Read Philippians 3:1-2. What commands does Paul give to the church in these verses? How are ‘rejoice’ and ‘look out’ related to one another?

Read Philippians 3:3-4. What does Paul mean by ‘confidence in the flesh’? Is this a good confidence or a bad confidence in Paul’s view? Why?

Historical Background: Paul is warning the church about the Circumcision Party (Acts 11:2, Gal 2:12, Titus 1:10). These people believed that Jesus was Messiah, but insisted his followers must follow the Law of Moses, including circumcision for Gentile converts (Acts 11:2, Gal 2:12, Titus 1:10). Paul considered this a form of legalism - a mindset that focuses on behavior instead of the heart.

While most of us aren’t overly concerned with Jewish ritual law, self-reliance and behavior-modification approach to life is prevalent in our era. What are some specific ways you or your peers are tempted to legalism? Why is legalism antithetical to the command in 3:1, “Rejoice in the Lord.”?

In the sermon today, Robb mentioned Bryan Chapell’s “Deadly Be’s”: Be-LIKE, Be-GOOD, Be-DISCIPLINED. Review these ideas together. What does each mean? Why are they ‘deadly’? How can we tell if we are entertaining these Deadly Be’s in our own spiritual lives?

Read Philippians 3:5-7. How does Paul describe his own experience with legalistic righteousness? What is his conclusion?

Is “counting [things] loss for the sake of Christ” a one-time thing or a habitual practice? How can we help one another to live in grace and not in a legalistic mindset?