Bible Reading
Philippians 3:4-11 “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: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless. 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 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.”
[28:29]Acts 7:54-60 “Now when they heard these things they were enraged, and they ground their teeth at him. But he, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. And he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” But they cried out with a loud voice and stopped their ears and rushed together at him. Then they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul. And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep.”
[32:18]Acts 9:1-9 “But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven shone around him. And falling to the ground he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” And he said, “Who are you, Lord?” And he said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.” The men who were traveling with him stood speechless, hearing the voice but seeing no one. Saul rose from the ground, and although his eyes were opened, he saw nothing. So they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. And for three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank.”
[33:20]Observation questions
- In Philippians 3:4–11, what parts of Paul’s background and religious record does he name as reasons others might have considered him important or faithful? [30:46]
- What does Paul say he now values more than his former religious accomplishments, and what language does he use to describe that change?
- In Acts 7:54–60, what role does Saul have at Stephen’s death, and what does this reveal about his life before encountering Christ? [32:18]
- In Acts 9:1–9, what happens to Saul on the road to Damascus, and how does his response change after he hears Jesus speak? [33:18]
Interpretation questions
- Paul does not merely say that his old accomplishments became less important; he counts them as loss compared with knowing Christ. What does this reveal about the kind of change Christ brings to a person’s identity? [33:30]
- How can devotion to good traditions, religious practices, or church history become harmful when they are used to decide who belongs and who does not? [36:17]
- Paul once used zeal for God to oppose Jesus’ followers. What warning does his story give to people who feel certain that their own way, group, or understanding must be protected at all costs? [31:31]
- Paul presses on toward the prize of Christ. How does seeing the prize as a present life of sharing Christ and loving others reshape the way believers understand faithfulness? [42:55]
Application questions
- What part of your identity—your background, opinions, routines, accomplishments, or role in the church—would be hardest for you to hold more loosely for the sake of knowing and following Christ? [31:37]
- When anxiety rises, people often cling more tightly to what is familiar. Where do you notice fear making you resistant to a needed change in your life, family, or church? What might faithful trust look like there? [38:35]
- Have you ever seen a “pecking order” form in a church, workplace, school, or community—where some people were treated as more worthy, welcome, or important than others? How could you help interrupt that pattern? [36:17]
- Who are the people around you who may feel shunned, vulnerable, different, or unwanted? What is one specific way you could offer them welcome, care, or protection this week? [36:53]
- It is easy to treat the gifts God gives—such as a building, resources, traditions, or influence—as “ours” rather than as tools for God’s work. What gifts has God entrusted to you or this church, and how can they be shared more freely? [40:07]
- Where does your world feel gray or lacking hope right now? What small act of love could bring a little of Christ’s “color” into that situation? [42:29]
