Philippians: Finding Joy - Not Finished Yet

Missio Church - Bismarck

Verses Used:

• Philippians 3:12-21; 1:6
• Romans 8:1
• Titus 3:5
• 1 Corinthians 1:18; 1:11
• Romans 5:9-10
• Hebrews 12:1-2

Takeaways:

• Paul reminds his readers and us, that we need a proper perspective of the past (where we were), the present (where we are) and the future (where we will be).

Past (Forget the past.)

• Paul says in verse 3: “but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead.”
• The past is important, but it doesn’t need to impede our life in the present.
• When we choose to focus too much on the past, we get discouraged by our mistakes or bad experiences.
• We are able to let go of past mistakes because we have been saved.
• Romans 8:1 says therefore, there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus
• It is harmful to us to focus on the past at the expense of the present and the future.

Present (What can you do now?)

• God has already saved you, but he is not done with you yet. He is in the process of saving you.
• You have been saved. You are being saved. You will be saved.
• The reality is, we are all unfinished spiritually. We are all works in progress.

Future (It’s going to get so much better!)

• Paul tells his friends in Philippi that things are going to get better in the future. He talks about the heavenly prize and the day of Christ Jesus. What is he talking about?
• God desires for us to finish well because we reflect his likeness to the world around us.

Discussion Questions:

• Why is it sometimes difficult to live in the reality that we are an unfinished disciple? (requires grace for ourselves and others)
• Why do you think being focused too much on the past negatively impacts us in the present?
• How would finishing this life well bring more glory to God than not finishing well? What do you think finishing well looks like?
• How does keeping an eternal perspective change the way we live today?