Going Deeper in “Is Success Enough?”
Read the following slowly a few times:
Philippians 3:4b-14; Matthew 6:19-21; Luke 12:15-21; Mark 8:34-37; Galatians 2:20; Hebrews 12:1-2; 2 Timothy 4:7-8.
Going Deeper Questions:
1. What accomplishments and credentials does Paul list? Why would these things have been considered impressive in his world?
2. Paul says he once placed confidence in these things. What is the difference between being grateful for our accomplishments and placing our identity or confidence in them?
3. Paul uses the language of profit and loss: things he once considered “valuable” he now considers “worthless” compared with knowing Christ. What changed his view of what really mattered?
4. What has Paul stopped trusting to make him right with God? What has replaced it? Why is this distinction so central to the gospel?
5. Paul openly admits that he hasn't “achieved” spiritual perfection. What does that tell us about spiritual maturity? Why might recognizing that we haven't arrived actually be a sign of maturity?
6. Success isn't necessarily wrong. But when does the pursuit of success begin competing with the pursuit of Christ?
7. If someone asked, “What are you pursuing most passionately at this stage of your life?” what would your calendar, spending, attention, and energy reveal?
8. Paul was still “pressing on.” Where in your spiritual life have you become comfortable or stopped growing?
9. Finish this sentence honestly: “If I could accomplish only one more truly important thing with my life, I would want it to be…”
This Week's Challenge
Revaluation: Identify one thing you've used to measure your success. Ask whether it deserves the importance you've given it.
Know: Spend ten quiet minutes each day this week with one simple prayer: “Jesus, I want to know you.”
Press On: Identify one next step God may be asking you to take. Don't worry about finishing the journey. Take the next step.