Is Your Religious Résumé Rubbish?

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!

Discussion Questions for Philippians 3:1-16:

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)?