Praise be to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. Ephesians 1:3. For as many as are the promises of God, in Christ they are [all answered] “Yes.” So through Him we say our “Amen” to the glory of God. 2 Corinthians 1:20 To the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. Ephesians 1:6
Welcome back to Bible Study on Tuesday here at afaithtalk.com. I’m so glad you’re here. We’re in Philippians 3 today but before we start, let’s pray.
Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for this time, this day, these words, the wonder of You in all of this and the every second of every minute of every day invitation to follow You. For we know, this life here is the only chance we have to do so. So help us. In Your name, I pray. Amen.
I’m in the NIV except where I tell you otherwise, so if you have one, grab it, (or go here,) along with something to write with and something to write on.
Ready? Let’s go.
Read Philippians 3:1
No Confidence in the Flesh
I was having a discussion with my husband Saturday night about the same lesson each week. He leads Sunday school so he had asked me to help and all I have to say is the same thing I keep saying. Faith is Critical. God is coming. Rejoice, rejoice, rejoice. That is how Paul can also say “It’s no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safe guard for you.” Perhaps I should share that verse with him as proof there really is only one critical lesson to give. It’s like that song, “I love to tell The Story” because ‘those who know it best, are hungering and thirsting to hear it like the rest.’
Read Philippians 3:2-6
We with the Spirit, who have Christ Jesus with us and have no confidence in our flesh are the real church of Christ. Physical signs are worthless.
Read Philippians 3:7-9
Boy this several verses are chocked full of glory. Even Paul’s education, he counts as nothing compared to Christ. Do you know the surpassing worth of knowing Christ? What have you lost for his sake? Can you with Paul say “that I may gain Christ and be found in him, through the righteousness that comes through faith in Christ.”
Because yes, righteousness comes through faith. It’s a bit of a mystery, but when You trust in Christ and give your heart to Him, he replaces it with Himself and He is Righteous. It only comes from God on the basis of faith. See why I say faith is critical?
Read Philippians 3:10-12
Write out verses 10 and 11. And pray.
Father God, we ask for whatever it is You add to our faith so that we can know Christ, yes, to know what He has so graciously given us and to somehow through it all attain to the resurrection from the dead.
How? Press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of you. Why did He? Faith. It’s a John 6:37 statement. Press on means keep it, exercise it, work it, grow it.
Read Philippians 3:13-14
Forget the failure behind you, press on toward the goal to win the prize of Christ Jesus forever and ever. It is your faith that matters. Your faith is precious to God. He knows you. He is with you now and taking you to be with Him forever.
Read Philippians 3:15-16
Following Paul’s Example
Couldn’t have said that better myself.
Read Philippians 3:17
“Keep your eyes on those who live as we do.” Do you know someone who lives for Christ?
Read Philippians 3:18-19
Yes, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. That is why suffering is promised. This world is still fallen. But He will return and make it all new one day.
Read Philippians 3:20-21
Yes, that is the one we are waiting for. And Jesus has all authority in heaven and on earth forever and ever and ever. That promise, is conditional. It depends on your faith. Be certain that You know Him. Study. It’s critical and precious.
With eager anticipation is how we should be waiting. Faith can do that. This world as we know it will be completely made new along with us. So many promises, all are yes in Christ. In Christ means a real relationship with Him by faith in Him.
See you next week for chapter four. In the meantime, exercise your faith. Read Scriptures and do what they say. Trust Him. All for Him.
Thank You, Jesus. Amen.