LifeGroup Notes

BIG IDEA
Money is a key point of conversation in our time. It is necessary in order to live, but often, we allow it to have so much more control over our lives! In accounting, value or worth is determined by looking at a ledger, which shows the profit and loss of an organization. In business, the goal is for the profit, or gain, to outweigh the loss, or debts!

While our life in Christ is not measured by monetary value, we can also assess the value of it by looking at it in regards to profits and loss. In earthly values, Paul showed a high profit margin because of all that had been invested in his life. He was a well-versed Jewish scholar, knowing all that God had taught His people in the Old Testament. When Paul chose to follow Christ, it came with a cost. No longer did he have the same power and respect that he once held. And yet, as Paul encountered Christ, he realized for the first time how worthless all of his “good works” had been and how his righteousness was not righteousness at all, but a fallacy! This week, we will look at what is required from us in order to experience the eternal gain of following Christ.

Passages we’ll review:
Philippians 3:7-11; Genesis 22:1-14

OPENING
What stood out to you from the message this week? What led you to really think? Did anything challenge you? Have you ever had to share something that you really loved, something that had immense value to you?

What were some of the Senior Superlatives categories when you were in High School? Did you receive any? If you were to receive superlatives for your life now, which would you receive?

What accomplishments would you want to include if you were to create a resume? Are they the same accomplishments you would want included in your obituary? Why or why not?

READ

Read Philippians 3:7-9

What are some things that can be considered “gain” due to our own efforts? What are some things that people incorrectly base their salvation on?

Why do we, even as Christians, tend to base our worth on our own performance? Why is this so detrimental?

What did Paul reveal as the secret to his success? How does Paul’s view of his own accomplishments challenge the views of our society today?

Our world places great value on accomplishments, wealth, and power. Yet Paul talks of the “surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.” How would you describe what it means to know and follow Jesus to someone who doesn’t have a personal relationship with Him?

When choosing to follow Christ, do people consider the sacrifices they will need to make in order to follow Him, or do they look for what they can gain if they follow Him? Do people look at the “cost-benefit analysis” before choosing to follow Him? Do you think it would be different if they were from an area where Christians were persecuted and killed?

Read Philippians 3:10-11

How did Paul want to grow in his relationship with Christ? Which of these do you desire the most? Which of these is most intimidating to you? Why?

Have you had an experience in which you found the worth of knowing Christ to be greater than everything else in your life, even at the cost of suffering? Share with your LifeGroup.

How does the hope of resurrection impact the way we live our lives? How does our future hope shape our present actions and decisions?

DIGGING DEEPER

Read Genesis 22:1-14

In Hebrews 11, we see Abraham mentioned as one of the faith heroes. In Genesis 22, he was called to offer up his only son, promised to him by God for the future of His people. It is here that we see not only God’s provision for Abraham and Isaac, but also the future hope of God’s Resurrection power! —Editor’s Note

How did Abraham respond to this test? Why do you think he was able to respond as he did? How do you think you would have responded in his place?

Abraham names the place “The Lord Will Provide.” Think of a sacrifice you have had to make in your own life out of obedience to God. In what specific ways has God provided for you as you chose to follow Him? Was it worth it?

LET’S PRAY

Consider the following as you pray together:

1. Make a list of the things you do well and value most. After looking at Paul’s view of his personal accomplishments before Christ, how do you feel about the things you have listed? Do you need to change anything on your list? As you spend time in prayer this week, ask God to help you as you seek to put Him and His work above everything else.
   

2. Paul desired to know Christ better. On a scale of 1 to 10, with one being the lowest, how would you rate your own desire in this area?
   

3. What is your personal “Isaac?” Who or what are you holding onto? What is the most difficult thing God might ask you to do? Write it out and lay it down before God!
   

“Hold everything in your hand lightly, otherwise it hurts when God pries your fingers open.” (Corrie Ten Boom)