The Grace Message with Dr. Andrew Farley

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?

Sometimes I wonder if what I'm doing has purpose or meaning. Does it? Why did Jesus tell some they wouldn't die before they saw the Kingdom coming? Wouldn't they need to be alive until His return? Are altar calls biblical? Did Paul speak in angelic languages?

How do I forgive my narcissistic dad for the childhood I missed? How do I avoid falling into the same traps today? How do we approach believers who are engaged in sexual immorality? What if they are justifying it? Is it good to debate people of other faiths when they knock on our door? How do we counter others and convince them that we have the truth? I feel overwhelmed by all of the trouble in the world, and I begin to feel despair, even when I pray. What can I do?

1. Read verse 3. How does genuine humility happen? How does humility reflect the heart of the gospel?
2. Read verses 4-5. How does looking out for the interests of others start to happen in our lives? How can we have this mindset?
3. Read verses 6-8. What does it mean that Christ “emptied Himself”? What do you think God is trying to tell us through this?
4. Read verses 9-11. Why is the exaltation of Christ significant to our understanding of His nature and place in our lives? What does it mean that Jesus is Lord?
5. Read verses 12 and react to this statement: Work out what God has worked in!
6. Read verse 13 and react to this statement: God doesn’t just cause us to “do” but also to “will” (or want) what He wants.
7. Read verses 14-16. From a grace perspective, how do we shine as “lights in the world”? And what does it mean to hold fast to the word of life?
8. Read verses 17-18. What does “poured out as a drink offering” mean? How can we share in joy as we encourage and build one another up?

How do faith and obedience relate to each other? What should we conclude from Paul’s struggle in Romans 7? Will God protect us from physical harm? Is it guaranteed?