Philippians 3:15–21 | Resources
Discussion Questions
How has God changed the way you think since you have been saved? How did you do this? What did you use to change your mind?
Is your life worth imitating? In what areas do you know you still need to change? Whose Christian walk have you imitated?
In your own words, describe the person personified in verse 19. How are these individuals “enemies of the cross of Christ?” Which of these descriptions is convicting to you?
Why does Paul remind the believers of their citizenship? What effect does this have? Do you struggle to remember your citizenship?
Share ways you have changed since following Christ. How has God transformed you more into Christ’s likeness throughout your life?
In light of our text/sermon, what would it look like to obey?
Memory Verse
“Our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly wait for a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.” Philippians 3:20 (CSB)
Devotional
One of the greatest joys I find of being a parent is watching my kids change. It seems like every few months my kids look, sound, and act differently. It’s amazing how much kids change in a short amount of time! Consider their middle school and high school years; we actually see our kids transform from children to adults.
Sometime, I think it would be interesting to make a list of all the factors you can think of that cause your kids to change and grow up. I bet that list would be eternally long! Maybe for a moment consider the main determining factors that caused you to become the person you are today. Who would be on that list? What locations would be on that list? What experiences would be on that list?
What books would be on that list? One of the beautiful truths about Christianity is that those who Christ saves he also changes! Just as we see change in our kids as they grow up, we will see changes in the lives of those whose sins are forever forgiven by Jesus Christ. Christ’s work in our salvation and the Holy Spirit’s work in our sanctification cause massive transformation in our lives. Praise God that the Christian doesn’t stay the same! Listen to what 2 Corinthians 4:16 says about this transformation: ”Even though our outer person is being destroyed, our inner person is being renewed day by day.” Aren’t you so grateful for the spiritual renewal that the Holy Spirit is doing in your life?
Now, reread Philippians 3:15-21 and consider what this text teaches us about out how God changes the believer after their salvation. A few phrases will hopefully pop off the page for you like they have for me. Concepts like God revealing truth to you, becoming an imitator of a fellow follower of Christ, eagerly waiting, and then eternal transformation. What beautiful insights in the work God does on His children! Let these reminders motivate you toward greater gratitude of God’s eternal work on you!