Before attending class, read the text and think about/answer the questions.

1. Who was the true Israel (real nation of God)?

2. What were Paul's Jewish credentials (that were similar to Jewish credentials commonly used by many other Jewish people to create feelings of spiritual security and confidence)?

3. How did Paul look at those credentials?

4. Paul considered past accomplishments as garbage. He left those things because he wanted to gain Christ. Explain what Paul wanted in each of the following areas:
   1. To be found in Jesus Christ.

   2. To forfeit the "righteousness of my own" in order to gain the righteousness God gives on the basis of faith.

   3. To "know" Christ.

   4. To "know" the power that made Christ's resurrection possible.

   5. That he might participate in Jesus' sufferings.

   6. That he might be conformed to Jesus' death.

   7. That he might experience final resurrection.

5. What was Paul's attitude as a Christian toward himself?

6. What attitude should mature Christians aspire to develop?

7. Personal thought/reflection question: this year, how can I motivate myself to grow toward greater spiritual maturity?

Copyright © 2003
David Chadwell & West-Ark Church of Christ

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