20250406 The Paradox of Lent - The Paradox of Value (Philippians 3:4-14)

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The One Thing: The Paradox of Value (trading empty gains for a fullness that remains)
Scripture: Philippians 3:4-14 7

But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8 What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. Philippians 3:7-8 (NIV)

LIST THOSE THINGS you have or have done that you think are worth something.

A REEVALUATION: I consider them garbage, 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 is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. Philippians 3:8-9 (NIV)

A PRAYER OF FAITH: I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead. Philippians 3:10-11 (NIV)

PRESSING ON: 12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:12-14 (NIV)

REFLECTION QUESTIONS
Verses 4-6 Paul lists his religious credentials and achievements. What are some things in your life that you might be tempted to rely on for your identity or righteousness? How do these things compare to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ?

Verses 7-9 Paul considers everything a loss compared to knowing Christ. What might you need to "count as loss" in order to pursue a deeper relationship with Him? In what ways are you tempted to rely on your own righteousness instead of the righteousness that comes through faith in Christ?

Verses 10-11 What does it mean to you to "know Christ" in both His power (resurrection) and His suffering? How have you experienced God’s power in your life? Have you also seen Him at work in times of suffering?

Verse 12-14 Paul acknowledges that he has not yet arrived but continues to press on. What are some areas in your spiritual journey where you need to persevere? What distractions or past regrets might be holding you back from fully pursuing Christ? How can you set your focus on the “prize” of God’s heavenly call in Christ Jesus?