Healthy Churches Understand and Protect the Gospel

Sermon Notes:

Peter is saying in Acts 15 that:

1. They/we don’t need to observe the laws of Moses to be saved. (Acts 15:10-11)
2. We are all saved by grace through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ! (Acts 15:10-11)

Paul says in Philippians 3:

3. There is no advantage of spiritual righteousness before God in being Jewish. (Philippians 3:7-9)
4. Only Jesus makes you spiritually healthy. (Philippians 3:9)
5. Healthy churches understand and protect the Gospel. (Philippians 3:2)

Follow-up Questions from Sunday’s Message:

Getting to Know You:

Do you like bacon?  If so, what do you like to eat it with?

Quick Review:
Looking back at your notes from this week’s teaching, was there anything you heard for the first time or that caught your attention, challenged, or confused you?

Digging Deeper:

1. Read Philippians 3:1-14. How would you describe Paul’s tone/emotions in this section of Scripture?  Why do you think this is?
2. Read Philippians 3:1. From a prison in Rome, Paul is telling the Philippians to “rejoice in the Lord”!  How often do you think you “rejoice in the Lord”?  What do you think that means?  Who encourages you the most to do this?
3. Read Philippians 3:2-3. Who were the “dogs” that Paul was talking about in his day?  Why were they so dangerous?  Who, in our day, do we have “to watch out for” that distorts the message of Jesus?
4. Read Philippians 3: 4-7. How do you see people today putting “confidence in the flesh”?
5. Read Philippians 3:7-9. What things do you think Paul is talking about that he “lost” in order to gain Jesus?  What did you have to lose to gain Christ?
6. Read Acts 15:6-11, Philippians 3:9. What do Peter and Paul have in common in these verses?
7. Read Philippians 3:10. Why do you think Paul says he wants to “know Christ”?  Doesn’t he already know Christ?  There is a hunger in Paul to know Jesus more.  How do you continually pursue to know Jesus better and have greater fellowship with Him?  Do you think we should ever get bored in this pursuit?  Why or why not.

Taking it Home:

What is one thing you can apply to your life from this message and how can this group remember you in prayer this week?