Transformative Faith: Knowing Christ Above All Else

 

Summary

In today's gathering, we explored the profound journey of faith and the transformation that comes from knowing Christ. We began by reflecting on the Apostle Paul's life, particularly his confidence in his earthly credentials and achievements. Paul, a Pharisee of Pharisees, had every reason to boast in his fleshly accomplishments, yet he considered them as loss compared to the surpassing value of knowing Christ. This radical shift in perspective challenges us to evaluate what we hold dear and where we place our confidence.

Paul's journey teaches us that our earthly strengths and achievements, while useful, should not define our identity. Instead, they should be seen as tools that God can use for His purposes. This perspective allows us to hold our accomplishments loosely, recognizing that they are not the source of our worth or identity. Paul uses strong language, likening his former gains to rubbish or even manure, to emphasize the futility of relying on the flesh. This imagery serves as a powerful reminder that our true value lies in our relationship with Christ.

We also discussed the ongoing process of spiritual maturity. Paul, despite his profound experiences and revelations, acknowledged that he had not yet attained perfection. This humility is a call for us to continue pressing on, striving to know Christ more deeply. The journey of faith is not about reaching a final destination on this side of eternity but about continually growing and being transformed into the likeness of Christ.

In our culture, there is often an expectation to reach a point of retirement or completion. However, Paul's message encourages us to keep pressing forward, regardless of age or stage in life. The call to know Christ and make Him known is a lifelong pursuit, one that requires perseverance and dedication.

Finally, we are reminded of the importance of community and the role it plays in our spiritual journey. As we press on, we do so together, supporting and encouraging one another in our walk with Christ. This communal aspect of faith is vital, as it reflects the body of Christ working in unity for the glory of God.

Key Takeaways:

- Confidence in the Flesh vs. Knowing Christ: Paul had every reason to boast in his earthly credentials, yet he considered them loss compared to knowing Christ. This challenges us to evaluate where we place our confidence and to prioritize our relationship with Christ above all else. [59:02]

- The Role of Earthly Achievements: While our accomplishments can be useful, they should not define our identity. Paul likens his former gains to rubbish, emphasizing that our true value lies in our relationship with Christ. This perspective allows us to hold our achievements loosely and use them for God's purposes. [01:01:28]

- The Ongoing Process of Maturity: Spiritual maturity is an ongoing journey. Paul acknowledged that he had not yet attained perfection, reminding us to continue pressing on and striving to know Christ more deeply. Our faith journey is about continual growth and transformation. [01:12:28]

- Perseverance in Faith: In a culture that often values completion and retirement, Paul's message encourages us to keep pressing forward in our faith journey. The call to know Christ and make Him known is a lifelong pursuit that requires perseverance and dedication. [01:14:17]

- The Importance of Community: As we press on in our faith journey, we do so together, supporting and encouraging one another. The communal aspect of faith reflects the body of Christ working in unity for the glory of God, highlighting the importance of community in our spiritual growth. [01:16:01]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [28:12] - Opening Prayer
- [28:44] - Announcements
- [29:57] - Prayer for Amazon Team
- [31:50] - Aaron's Testimony from Hawaii
- [32:44] - Nico Camp Overview
- [33:13] - Overcoming Challenges
- [34:46] - God's Presence in Adversity
- [36:54] - The Value of Hardship
- [38:08] - Fire and Fragrance Leadership
- [39:44] - Cultural Diversity in Ministry
- [41:15] - Training New Leaders
- [43:08] - Family Nico Initiative
- [44:33] - 40th Anniversary Celebration
- [50:48] - Philippians 3: Confidence in the Flesh
- [58:03] - Counting Earthly Gains as Loss
- [01:05:42] - Pressing On Toward the Goal
- [01:14:35] - Prayer and Benediction

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Philippians 3:1-16
- Revelation 12:11

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Observation Questions:

1. What reasons did Paul have to boast in his earthly credentials, and how did he view them after knowing Christ? ([51:31])

2. How does Paul describe his former gains in comparison to knowing Christ, and what imagery does he use to emphasize this point? ([01:00:26])

3. What does Paul mean when he says he has not yet attained perfection, and how does this reflect his attitude towards spiritual maturity? ([01:05:58])

4. How does Paul describe the process of pressing on toward the goal, and what does he identify as the ultimate prize? ([01:06:14])

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Interpretation Questions:

1. Why does Paul consider his earthly achievements as loss, and how does this perspective challenge modern views of success and identity? ([59:02])

2. In what ways does Paul's journey of faith illustrate the ongoing process of spiritual maturity, and how can this be applied to personal growth in faith? ([01:12:28])

3. How does the concept of community play a role in Paul's message about pressing on in faith, and why is this communal aspect important for spiritual growth? ([01:16:01])

4. What does it mean to hold our accomplishments loosely and use them for God's purposes, and how can this be practically applied in daily life? ([01:01:28])

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your own life: Are there any earthly achievements or credentials you hold onto for your identity? How can you begin to view them as tools for God's purposes instead? ([01:01:28])

2. Paul speaks of pressing on toward the goal. What is one specific area in your spiritual life where you feel called to press on and grow? How can you take a step in that direction this week? ([01:06:14])

3. In what ways can you contribute to the community aspect of faith in your small group or church? Identify one action you can take to support or encourage someone in their faith journey this week. ([01:16:01])

4. Consider the idea of spiritual maturity as an ongoing journey. What is one area of your faith where you feel you have not yet attained perfection? How can you embrace this as part of your growth process? ([01:12:28])

5. How can you prioritize your relationship with Christ above all else in your daily life? Identify one practical change you can make to ensure Christ remains at the center of your life. ([59:02])

6. Paul uses strong language to describe his former gains. Is there something in your life that you need to re-evaluate and possibly let go of to deepen your relationship with Christ? ([01:00:26])

7. How can you cultivate perseverance in your faith journey, especially in a culture that values completion and retirement? What steps can you take to keep pressing forward in your relationship with Christ? ([01:14:17])

Devotional

Day 1: True Confidence Lies in Knowing Christ
Our earthly achievements and credentials often tempt us to place our confidence in them, much like the Apostle Paul, who had every reason to boast in his accomplishments. However, Paul considered all his earthly gains as loss compared to the surpassing value of knowing Christ. This radical shift in perspective challenges us to evaluate what we hold dear and where we place our confidence. It is a call to prioritize our relationship with Christ above all else, recognizing that our true worth is found in Him, not in our achievements. [59:02]

Jeremiah 9:23-24 (ESV): "Thus says the Lord: 'Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.'"

Reflection: What are some specific achievements or credentials you find yourself boasting in? How can you begin to shift your confidence from these to your relationship with Christ today?


Day 2: Earthly Achievements as Tools for God's Purposes
While our accomplishments can be useful, they should not define our identity. Paul likens his former gains to rubbish, emphasizing that our true value lies in our relationship with Christ. This perspective allows us to hold our achievements loosely and use them for God's purposes. By viewing our strengths and successes as tools in God's hands, we can better align our lives with His will and purpose, using what we have been given to serve and glorify Him. [01:01:28]

1 Corinthians 3:12-15 (ESV): "Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw—each one's work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward."

Reflection: Consider a recent achievement or success. How can you use this accomplishment as a tool for God's purposes rather than a source of personal pride?


Day 3: The Journey of Spiritual Maturity
Spiritual maturity is an ongoing journey. Paul acknowledged that he had not yet attained perfection, reminding us to continue pressing on and striving to know Christ more deeply. Our faith journey is about continual growth and transformation, not reaching a final destination on this side of eternity. This humility and perseverance in faith encourage us to keep seeking Christ, allowing Him to transform us into His likeness as we grow in our relationship with Him. [01:12:28]

Colossians 1:9-10 (ESV): "And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God."

Reflection: In what areas of your spiritual life do you feel stagnant? What steps can you take today to press on and grow in your relationship with Christ?


Day 4: Perseverance in the Lifelong Pursuit of Faith
In a culture that often values completion and retirement, Paul's message encourages us to keep pressing forward in our faith journey. The call to know Christ and make Him known is a lifelong pursuit that requires perseverance and dedication. Regardless of age or stage in life, we are encouraged to continue growing in our faith, seeking to know Christ more deeply and to make Him known to others. This perseverance in faith is a testament to our commitment to Christ and His purposes for our lives. [01:14:17]

Hebrews 12:1-2 (ESV): "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."

Reflection: What is one area of your faith journey where you feel tempted to "retire" or give up? How can you renew your commitment to persevere in this area today?


Day 5: The Vital Role of Community in Faith
As we press on in our faith journey, we do so together, supporting and encouraging one another. The communal aspect of faith reflects the body of Christ working in unity for the glory of God, highlighting the importance of community in our spiritual growth. Being part of a faith community provides accountability, encouragement, and support as we seek to grow in our relationship with Christ and make Him known to others. [01:16:01]

Ephesians 4:15-16 (ESV): "Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love."

Reflection: Who in your faith community can you reach out to for support or encouragement this week? How can you also be a source of encouragement to someone else in your community?

Quotes


Paul, a Pharisee of Pharisees, had every reason to boast in his fleshly accomplishments, yet he considered them as loss compared to the surpassing value of knowing Christ. This radical shift in perspective challenges us to evaluate what we hold dear and where we place our confidence. [00:58:03]

Paul's journey teaches us that our earthly strengths and achievements, while useful, should not define our identity. Instead, they should be seen as tools that God can use for His purposes. This perspective allows us to hold our accomplishments loosely, recognizing that they are not the source of our worth or identity. [01:01:28]

We also discussed the ongoing process of spiritual maturity. Paul, despite his profound experiences and revelations, acknowledged that he had not yet attained perfection. This humility is a call for us to continue pressing on, striving to know Christ more deeply. [01:12:28]

In our culture, there is often an expectation to reach a point of retirement or completion. However, Paul's message encourages us to keep pressing forward, regardless of age or stage in life. The call to know Christ and make Him known is a lifelong pursuit, one that requires perseverance and dedication. [01:14:17]

Finally, we are reminded of the importance of community and the role it plays in our spiritual journey. As we press on, we do so together, supporting and encouraging one another in our walk with Christ. This communal aspect of faith is vital, as it reflects the body of Christ working in unity for the glory of God. [01:16:01]

Paul considers all of those strengths, the things that he said these are the strengths of My Flesh, I consider them loss. And that word consider is actually an accounting word in Greek. It just basically means I count it as zero. I add them up, I look at all my strengths In the Flesh and I add them all up and I go they're not worth anything. [00:59:02]

Paul didn't just say, well, you know, I kind of don't really count them. He takes it further, right? That's by the way a poop emoji in case you were wondering what they it maybe looks like ice cream to you, but it's not. I don't know if any of you have used that emoji the little anyway I have relatives who use it so that's what can I say about my family. [01:03:28]

Paul says the other things that I could have valued my strengths In the Flesh I don't count them as anything because they're not going to get me there they're not going to get me to that Vision that God has for me instead I'm going to have to press on into knowing Jesus. [01:05:42]

Paul says I press on that I might know Jesus not that I might know the intricacies of the doctrine of transubstantiation right but rather that I might know Jesus and that's the work that God is doing it's working us toward completion it's not a one thing it's an ongoing thing. [01:07:28]

Paul is saying God is still working on me chipping off the pieces until I become all that he has for me and that I will attain in the resurrection Perfection is coming and that's what the resurrection is for now there's a sense in which we're bringing Heaven down to earth here. [01:09:42]

Paul's message encourages us to keep pressing forward in our faith journey. The call to know Christ and make Him known is a lifelong pursuit that requires perseverance and dedication. [01:14:17]

Paul's message encourages us to keep pressing forward in our faith journey. The call to know Christ and make Him known is a lifelong pursuit that requires perseverance and dedication. [01:14:17]

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Transcript
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