Confidence in Christ: The True Path to Salvation
Summary
### Summary
Today, we delved into Philippians 3:1-11, focusing on the profound question: "If you died right now and stood before Jesus, would you be welcomed into heaven?" This question is not just about a simple yes or no but about understanding the foundation of our faith and confidence in salvation. Paul, in his letter to the Philippians, emphasizes that our confidence should not be in our flesh or our works but solely in Jesus Christ. He warns against false teachers who advocate for righteousness through law-keeping and rituals, reminding us that true believers worship by the Spirit of God and boast in Christ alone.
Paul shares his own journey, listing his impressive religious credentials and achievements, which he once considered gains. However, after encountering Christ, he realized that all these were worthless compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Jesus. He counted them as rubbish, emphasizing that righteousness comes through faith in Christ, not through our own efforts. This transformative understanding led Paul to desire to know Christ more deeply, even to the point of sharing in His sufferings and becoming like Him in His death, with the hope of attaining the resurrection from the dead.
The sermon concluded with a call to examine our own lives and where we place our confidence. Are we relying on our works, our religious activities, or are we fully trusting in Jesus? The act of communion was highlighted as a powerful reminder of Christ's sacrifice and our need to continually place our faith in Him alone.
### Key Takeaways
1. True Confidence in Christ Alone: Paul warns against placing confidence in the flesh, which includes our own efforts, religious rituals, and achievements. True confidence and righteousness come only through faith in Jesus Christ. This is a foundational truth that shifts our focus from self-reliance to complete dependence on Christ. [50:27]
2. The Worth of Knowing Christ: Paul considered all his previous gains and achievements as loss compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus. This profound realization calls us to evaluate what we value most in life and to prioritize our relationship with Jesus above all else. [51:58]
3. Transformation Through Encountering Jesus: Paul's life was radically transformed after his encounter with Jesus. This transformation is available to all who place their faith in Christ, leading to a new life marked by a deep, personal relationship with Him and a desire to become more like Him. [55:09]
4. The Futility of Self-Righteousness: Our own efforts to achieve righteousness are like filthy rags before God. True righteousness is a gift from God that comes through faith in Jesus. This humbling truth reminds us that we cannot earn our way to heaven; it is only through Christ's sacrifice that we are made righteous. [59:46]
5. Communion as a Reminder of Christ's Sacrifice: The act of communion is a powerful reminder of Jesus' body broken and His blood shed for us. It calls us to remember and renew our confidence in His sacrifice, ensuring that our faith remains firmly rooted in Him alone. [01:37:03]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[16:37] - Introduction and Announcements
[17:14] - Inside Connection Class
[18:13] - Family Camp Registration
[19:03] - Women's Ministry Event
[19:36] - Worship and Prayer
[45:49] - Scripture Reading: Philippians 3:1-11
[47:04] - The Critical Question: Are You Saved?
[48:40] - Understanding Faith in Jesus
[50:27] - Warning Against False Teachers
[51:58] - Paul's Religious Credentials
[55:09] - The Worth of Knowing Christ
[59:46] - The Futility of Self-Righteousness
[01:01:30] - Illustration: The Bridge to God
[01:03:09] - The Separation Caused by Sin
[01:07:07] - God's Holiness and Our Sin
[01:08:52] - Building a Bridge Through Works
[01:15:57] - Jesus: The Only Way to God
[01:22:07] - Paul's Transformation
[01:27:18] - Knowing Jesus Personally
[01:29:09] - Jettisoning Self-Righteousness
[01:37:03] - Communion: Remembering Christ's Sacrifice
[01:51:48] - Closing Prayer and Benediction
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
- Philippians 3:1-11
### Observation Questions
1. What does Paul warn the Philippians about in Philippians 3:2? How does he describe these false teachers? [50:27]
2. According to Philippians 3:4-6, what were some of Paul's religious credentials and achievements before he encountered Christ? [51:58]
3. In Philippians 3:7-8, how does Paul describe his previous gains and achievements after knowing Christ? [55:09]
4. What does Paul say is the source of true righteousness in Philippians 3:9? [59:46]
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Paul consider his religious credentials and achievements as "rubbish" compared to knowing Christ? How does this perspective challenge common views on religious accomplishments? [55:09]
2. What does it mean to "worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus" as mentioned in Philippians 3:3? How does this contrast with placing confidence in the flesh? [50:27]
3. How does Paul's desire to "know Christ and the power of His resurrection" (Philippians 3:10) influence his view on suffering and becoming like Christ in His death? [59:46]
4. How does the act of communion serve as a reminder of Christ's sacrifice and our need to place our faith in Him alone? [01:37:03]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life: Are there any religious activities or personal achievements you have been placing your confidence in instead of Christ? How can you shift your focus to rely solely on Jesus? [47:04]
2. Paul speaks about the surpassing worth of knowing Christ. What practical steps can you take this week to deepen your relationship with Jesus and prioritize Him above all else? [51:58]
3. How can you identify and guard against false teachings that promote self-righteousness or reliance on religious rituals? What are some ways you can help others in your community to do the same? [50:27]
4. In what ways can you share in Christ's sufferings and become more like Him in your daily life? How does this perspective change your approach to challenges and hardships? [59:46]
5. During communion, we remember Christ's sacrifice. How can you make this act more meaningful in your personal spiritual practice? What specific thoughts or prayers can you focus on during communion to renew your confidence in Christ? [01:37:03]
6. Think about a time when you relied on your own efforts to achieve righteousness. How did that experience compare to relying on Christ's righteousness? What did you learn from that experience? [59:46]
7. How can you encourage others in your small group or church community to place their faith in Christ alone and not in their own works? What are some practical ways to support each other in this journey? [55:09]
Devotional
Day 1: True Confidence in Christ Alone
True confidence and righteousness come only through faith in Jesus Christ. Paul warns against placing confidence in the flesh, which includes our own efforts, religious rituals, and achievements. He emphasizes that true believers worship by the Spirit of God and boast in Christ alone. This foundational truth shifts our focus from self-reliance to complete dependence on Christ. Paul’s own journey illustrates this shift, as he once took pride in his religious credentials but later counted them as worthless compared to knowing Jesus. This calls us to examine where we place our confidence and to ensure it is firmly rooted in Christ.
Philippians 3:3-4 (ESV): "For we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh—though I myself have reason for confidence in the flesh also. If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more."
Reflection: Are there areas in your life where you are relying on your own efforts or achievements for a sense of righteousness? How can you shift your confidence to be fully in Christ today? [50:27]
Day 2: The Worth of Knowing Christ
Paul considered all his previous gains and achievements as loss compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus. This profound realization calls us to evaluate what we value most in life and to prioritize our relationship with Jesus above all else. Knowing Christ is not just an intellectual exercise but a deep, personal relationship that transforms our lives. Paul’s encounter with Jesus led him to see everything else as rubbish in comparison. This challenges us to reassess our priorities and to seek a deeper, more intimate relationship with Jesus.
Philippians 3:7-8 (ESV): "But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ."
Reflection: What are the things in your life that you consider gains? How can you reframe your perspective to see the surpassing worth of knowing Christ above all else? [51:58]
Day 3: Transformation Through Encountering Jesus
Paul's life was radically transformed after his encounter with Jesus. This transformation is available to all who place their faith in Christ, leading to a new life marked by a deep, personal relationship with Him and a desire to become more like Him. Paul’s transformation was not just a change in behavior but a complete reorientation of his life’s purpose and values. This same transformative power is available to us when we encounter Jesus and allow Him to work in our lives.
2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV): "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."
Reflection: Reflect on your own journey with Jesus. How has your life been transformed by encountering Him? What areas of your life still need His transformative power? [55:09]
Day 4: The Futility of Self-Righteousness
Our own efforts to achieve righteousness are like filthy rags before God. True righteousness is a gift from God that comes through faith in Jesus. This humbling truth reminds us that we cannot earn our way to heaven; it is only through Christ's sacrifice that we are made righteous. Paul’s realization of the futility of his self-righteousness led him to fully depend on Christ’s righteousness. This calls us to abandon any reliance on our own efforts and to embrace the righteousness that comes through faith in Jesus.
Isaiah 64:6 (ESV): "We have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment. We all fade like a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away."
Reflection: Are there ways in which you are still trying to earn God’s favor through your own efforts? How can you fully embrace the righteousness that comes through faith in Jesus? [59:46]
Day 5: Communion as a Reminder of Christ's Sacrifice
The act of communion is a powerful reminder of Jesus' body broken and His blood shed for us. It calls us to remember and renew our confidence in His sacrifice, ensuring that our faith remains firmly rooted in Him alone. Communion is not just a ritual but a profound act of worship that brings us back to the core of our faith: Christ’s sacrifice for our salvation. It is a time to reflect on His love and to recommit ourselves to living in the light of His grace.
1 Corinthians 11:24-25 (ESV): "And when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, 'This is my body which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.' In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.'"
Reflection: As you participate in communion, take time to reflect on Christ’s sacrifice. How does this act of remembrance deepen your faith and commitment to Him? [01:37:03]
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "We do believe that church and what God has for us is a place of worship. What God has for us is more than just a Sunday, and so we'd love to connect with you, get to know you a little bit more, pray for you, and also help you see how you might be able to get connected in this body." [16:37] (11 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "How good is it that we get to hear from God through his word? We don't have to wonder, God, do you speak to us? God, who are you? How do I know you? We open his word to us and we get the opportunity to hear from them. Isn't that a blessing?" [45:49] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you is no trouble to me and it is safe for you. Look out for the dogs, look out for the evildoers, look out for those who mutilate the flesh, for we are the circumcision who worship by the Spirit of God in glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh." [50:27] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "God is the one that we should find our complete joy and satisfaction and everything in our life should flow out of that. Rejoice in the Lord and Paul wants to point them to this because he he's about to remind them of some really vital truths and some ways that people try to get off of that truth as far as rejoicing or finding joy and satisfaction in God." [55:09] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Jesus Christ came to us. We couldn't go to him, but he came to us. He came over to our side. He came to this earth. He took on flesh. Jesus Christ came to this earth in the form of a servant, as a man. And it said when he was found in human form, he became obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross." [01:23:49] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "The question that I want to ask you... if you died right now and stood before Jesus, would you be welcomed into heaven and not just a yes or no I also want you to think about why and that really is what I would challenge you right now... why if you believe that you would be welcomed into heaven why." [47:04] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Paul states that we the true believers are the circumcision not those who happen to be born of Jewish parents who have literally been prophets nothing that man can do nothing in his own strength to win God's smile of approval we are the circumcision of God why can Paul say that he can say that not because of what he had done but because of what Jesus has done." [01:01:30] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Paul said these things that he once had put his trust in and confidence in, he worked so hard for, they were trash. Why? In comparison of knowing Christ, right? What changed in Paul? Man, Paul found a treasure worth more than anything. He found a treasure worth more than anything. Jesus Christ. Knowing him radically changed Paul. The worth of knowing Jesus. That's what he said. Knowing Jesus was all Paul needed." [01:21:18] (52 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Paul knew Jesus. That's what the Greek word is communicating. This Greek word to know. Knowing Jesus. It's gnosis. This kind of knowledge is not just a personal knowledge, but it, or I'm sorry, it's not just a intellectual knowledge. It's not just that I know things about Jesus. It's that I know Jesus." [01:27:18] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Paul put them in the trash and regarded them as rubbish. And no longer were these works his confidence, but only faith in Jesus Christ. That's what he says. The righteousness from God that depends on faith. How are you going to please God if you don't have faith in him? This is what Hebrews says. Without faith, it's impossible to please God." [01:29:09] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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