Confident Joy in Knowing Christ

Austin Shadoan | May 5, 2024

Philippians 3:1-11

1 Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you is no trouble to me and is safe for you.

2 Look out for the dogs, look out for the evildoers, look out for those who mutilate the flesh. 3 For we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh— 4 though I myself have reason for confidence in the flesh also. If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5 circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; 6 as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless. 7 But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. 8 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— 10 that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.


Sermon Summary

Joy is possible despite our circumstances because we know Christ and have an identity not based on our own efforts but based on all that Christ has done. It is tempting to put our confidence in the value system of the world around us, but what Christ offers us is far superior than anything else we could ever possess. Our achievements or accolades cannot be the basis for our identity because ultimately God doesn't want you to impress him; he wants you to trust him.

Discussion Questions

  1. What stood out or stuck with you from the sermon?
  2. What value system(s) of the people you are around or the world are most tempting to put your identity and joy in?
  3. Do you reflect often about what it means that the same power that raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you? How would this make a difference in your life if you did?
  4. Why is it hard to view knowing Christ as something that has "surpassing value" over everything else in our lives?
  5. What would help you to be able to rejoice despite your circumstances? Do you think this is possible?



Resources Consulted

  • Basics for Believers: An Exposition of Philippians by DA Carson
  • New International Biblical Commentary: Philippians by FF Bruce
  • The International Critical Commentary: Philippians and Philemon by Marvin Vincent
  • The Life of Joy and Peace: An Exposition of Philippians by Martin Lloyd Jones
  • The Message of Philippians by JA Motyer