Sunday School Lesson August 20, 2023
Subject: Set Apart for the Journey
The Point: Growing in Christ is a lifelong journey.
Scriptures: Philippians 3:12-21
Study The Bible: Philippians 3:12-14
1). Sanctification is a continual journey toward Christlikeness.
- Not that I have already reached the goal or am already perfect, but I make every effort to take hold of it because I also have been taken hold of by Christ Jesus.
- Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and reaching forward to what is ahead,
- I pursue as my goal the prize promised by God’s heavenly call in Christ Jesus.
Lasting truths from: Philippians 3:12-14
* Believers are called to continuously purse the goal of knowing Christ and His resurrection.
* We must resist the temptation to look to the past, whether good or bad.
* Striving forward toward the prize and our union with Christ is the goal of sanctification.
2). Spiritual maturity comes as we follow the example of mature believers.
Philippians 3:15-19
- Therefore, let all of us who are mature think this way. And if you think differently about anything, God will reveal this also to you.
- In any case, we should live up to whatever truth we have attained.
- Join in imitating me, brothers and sisters, and pay careful attention to those who live according to the example you have in us.
- For I have often told you, and now say again with tears, that many live as enemies of the cross of Christ.
- Their end is destruction; their god is their stomach; their glory is in their shame; and they are focused on earthly things.
Lasting truths from: Philippians 3:15-19
* The mature Christian understands that he has not yet achieved the goal of perfection.
* We should seek to imitate those whose lives are examples of Christlikeness.
* A mind set on earthly things leads to destruction.
3). Spiritual growth is not complete until our glorious transformation in heaven.
Philippians 3:20-21
- Our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly wait for a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.
- He will transform the body of our humble condition into the likeness of his glorious body, by the power that enables him to subject everything to himself.
Lasting truths from: Philippians 3:20-21
* Believers are transferred from an earthly kingdom to a heavenly kingdom with all the benefits of citizenship.
* Salvation is a process that will not be completed until Christ’s return.
* With the same power that the Father used to raise the Son. He will transform our bodies into the glorious likeness of the Son.
Live It Out
As you reflect on this session, respond to the following questions:
- What are the things that keep you from maintaining your focus on the prize ahead?
- Have you been inspired in your Christian life by the faith and practice of others?
- Do you find it difficult to keep your mind on heavenly rather than earthly things? Why or why not?
- How does living as a citizen of heaven impact your walk today?
Closing Prayer:
“Dear God, I know I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died on the cross to forgive me of my sins and rose from the dead to give me new life. I’m sorry for all the wrong I’ve done and ask You to forgive me. I now accept Your gift of eternal life. Thank You for Your love, forgiveness, and a new life in Jesus Christ. From this day forward, I choose to follow You. In Jesus’ name Amen.”
“If this lesson has been a blessing to you, leave us a comment.”