Philippians 3: 18 For I have told you often before, and I say it again with tears in my eyes, that there are many whose conduct shows they are really enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 They are headed for destruction. Their god is their appetite, they brag about shameful things, and they think only about this life here on earth.Here, Paul does not seem to be speaking of those who do not proclaim C...  Read More

Philippians 3:17 Dear brothers and sisters, pattern your lives after mine, and learn from those who follow our example.Does it sound arrogant for Paul to tell people to follow his example? He wants them to pattern their lives after his. I think if we heard a pastor or a preacher say this, we would be concerned. Should we be concerned that Paul throws this out like it is conventional wisdom? Paul d...  Read More

Philippians 3:15 Let all who are spiritually mature agree on these things. If you disagree on some point, I believe God will make it plain to you. 16 But we must hold on to the progress we have already made.I know this is the same text, but I wanted to spend some more time on faith maturity. In fact, I have a little faith maturity test that I’d love for you to take today, I have left space to do i...  Read More

Philippians 3:15 Let all who are spiritually mature agree on these things. If you disagree on some point, I believe God will make it plain to you. 16 But we must hold on to the progress we have already made.Let's talk about spiritual maturity for a moment. What actually does it mean to be spiritually mature? Hebrews says it this way: Hebrews 6:1-2 says: Hebrews 6:1 Therefore leaving the elementary...  Read More

Philippians 3:12 I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. 13 No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on to reach the end of the race a...  Read More

INTRODUCTION The following is a guide to help facilitate discussion between you and the person you’re studying with or with your Connect Group. Feel free to add, subtract, or change questions to fit the conversation, and pray for the Spirit to lead in all things. OPEN QUESTIONS What’s one thing about your life, your accomplishments, or even your family and your ancestry that you are particularly p...  Read More