cg recap/summary (4)

The CHRIST Factor (2)

Opening Question:
What difference has it made now that you have Christ in your life?

Bible Passage:
Phil 3 and 4

Chapter 3: 1-21 // Heaven here we come!
v 1-4 - The Jews thought that being circumcised was the physical sign that they were God's chosen people. What assurance do we have as Christians that we are God's chosen people?
v 5-6 - Paul did everything right. He was 'faultless'; a Jew among Jews.
v 7-11- But what does he say? "I consider EVERYTHING RUBBISH" Paul says that Christ is all we need- not circumcision, not following the law, not persecuting the church but only through Him that we can have "righteousness that comes from God and is by faith"
v 11 - Our destination then as Christians by faith is heaven!
v 12 - Are we there yet? Not quite... How to live with heaven as our final destination:

1. Look Back: We are to forget our sins and our past - Christ has dealt with it on the Cross! v13 Tell of what you were like before you knew Christ

2. Follow Paul's model: To be mature in Christ v15, 17
But don't go back - it's one way all the way!
Who is another Christian who you look up to? Why?

3. Wrong way, go back: If your passion isn't Christ but earthly things eg power, fame, money - leads to destruction v18, 19
What kind of things might take our focus off the Cross?

4. Look Forward: We shouldn't lose sight/focus of our final destination
Our citizenship is in heaven! v20
Our bodies will be transformed to be like Jesus v21
How does knowing you are a citizen of heaven change the way you live now?

Chapter 4: 10-20 // The Secret of Contentment
1. Contentment is NOT dependent on our circumstances: Are you a thermometer? Goes up or down depending on the temperature; happy or sad depending on what's happening around you?v11 Paul isn't chained up by his circumstances (even though he's in jail!)
How many times a day do we find ourselves discontent and grumbling?

2. Contentment is learned: v12 Paul learnt how to be content in the struggles of life over time there are no shortcuts

3. God gives us the strength to face our circumstances: v13-18 Paul learnt to be dependent on God for his strength; we are not to rely on ourselves
note v13 - it is not saying that we can do everything eg get 100 for UAI, through God who gives us strength - rather, it is in the context of learning to be content. Paul can do everything, he can be well fed or hungry, rich or poor and yet still be content because it is God who gives him strength to face his circumstances.
HSC is coming up- how can you rely and depend on God's strength? What difference does it make knowing that God gives us strength to face our circumstances?

4. It is thru Christ that God meets our needs: v19 nothing can compare to what Jesus has given us: his life!
Christ will carry us through our battles in life.
"It's ok, I love you, and I will bring you home."
What are your present needs? (Needs not wants)
Describe how Christ meets those needs.