Study Questions - Series in Philippians [12]

Date: October 2, 2005
Passage: Philippians 3:15-4:1
Message: Finishing Well
Series in Philippians [12]

What sort of things would you like someone to include in a eulogy about you?

‘So let's keep focused on that goal, those of us who want everything God has for us. If any of you have something else in mind, something less than total commitment, God will clear your blurred vision--you'll see it yet! Now that we're on the right track, let's stay on it.’ [v15-16 The Message]

What ‘goal’ is Paul talking about?
How focused are you?
Share what you do to help you stay focused.

Paul challenges us stay on track by doing 3 things.

1. Follow Good Mentors v17
v16 talks about staying on track.
In some ways the NIV doesn’t capture the heart of it.
KJV = let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing.

Walk = stoichen
Walk in a row
Walk where others have walked.

Why is it so important for us to follow in the steps of Godly examples?
What sort of things ought we be careful to follow in others?
Why do we vicariously live our lives through our heroes instead of actually following their example?

2. Fight Natural Tendencies v18-19
‘One thing is sure.
A single-minded devotion to follow Jesus doesn’t come naturally!
It is a daily, un-relenting work of God’s grace.’
Discuss

……who’s god is their stomach [v19]
How do we make a god of our appetites?

……who glory in their shame [v19]
We may glory in our ability to justify anything these days, but we do so to our shame!
Discuss

……who mind earthly things [v19]
Put that statement in your own words.

3. Focus on Future Realities v20-21

I heard of a recent study of Olympic medallists, that Bronze medallists were happier than Silver medallists.
Silver medallists tended to focus on how close they came to winning gold – weren’t happy with silver.
Bronze medallists tended to focus on how close they came to winning nothing! – they were excited just be on podium!

Truth is – your focus determines your reality!
How we feel isn’t always determined by objective circumstances.
If that were the case….silver medallists would be happier than bronze.
There is always something else WITHIN that determines how we feel, how we respond to circumstances.

What is it about being a ‘citizen of heaven’ [v20] that can change the way we act or respond to challenges or circumstances?
Why, in reality, do we as Christians often react no differently to those who don’t know Christ?

…..eagerly awaiting the coming of Jesus [v20]
What word would describe how you are waiting for Jesus?