul was grateful that the Philippians had obeyed God and been used by Him to provide for Paul (Philippians 4:14). The Philippian church supported Paul in the early days of his ministry (verse 15). In fact, they went beyond a one-time gift, providing him with continued i support during his second missionary journey (verse 16). Through their generous support of Paul's work, the Philippians had made the kind of ministry investment that would produce eternal dividends. Like them, we can participate in ministry and reap spiritual rewards when we give generously. As this letter draws to a close, Paul assures the Philippians, "I have all I   need--and more!" thanks to their generosity. Paul then reminded them that God would take care of their needs too (verse 19).

DISCUSS? In what ways does God supply your needs?

WHAT IS GOD SAYING TO US? 

Paul's athletic imagery can help us focus on our goal of growing closer to Jesus. The best athletes dedicate themselves completely to their sport. Everything else in their lives becomes secondary as they prepare to compete. Can we say the same of our relationship with Jesus? If our answer to this question is not what it should be now is the time to repent and refocus on our eternal goal.

LIVING IT OUT

Ask the Holy Spirit to search your heart and clarify your focus. Repent and make the changes He inspires you to make.

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               DAILY BIBLE READING

                                      Monday: Radical Obedience.  Gensis 6:13-22; Hebrews 11:7   

            Tuesday: Directed by God. Genesis18:16-19

               Wednesday: Unshakable Faith. Daniel 3:13-18

                   Thursday: Let Your Light Shine. Matthew 5:13-1

                               Friday: Witness without Fear. Matthew 10:17-20, 26-32

               Saturday: Walk in the Light. Ephesians 5:8-14  

Gospel Publishing House. 1445 N. Boonville Ave. Springfield, Missouri 65802 Volume 107 Number 1. Sep. Oct. Nov 2025