Off the Shelf Sunday School--Philippians

Faith not Legalism (3:1-9)

Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you. Watch out for those dogs, those men who do evil, those mutilators of the flesh. For it is we who are the circumcision, we who worship by the Spirit of God, who glory in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh—though I myself have reasons for such confidence. If anyone else thinks he has reasons to put 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; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for legalistic righteousness faultless. But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, 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 is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. 

1.         The amazing provisions and promises of God that come from faith in Jesus are wonderful! The angels in heaven wonder at the great love and works of God to transform sinful humans into glorious royalty, in the image of Jesus. (1 Pet 1:10-12) The great things that God has done for Christians is our source of constant joy and rejoicing! What are some of the things that God has done for us that give us endless joy and make us want to rejoice whatever the circumstances of life?

2.         Many early Christians were Jewish converts. There were some Jewish converts who taught that salvation was obtained from keeping the laws, plus faith. Paul calls these teachers evil doers. They put their confidence in their rituals, credentials and works. What are some examples of false doctrines of works plus faith for salvation that are taught in present Christian churches? 

3.         Paul says that born-again Christians have been circumcised spiritually by the Holy Spirit, not in the flesh by man. They have been given a new heart that is sensitive to God. Christians have the Holy Spirit who enables them to know and serve God according to his revealed will. (Jn 6:63; Col 3:9-14)    

4.         Paul says that, although he has great credentials based on his Jewish heritage, he considers this worthless. He has no confidence in credentials, rituals and the traditions of men. He sees them as obstacles to knowing God through faith in Jesus. The righteousness given by religious acts are trash compared to the glorious righteousness offered by God through faith in Jesus. Why are religious traditions difficult to change?