Who am I in Christ?

Application:

God wants us to live victoriously in Jesus, despite being the person we are.

Materials:

A whiteboard.
Dry-wipe pens.
For each young person:
A printed copy of the Study Sheet below.
Bibles or printed out copies of Philippians 3:1-21.
Pens or pencils.

Click here for the Study Sheet

Text:

Philippians 3:1-21.

Memory Verse:

Philippians 3:14, "I press toward the goal for the prize
of the upward (Heavenward) call of God in Christ Jesus."

 

Introduction:

Paul evaluates his past life (v1-11), his present life (v12-16) and his future life (v17-21).  In doing so he contrasts righteousness by good works with righteousness by faith.  He then invites us to join in following him (v17) and to pattern our lives on his example.  We will look with Paul at his past, present and future, and see how he lived victoriously and joyfully for Christ, despite being the person he was.

Paul's Situation and Advice:

Divide the group into small teams of three to five people.  Let them discuss the following the Study Sheet questions.  A set of possible answers are given as a guide for the teens.

1. How did Paul's past achievements qualify him for God's service?
   
Verses 4-8) show that he was well qualified, but he considers them "rubbish".
2. Do our past good works help us find favour in God's sight?
   
Isaiah 64:6 shows us that all our righteous acts are like filthy rags.
3. In Paul's present life (v12-16), how does he compare himself as an athlete running a race?
   
In his devotion he longs to attain the goal, and disciplines his body, and is determined to stay in the race.

4. Compared to Paul's future life (v17-21), in what ways are we "aliens on earth" and "citizens of Heaven"?
   
As Aliens, we don't belong here, we have different values and priorities, we serve God, not man, and Christ is more important to us than anyone else.
As Citizens, we speak Heaven's language, we obey Heaven's laws, we store up treasures in Heaven, and we are looking for Heaven's Lord.

Discussion Time:

When the teams are finished, let them select a team member to report back the team's findings.  Record the consensus on the whiteboard and discuss any points that need clarification.

Self Evaluation: