Knowing Jesus
Philippians 3:4-11
1. The Resume Mentality
Mike warned against approaching God with a “resume mentality”—presenting our spiritual pedigree, moral record, or good intentions as the reason He should accept us. In what subtle ways do you find yourself still trying to impress God or earn His favor through performance? How does Paul’s radical re-evaluation of his own impressive credentials challenge that tendency?
2. Counting All as Loss
Paul said he now considers everything that once seemed like spiritual “gain” as loss—and even as garbage—compared to the surpassing value of knowing Christ. What things in your own life (religious background, achievements, reputation, even good works) have been hardest for you to release as “rubbish” so that you might gain Christ more fully?
3. Knowing Christ vs. Knowing About Christ
After more than thirty years of walking with Jesus, Paul still longed “to know him… and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings.” What is the difference between knowing facts about Jesus and truly knowing Him? Where in your life right now are you most hungry (or most resistant) to know Him more deeply?
4. Jesus Is Enough in the Trial
In seasons of difficulty, God often wants us to discover that Jesus is enough more than He wants simply to remove the difficulty. How has a trial in your life either deepened your knowledge of Christ or tempted you to measure your standing with God by your circumstances? What would it look like to pray, “Lord, more than relief, I want to know You more in this”?
Philippians 3:4-11
1. The Resume Mentality
Mike warned against approaching God with a “resume mentality”—presenting our spiritual pedigree, moral record, or good intentions as the reason He should accept us. In what subtle ways do you find yourself still trying to impress God or earn His favor through performance? How does Paul’s radical re-evaluation of his own impressive credentials challenge that tendency?
2. Counting All as Loss
Paul said he now considers everything that once seemed like spiritual “gain” as loss—and even as garbage—compared to the surpassing value of knowing Christ. What things in your own life (religious background, achievements, reputation, even good works) have been hardest for you to release as “rubbish” so that you might gain Christ more fully?
3. Knowing Christ vs. Knowing About Christ
After more than thirty years of walking with Jesus, Paul still longed “to know him… and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings.” What is the difference between knowing facts about Jesus and truly knowing Him? Where in your life right now are you most hungry (or most resistant) to know Him more deeply?
4. Jesus Is Enough in the Trial
In seasons of difficulty, God often wants us to discover that Jesus is enough more than He wants simply to remove the difficulty. How has a trial in your life either deepened your knowledge of Christ or tempted you to measure your standing with God by your circumstances? What would it look like to pray, “Lord, more than relief, I want to know You more in this”?