Why do so many people watch sports but not go to church? Is Jesus pleading with the Father to get Him to forgive us? How do you overcome sexual lust? Can you ask for forgiveness right before suicide? Or is it an unpardonable sin?

I struggle with doubt and accusation, and I just don’t know why. Can you help me? Are we born sinners? Or is that not really biblical? My father reached a point of despair where he took his own life. Where is he now?

How do I guide my teenagers to live in peace with their grandmother who falls short of their expectations? How can I know if Christ lives in me? How can I receive Christ as my Savior?

Why did Paul have to correct a situation within Timothy’s congregation near Ephesus? Were there women preaching to men? I’m going through hard times right now. Do we need to do something in particular to get God to intervene? People who experience judgment and punishment - is there an end to their pain?

How exactly does God’s perfect love cast out our fear? Who were some of your mentors? Did God kill Ananias and Sapphira? What can we glean from their deaths in Acts? I have struggled with alcohol addiction for so long that I wonder if I’m truly saved. What do you think?

How should I pray for my friend who may become a missionary? What are your thoughts on the outcome of positive thinking? Do the beliefs of the “early church fathers” offer us a sound perspective on Christianity? Do I need to become an official member of my church? They won’t let me take communion until I do! Should pastors be announcing the sins of the people to the congregation as punishment? My friend showed me a video of holy laughter on YouTube, and I wonder if I’m missing something.

You’ve been taught the formula: Work harder, do better, follow the rules… and you’ll be okay with God. But let’s get real – that’s not the Gospel.

The Apostle Paul had it all: Status, a squeaky-clean resume, the best of the best. But in Philippians 3, he calls it all garbage. Why? Because it’s worthless next to knowing the treasure of Jesus and His finished work.

Too many people today are still chasing that fake “self-improvement” gospel, believing their worth is tied to what they do instead of what Christ has already done. And no, it’s not about waiting for future perfection or “dying to self” like some morbid, self-hating mantra. It’s about embracing what we’ve already attained.

If you’re ready to trade worldly success for the “prize of the upward call,” join us as we explore how to press on while resting in our secure union with Christ!

1. Read verse 3. Paul describes true worshippers as those who “put no confidence in the flesh.” What does it mean to put confidence in the flesh, and how do people today seek status and worth in worldly ways? What’s the solution?
2. Read verses 4-6. Paul lists his impressive credentials under the Law. Why does he bring these up? What false sources of righteousness do people rely on today?
3. Read verses 7-8. Paul says he considers everything loss compared to knowing Christ. How does this perspective change how we view achievements, failures, and identity?
4. Read verse 9. Paul contrasts “a righteousness of my own derived from the Law” with “the righteousness that comes through faith in Christ.” How does this verse clarify the Gospel, and why is it important for us to rest in Christ’s righteousness?
5. Read verses 10-11 and react to this statement: Knowing the fellowship of Christ’s sufferings and being conformed to His death is not about “dying to self” but about living in the reality of Christ’s finished work and embracing His sufferings (in this fallen world).
6. Read verses 12-13. Paul says he hasn’t already “obtained it” or “become perfect.” What does he mean? How does this passage encourage us to press forward while also resting in our secure identity in Christ? (Hint: Contrast this with verse 15 which says we are “perfect.”)
7. Read verse 14. Paul talks about pressing toward “the prize of the upward call.” What is this prize, and how does it differ from the world’s idea of success?
8. Read verses 15-16. Paul encourages mature believers to have this mindset. What does maturity look like, and how does it relate to what “we have attained” (verse 16)?

What role does fasting play in getting answers from God? Do you think there’s a second chance to receive Christ after death? My father recently rededicated his life to God. What are your thoughts?

Are there two kinds of sanctification or just one? What are premillennialism and postmillennialism? What do you think of the Calvinist “tulip”? How do you know when God is calling you to ministry?

Are we really sinners and saints at the same time? How should we view ourselves? My daughter is extremely disrespectful to me. What should I do? Did Jesus know that Judas would betray Him? How could the people in Matthew 7 do miracles if they are false teachers? What is repentance? Is it different from asking for forgiveness?