Sermon Notes 02-03-08

Sermon Notes 2-3-2008 "A Super Bowl Christian"
Today’s scripture is Philippians 3:12-14.

What was it that Paul said he had not “already attained”? (V-12)
Do you think Paul thought that it was possible to be “perfected” in this life?
What do you think it means to “be perfected”?
How do we get “perfected”? (I John 2:5)
The discussion should conclude that we can never be “perfected” until we are with Christ. Therefore it can be described as a process.

Faced with this reality what do you think the best course of action would be for a Christian who wants to strive to attain this goal? (V-13)
Why is it so important that we put the past behind us?
Does this also include all the good things we have achieved?
What is the danger of dwelling in the past?
What do you think the danger would be to Christians who think that they had already “attained perfection”? (Complacency)
Paul says to “reach forward to those things which are ahead”.Discuss what the group thinks these things might be.

Why do you think Paul uses the imagery of a race to make his point with the Philippians?
Do you think it’s a good illustration to drive his message home?
Read Hebrews 12:1. What do we need to do to run an effective race?
What sacrifices must be made?
What is the prize mentioned in V-14? (II Timothy 4:8
Describe what the “upward call of God in Christ Jesus” includes. (Salvation, conformity to Christ, and all the purposes God had in mind in saving us.)