EVANGELISM (PART 2)

READ PHILLIPIANS 3:3-14

3 For it is we who are the circumcision, we who serve God by his Spirit, who boast in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh— 4 though I myself have reasons for such confidence.

If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5 circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; 6 as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless.

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. 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[a] Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. 10 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.

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.

DISCUSS:

1. How does Paul describe his life before becoming a Christian, In terms of behaviours/ values/ lifestyle?

2. How does Paul’s knowledge of Jesus change what he sees value and worth in?

3. How is Paul’s life now different after knowing Jesus? What is important to him now? 

4. How does Paul’s testimony display the power and worth of Jesus?

5. How would Paul’s testimony be challenging for his readers who find pride and self worth in religious observance?

APPLY:

Part 1:

Reflecting on our own testimonies and the ways God has changed us is both encouraging to us, to hear and and remember what God has done in our lives, but is also helpful in thinking through how we might articulate the life-changing power of the Gospel to others.

Look over the following few questions and either choose one or two to have each person answer, or allow each person to look over the list and choose one for themself to answer: This could be done in smaller groups or as one big group.


1. What part of your testimony do you feel most excited about sharing with others? 

2. What most surprises you about how you came to know Jesus? 

3. What aspect of the Gospel most stood out to you when you became a Christian?

4. What has been the most significant change in how you act or in what you value since meeting Jesus?

5. What part of your testimony do you think would have the potential to cause someone to rethink a presupposition they have about Christianity or Christians?

PART 2 (If time)

1. When have you had the opportunity to share aspects of your testimony with others in every day life?

PRAY

Pray that we would be courageous in sharing with others about the impact Jesus has had on our lives.