Knowing Christ: Joy, Service, and Transformation

 

Summary

In our gathering today, we delve into the profound truths of Philippians chapter 3, where the Apostle Paul shares his heart and his journey of faith. We are reminded that our ultimate goal is to know Christ intimately, to experience the power of His resurrection, and to share in His sufferings, becoming like Him in His death.

Paul, once a man of high status and impeccable credentials, counted all his achievements as loss for the sake of Christ. He understood that true righteousness comes not from the law or human effort but through faith in Christ. This righteousness is not our own; it is given by God through faith. Paul's life exemplifies a transformation from self-reliance to complete dependence on Christ.

We are called to rejoice in the Lord, regardless of our circumstances. Joy is found not in our situations but in our unchanging Savior. Paul's repeated exhortations to rejoice are not born out of ease and comfort but out of trials and imprisonment. Yet, he finds joy in the Lord.

Our service to one another, whether through welcoming newcomers with a warm greeting or serving in children's ministry, is an expression of Christ's love. We are encouraged to find our place in the body of Christ, to serve and to influence others for the kingdom.

As we partake in the Lord's Supper, we remember Christ's sacrifice—His body broken and His blood shed for us. This act of remembrance is central to our faith, grounding us in the love and mercy of our Savior.

In summary, to know Christ is to embrace the life He gives, to walk through suffering with Him, and to be molded into His likeness. It is a journey of surrender, of letting go of our desires and allowing God to shape us. This is the heart of our message today.

Key Takeaways:

- Knowing Christ surpasses all earthly achievements and status. It is not about accumulating knowledge or accolades but about a deep, personal relationship with our Savior. This relationship is transformative, changing us from the inside out and redefining our values and priorities. [49:33]

- Joy in the Lord is a constant, regardless of our circumstances. It is a choice to focus on the unchanging nature of God rather than the transient nature of our situations. This joy is a testament to the hope we have in Christ, a hope that is steadfast and sure. [41:46]

- Service in the church is not just about fulfilling roles; it is about embodying the love and servanthood of Christ. When we serve, we are the hands and feet of Jesus, reaching out to others with His compassion and care. This service is an act of worship and a reflection of our gratitude for what Christ has done for us. [15:31]

- The Lord's Supper is a profound moment of reflection and gratitude. As we partake in this sacrament, we are reminded of the depth of Christ's love for us—His willingness to suffer and die so that we might live. This remembrance calls us to a deeper appreciation of the gospel and its impact on our lives. [01:03:28]

- The process of being conformed to Christ's image is both challenging and rewarding. It requires surrender, a willingness to let go of our plans and desires, and to trust in God's perfect design for our lives. As we yield to His molding, we become more like Christ, reflecting His love and grace to the world around us. [58:15]

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
- Philippians 3:1-11

#### Observation Questions
1. What does Paul mean when he says he counts all his achievements as loss for the sake of Christ? ([47:20])
2. How does Paul describe the source of true righteousness? ([50:13])
3. What is the significance of Paul’s repeated exhortation to "rejoice in the Lord"? ([41:46])
4. How does Paul’s imprisonment influence his message about joy and suffering? ([40:14])

#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Paul emphasize knowing Christ over his past achievements and status? ([48:02])
2. How does Paul’s understanding of joy differ from common perceptions of happiness? ([41:46])
3. What does it mean to share in Christ’s sufferings and become like Him in His death? ([51:13])
4. How does Paul’s transformation from self-reliance to dependence on Christ serve as a model for believers? ([50:13])

#### Application Questions
1. Paul found joy in the Lord despite his imprisonment. How can you find joy in difficult circumstances in your own life? ([41:46])
2. Reflect on your own achievements and status. Are there areas where you need to count them as loss for the sake of knowing Christ more deeply? ([47:20])
3. How can you actively choose to rejoice in the Lord this week, regardless of your circumstances? ([41:46])
4. In what ways can you serve others in your church community to embody the love and servanthood of Christ? ([15:31])
5. How does participating in the Lord’s Supper deepen your appreciation for Christ’s sacrifice? ([01:03:28])
6. What specific steps can you take to surrender your desires and allow God to shape you into Christ’s likeness? ([58:03])
7. Identify one area of your life where you need to let go of self-reliance and depend more on Christ. What practical steps can you take to make this change? ([50:13])

Devotional

Day 1: Intimacy with Christ Transforms Life
The pursuit of knowing Christ is the essence of Christian faith, surpassing all worldly achievements and status. This intimate relationship with our Savior is not about accumulating knowledge or accolades but about a deep, personal connection that transforms us from the inside out. As we grow closer to Christ, our values and priorities shift to align with His. This transformation is a journey of the heart, where we learn to let go of our self-reliance and embrace the life that He offers. Through this process, we become more like Him, reflecting His love and grace in every aspect of our lives. It is in this surrender that we find our true purpose and joy. [49:33]

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 is one aspect of your life where you can let go of self-reliance and instead seek to deepen your relationship with Christ today?

Day 2: Joy Unshaken by Circumstances
Joy in the Lord is a profound choice that remains constant, regardless of our circumstances. It is a deliberate focus on the unchanging nature of God rather than the transient nature of our situations. This joy is a testament to the hope we have in Christ, a hope that is steadfast and sure. Even in trials and imprisonment, Paul found joy in the Lord, teaching us that our contentment is not dependent on external factors but on our relationship with God. Choosing joy is an act of faith, affirming our trust in God's sovereignty and goodness. [41:46]

Habakkuk 3:17-18 (ESV)
"Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD; I will take joy in the God of my salvation."

Reflection: How can you choose joy in your current circumstances, focusing on God's unchanging nature rather than your situation?

Day 3: Service as Worship and Gratitude
Service in the church is not merely about fulfilling roles; it is an embodiment of the love and servanthood of Christ. When we serve others, we become the hands and feet of Jesus, reaching out with His compassion and care. This service is an act of worship and a reflection of our gratitude for what Christ has done for us. Whether it's through a warm greeting to newcomers or serving in children's ministry, our service is an expression of Christ's love and an influence for the kingdom. It is in these acts of service that we truly worship and show our thankfulness to God. [15:31]

1 Peter 4:10-11 (ESV)
"As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen."

Reflection: What is one way you can serve someone in your church or community this week as an act of worship and gratitude to Christ?

Day 4: Remembering Christ's Sacrifice
The Lord's Supper is a profound moment of reflection and gratitude, reminding us of Christ's sacrifice—His body broken and His blood shed for us. As we partake in this sacrament, we are called to a deeper appreciation of the gospel and its impact on our lives. This act of remembrance grounds us in the love and mercy of our Savior, and it calls us to live in response to His grace. It is a time to reflect on the depth of Christ's love for us and His willingness to suffer and die so that we might live. [01:03:28]

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 reflect on Christ's sacrifice, what is one way you can live out gratitude for His love and mercy in your daily life?

Day 5: Surrendering to God's Molding
The process of being conformed to Christ's image is both challenging and rewarding. It requires surrender, a willingness to let go of our plans and desires, and to trust in God's perfect design for our lives. As we yield to His molding, we become more like Christ, reflecting His love and grace to the world around us. This journey of surrender is not easy, but it is where we find our true calling and the fullness of life that Christ promises. It is in this surrender that we experience the joy of being shaped by the hands of our Creator. [58:15]

Romans 6:4-5 (ESV)
"We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself holding back from surrendering to Jesus? What would surrendering this area to Him actually look like in terms of daily habits?

Quotes

1) "The only thing that is important about my life is the excellency of the knowledge of Christ. He said the only thing that matters to me." [48:21] (Download)

2) "Paul was a man who knew Christ. Because it doesn't matter how much of the scripture that I've memorized... the only thing that is important about me is that I know Christ." [48:57] (Download)

3) "I have to let go of the things that I think make me better... I have to let go of those things that seem to position me above the rest and understand that my righteousness is not in myself." [50:25] (Download)

4) "It simply takes surrender from us. It takes us letting go of what we want to be and what we want our life to be and simply saying, God, I want to be exactly what you have for me." [58:15] (Download)

5) "The only thing that matters to me is that I know Christ. When people look at me, I don't want them to see all the accomplishments... I simply want them to see a man who knows Christ." [59:29] (Download)

6) "There is joy in the Lord regardless of your circumstance. He said rejoice in the Lord. The Lord is always the same yesterday, today, and forever." [41:46] (Download)

7) "As I began to walk through suffering... I began to know Christ more. Because when we can be selfless... That's where you begin to see the heart of Christ." [55:24] (Download)

8) "Being made conformable... it is not comfortable, it is not easy, and it is not quick. But as you begin to make yourself pliable to the will of God... you become more like Christ." [57:09] (Download)

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Transcript
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