This is the Gospel: Our Participation in the Gospel

1. To be found in Christ is to be formed by Christ
2. To know Christ is to share in his sufferings and resurrection
3. To press on in Christ is to pursue maturity together

Reflection Questions:

Philippians 3:7-9 speaks of being “found in Christ” rather than in one’s own accomplishments or identity markers. In what ways have you been tempted to define your worth by your performance, background, or status?

What would it look like in your life right now to truly count “gain as loss” for the sake of knowing Christ?

How might recognizing your union with Christ reshape how you see yourself-and others?

Paul longs to “know Christ… and share in His sufferings” (v. 10). This is often called a cruciform existence; being shaped by the cross. What examples in your own life or in the church reflect the “cruciform” shape of Christ’s love?

How does knowing that resurrection follows cruciformity encourage or challenge you?

How do you tend to respond to suffering or rejection in your Christian life? Do you see it as something to avoid or as a place to encounter Christ?

Paul describes a life of pressing on toward the upward call (v. 12-14). Gospel participation is both personal and public; proclaimed and performed. In what ways are you actively participating in Christ’s mission right now? How is your life telling the story of Jesus? Are there areas where your faith has become more passive than participatory?

Paul says, “Let us hold true to what we have attained” (v. 16). Spiritual maturity is mutual, not individual. Who in your life helps you press on in your faith? How do they do that? What role are you playing in helping others grow into Christlikeness?

How might gospel maturity look different in a community-centered framework compared to an individualistic one?