250810_Philippians_3_1-11.pdf

of the Sermon**

In this sermon, we explored the idea of our “resume”—not just in the sense of jobs or achievements, but as a metaphor for what we rely on to give us value, significance, and acceptance, especially before God. Drawing from Philippians 3, we saw how Paul lays out his own impressive spiritual and religious resume, only to declare it all worthless compared to knowing Christ. The real danger, Paul says, isn’t just our failures or sins, but the temptation to trust in our own goodness, achievements, or religious pedigree for our righteousness. Instead, true righteousness and lasting value come only through faith in Jesus—his work, not ours. We were challenged to examine what we’re really trusting in, and to rejoice in the surpassing worth of knowing Christ, letting go of anything else we might be tempted to put on our “spiritual resume.”

**K

Key Takeaways

• 1. The Danger of a Good Resume Often, we think our main problem before God is our failures or sins, but Paul warns that our strengths and achievements can be an even greater danger. When we trust in our own goodness, religious activity, or spiritual pedigree, we subtly shift our hope away from Christ. The things that make us look impressive to others can actually keep us from experiencing the grace of God. True spiritual safety comes not from building a better resume, but from letting go of it entirely.
• 2. Rejoicing in the Lord as a Safeguard Paul repeats the call to “rejoice in the Lord” because it protects us from finding our deepest joy and identity in anything else. When our value is rooted in Christ, we are less shaken by the ups and downs of life, criticism, or loss. This kind of joy is not about ignoring suffering, but about knowing we are “in the Lord”—secure, loved, and accepted because of Jesus. Rejoicing in him is a spiritual discipline that keeps our hearts anchored in what truly matters.
• 3. The Subtlety of Self-Reliance Even if we know the gospel, there is something deep in us that wants to contribute, to earn, to be in control. We may not be tempted by ancient Jewish laws, but we are constantly tempted to find our worth in our work, our family, our service, or our reputation. It’s often only when these things are threatened or taken away that we realize how much we were relying on them. The gospel calls us to a radical trust in Christ alone, which is both humbling and freeing.
• 4. Letting Go to Be Rescued The image of the swimmer weighed down by medals and trophies is a powerful reminder: our achievements, no matter how impressive, cannot save us. In fact, they can drag us down if we cling to them for our identity or hope. The only way to be rescued is to let go—to drop what we’re holding and receive the rescue that only Jesus offers. This is not a one-time act, but a daily posture of surrender and faith.
• 5. The Surpassing Worth of Knowing Christ Paul’s testimony from prison shows us that everything else—status, success, even good things like family or ministry—pales in comparison to knowing Jesus. When all else is stripped away, Christ remains, and in him we have everything we need. The invitation is not just to believe in Christ, but to know him deeply: to share in his sufferings, to experience his resurrection power, and to find our ultimate hope in him. This is the foundation that cannot be shaken, no matter what life brings.

1. What kind of “resume” does Paul list in verses 4-6? What are some of the things he could have been proud of?
2. According to Paul, what does he now think of all his achievements and religious credentials (verses 7-8)?
3. In verse 3, Paul describes true believers as those who “boast in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh.” What does he mean by “the flesh” here?
4. What does Paul say is the only way to have true righteousness before God (verses 8-9)?

1. Why does Paul see trusting in his own achievements or background as a danger, not just a neutral thing?
2. The sermon talked about the “subtlety of self-reliance.” In what ways can even good things (like family, work, or ministry) become things we rely on for our value or identity?
3. Paul says he considers everything “garbage” compared to knowing Christ. What does this reveal about what he values most, especially considering his situation in prison?
4. How does “rejoicing in the Lord” act as a safeguard for our hearts, according to both Paul and the sermon?

1. If you had to write a “spiritual resume” of what makes you feel valuable or accepted—before God or others—what would be on it? Are there things you’re tempted to trust in besides Jesus?
2. The sermon used the image of a swimmer weighed down by medals and trophies. What are some “medals” or “trophies” in your life that you might be clinging to for your sense of worth or security?
3. When something you value (like work, family, reputation, or even church involvement) is threatened or taken away, how does it affect your sense of identity or peace? Can you think of a recent example?
4. The sermon said that “rejoicing in the Lord” is a spiritual discipline that keeps us anchored. What are some practical ways you could practice rejoicing in Christ this week, especially when life is hard?
5. Are there areas where you find it hard to let go of control and trust Jesus fully? What would it look like to “let go” in those areas?
6. Paul says he wants to “know Christ” and “the power of his resurrection” even in suffering. How might knowing Jesus in a deeper way change the way you face challenges or disappointments?
7. What is one specific step you could take this week to shift your trust from your own achievements or status to the “surpassing worth of knowing Christ”?