Year in Review Service: Called to more than following Jesus

Read Philippians 3:7-18

• What do you notice?
• What stands out to you?
• What observations or questions does this passage raise?

Discuss:

Paul begins chapter 3 by warning against people who base their sense of self on comparisons with others; over their heritage and ancestry, their morality and virtue-signalling. From v.7, Paul then reminds his readers that his focus is simply on Jesus and seeking to be like him.

• What changes in attitudes and priorities does Paul describe in this passage with this as his focus?
• How might Paul’s shift from focusing on what was (track record and heritage) to what might come next (see v. 12-14) have changed his life?

Paul draws attention to his way of life, and to other who live like he does, as a model to imitate.

• What can we see in this passage of how Paul is navigating the tension between humility/ acknowledging he is not perfect, and providing some leadership and inspiration?
• In what ways is navigating this tension helpful for the Philippians?
• How might it be challenging or difficult for them?

In other passages Paul also urges people to imitate him and people who are imitating Christ.

• What value does having someone to imitate offer?
• What are the limitations of this imitation?
• To whom can you offer yourself as a model to imitate?
• What in your life might you need to consider to do this well?

Pray that as imitators of Christ, and models for other people’s imitation, we can be faithful and fruitful.