What really matters Jesus Christ FamilyFriendsVocation/VacationHobbies

Let’s gather up this world system and make a life- changing trade for the indescribable blessings of following Christ.

1) Religion (circumcision) What doesn’t really matter: “Circumcised on the eighth day…” Philippians 3:5a

“For the generation to come every male among you who is eight days old must be circumcised…” Genesis 17:12

2) Race and rank (Israel, Benjamin tribe, Pharisee) What doesn’t really matter: “…of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee...” Philippians 3:5b

“Then the man said, ‘Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with humans and have overcome.’” Genesis 32:28

3) Passion (Persecution) – What doesn’t really matter: “…as for zeal, persecuting the church…” Philippians 3:6a

4) Works (self-righteousness) What doesn’t really matter: “…as for righteousness based on the law, faultless.” Philippians 3:6b

Saul’s resume Strong family heritage Very religious Passionate Strong morals

“But whatever were gains to me, I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ.” Philippians 3:7-8

1) Christ’s righteousness What really matters: “…and may be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ…” Philippians 3:9a

“As it is written: ‘There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands; there is no one who seeks God. All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one.’” Romans 3:10-12

“God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” 2 Corinthians 5:21

2) Christ’s power What really matters: “I want to know Christ – yes to know the power of his resurrection…” Philippians 3:10a

Knowing Christ better: Time in the Word Corporate Worship Prayer (listening!)

Knowing Christ better: ServingGivingForgivingOutreach/Evangelism Suffering (for doing the right thing)

“’Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.’” John 14:21

Knowing Christ better: ServingGivingForgivingOutreach/Evangelism Suffering (for doing the right thing)

“Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.” 1 Peter 4:12-13

3) Unconditional fellowship with Christ What really matters: “…and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death.” Philippians 3:10b

“That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:10

“Dear Brother Pastor Scott, Worm (yes, worm!!) greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. I am very happy to hear from you. Thanks so much for being a true friend. We are doing fine. Concerning the ministry, we are blessed by strong persecution.

Satan put us under a great test to compromise our ministry. We have security and financial challenges to go out and do training and encourage the leaders and the believers outside _______________. But we are victorious in the Lord.”

4) Forever with Christ What really matters: “…and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.” Philippians 3:11

“The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs – heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.” Romans 8:16-17

What Really Matters: The righteousness of Christ The power of Christ Suffering for Christ Eternity with Christ