The sermon presented the concept of ‘self-focus’ at length.

• What is self-focus?
• Can you think of Scriptures that teach the reality of self-focus?
• Can you think of stories from Scripture that illustrate self-focus?
• Pastor Thomas stated that, “Self-focus is the mothership of all other joy-thieves.” Why?

 
Here are the three descriptions of self-focus presented in the sermon:
1. SELF-FOCUS operates when sin causes us to insert ourselves into the center of our world.
2. In SELF-FOCUS, I try to manipulate situations, locations, and relationships for my pleasure and comfort and preference.
3. SELF-FOCUS causes us to have a greater allegiance to our own kingdom than God’s Kingdom.

• Spend time in prayer asking God to highlight: Lord, where is self-focus at work in me?

 
Why is trying really hard in my own strength to cast off self-focus not a viable solution?
How should we battle this joy-thief with Gospel truths and Spirit power?
 
Replacing Self-focus with Christ-centeredness in RELATIONSHIPS
 
How does self-focus lead to conflicted relationships?
 
READ Philippians 4:1-3.

• What was Paul’s solution to the dispute between Euodia and Syntyche?
• Why is allowing division in the body of Christ or our homes so dangerous?
• Why are “awkward conversations” sometimes necessary to have with others?

 
Reflect on some conflicts you have witnessed among Christians.

• Was resolution reached?
• How were these conflicts handled well, and how were they conducted poorly?
• Were there ways that these conflicts damaged the church’s testimony or congregation?
• Do you know others who are in conflict?
• What can you do to help others ‘agree in the Lord’?

Never in my life have I been deemed ‘without a plan’.  Even as a little girl, when I was being put to bed for the night, I would ask, “Mama, what are we doing tomorrow?”
 
Girl With A Plan.  That’s me!  Or at least, Girl Who Really Wants to Know The Plan! I know my mama was gracious to my little planner personality, but in her mind she was thinking “Baby girl, I’m just glad we made through today! Let’s think about tomorrow when it comes.” (I know. She’s told me. I used to drive her crazy with that question.)  
 
Now I’m an adult and while I no longer get tucked into bed at night by my mom, my heart still cries out “What are we going to do tomorrow?”  Or perhaps the more grown up version: “Is this really where you want me Lord?  Do you still hear me?  What’s the plan?” 
 
Can you relate?  I’m sure I’m not the only one out there. The weight of the unknown can be overwhelming.  

          How do you make a plan when everything (or nothing) changes? 
          How do you keep moving when you don’t know where to go?

Psalm 25:5 has been a true friend: “Lead me in truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; for You I wait all the day long.”  Oh how I cling to those words!  When the plan that I want is not the life that I’ve got I can turn to the God who plans all things.  I cry out “Lord, is this really where you want me?,” and my Jesus will graciously say to my little planner self, “Baby girl, I carried you through this day.  Your plan may not be My plan, and your way may not be My way, but My ways are far beyond anything you can imagine. Let Me lead you.  Let Me teach you.  Watch for what I am doing and wait for Me." How sweet it is when God’s word sinks into your soul.  

So, from one planner to another: the next time you grab tight to your desires or your plans fall apart I encourage you to run to God’s word.  Let God weave His will into your plans.  Rather than holding tight to your plan, release your grip and cling to God.  Praying through verses often helps me focus on God and His direction rather than what I think God’s plan should be.  So let’s practice with my verse-friend above!
 
LEAD ME IN TRUTH – Lord, You are good.  You are the Prince of Peace, but I currently feel chaotic.  You are a God of clarity, but I am confused by Your plan.  What I see does not match at all what I thought would be.  Help me to see You.  I need Your guidance.  I need eternal truth to break through the haze.  Please lead me to it.  I will follow You willingly.  Help me to loosen my grip on what I want, and join You in what You are doing.
 
TEACH ME – Lord, You have me here for a reason.  Teach me about You in this place.  Show me who You are.  Let me catch a greater view of You.  Help me to see Your plan with fresh eyes.  Instruct me in which way I should go.
 
YOU HAVE SAVED ME – Thank You for Your saving grace.  Not knowing Your plan is rough, but life apart from You would be far worse.  Thank You that I can cling to You.  You are my God, and the salvation You have planned and purchased for me through Jesus’ death and resurrection is far greater than anything I could dream up or desire.

          Not knowing Your plan is rough, but life apart from You would be far worse. 

I WILL WAIT FOR YOU – Whether I can see why or not, You have me in this place for a reason and I will wait for Your guidance.  I trust You.  I trust that Your will and design are far better than mine.  I will wait for Your direction, and as I wait I will serve You.  I will watch for You in my day.  I will look for Your movement.  Thank You for the blessing of knowing You are in control. 

READ Philippians 3:12-4:1
 
How would you summarize this passage in one sentence?
 
The metaphor of running a race is common in the New Testament as a description of the Christian life.

• Why do you think the Holy Spirit inspired the writers to use this metaphor?
• What does the metaphor emphasize in these Philippians’ verses?
• Read 1 Corinthians 9:24-27. What does the metaphor emphasize here?
• Read Hebrews 12:1-3. What does the metaphor emphasize here?
• In light of these passages how would you evaluate your “running” lately? Why?
• Whose race running do you have the ability to influence for the better this week? How?

 
Deeper into Philippians 3:12-4:1

• Verse 12. Do you find it encouraging that the apostle Paul readily admits that he is not already perfect? Verse 12. How do you deal with the tensions that we experience as we desire to be holy and perfect in this life, and yet constantly fall short of that goal?
• Verse 13-14. Why do we need passion and discipline to grow in spiritual maturity?
• Verse 14 and 20-21. What is the prize that Paul pursues? How should this affect the way you live?
• Verse 17. Who has God placed in your life that can fill this role?
• Verse 18-19. What are some characteristics of the “enemies of the cross”?
• Verse 18-19. Why did Pastor Thomas describe this as a warning against self-indulgence?
• Verse 18-19. Are you giving yourself to self-indulgence, and what are the current and future potential costs?
• Verse 20. How do you think devoted living as a “citizen of Heaven” compare/contrast to v.18-19?
• Verse 4:1. What one change could you make in order to take a step into “standing firm in the Lord” and pursuing the one thing that matters most?

In Real Life
Who do you know that aims to honor the Bible’s commands from a glad heart for the right reasons? What do you perceive as their motivation(s)?
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Have you ever known someone who seemed to be keeping Biblical commands for the wrong reasons? What reasons? How did it effect that person?
 
READ Philippians 3:1-11 and listen carefully to how Paul addresses the dangers of legalism and self-righteousness.
 
Confronting Our Self-righteousness

• Why is it important to resist legalism and false confidence?
• Pastor Thomas combined Paul’s list of false confidences into 5 categories:

      a. ritual: using spiritual rituals such as baptism, circumcision, or spiritual disciplines to earn God’s                   acceptance
      b. family background: thinking my family’s heritage or practices automatically connect me to God
      c. title: achieving God’s favor and approval through my titles, roles, and achievements
      d. rule keeping: working to be a good enough person for God to love and give a place in Heaven
      e. zeal: being sincere and passionate to prove my allegiance and to deserve eternal life

• Which of those categories is most enticing for you to put trust in? Why?
• Where else in your life are you tempted to achieve your own righteousness before God based on your own works?
• What are two or three reasons why all self-righteousness is inadequate to achieve and assure our relationship with God?

 
Counting Rubbish And Chasing Joy

• Why does Paul in 3:7-8 count as ‘rubbish’ (literally: dung) the items listed in 3:4-6? What are some of the ways this applies to us today?
• What areas of your life might you be tempted to cling to even in your Christian life? How is God calling you to relinquish those past identity markers?
• What steps can you take to enable you to truly say, ‘I count everything as loss because for the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord”
• How does 3:9-11 summarize the Gospel?
• How does Paul employ the word ‘righteousness’ in these verses?
• Do you at all times believe that your righteous status before God is solely based on the work of Christ?
• Why do you need Christ’s righteousness?
• In what ways does 3:10-11 instruct us that Christ’s righteousness impacts our present and future life?

Close in prayer based on what the Holy Spirit has taught you and highlighted as significant for you in this study. 

Leave A Legacy
 
Our culture has largely shifted from a mindset of “leave a lasting legacy for others” to “live in the moment for yourself.”

• How are lifestyles oriented around the new mindset?
• Why do you think this shift has occurred?
• What are some of the likely outcomes of the new mindset?

 
READ 1 Corinthians 3:10-15.

• What are we commanded to do in v.10?
• What are the motivations given in v.12-15 for obeying the command?
• How are these verses an honest invitation rather than a terrifying threat?
• What do these verses reveal about the meaning and value of everyday/normal life?
• Does the way you live your life only matter during this lifetime?
• Read these additional verses. What else do you learn about your legacy in eternity? 2 Cor. 5:9-10; Romans 14:10-12; 1 Timothy 4:7-8.

               
Legacy Examples: Timothy and Epaphroditus
 
READ Philippians 2:19-30 to hear Paul’s praise of Timothy and Epaphroditus’ lifestyles.

• What does Paul admire about Timothy? What can we learn from Timothy’s example?
• What does Paul admire about Epaphroditus? What can we learn from his example?
• What does it mean to be a “fellow soldier” for Jesus with one another?
• What are the advantages and challenges of laboring alongside others for God’s Kingdom?

 
In all the Bible, Timothy and Epaphroditus are never recorded to have performed a miracle.

• Does faithful Christian living always look extraordinary? Why or why not?
• Why is faithfully living for Jesus in “regular life” over a lifetime likely to leave a praiseworthy legacy on earth and in Heaven?

 
Write 3 or 4 sentences about what you would like your legacy to be. What will you need to do in order to pursue those aims?