Christ is exalted when we allow the Spirit to work through us as we pursue Him.

Scripture: Philippians 3:1-21 

Central Truth

We can’t work hard enough to be right with God. We can’t work hard enough to earn His approval. Instead, it’s a free gift offered to us because of the work Jesus has already done.

Key Question

Paul had every reason to be confident in his flesh (vv. 4-6). What fleshly things are you tempted to place your confidence in?

Keep in Mind

Many of your students may have grown up in church and attended every service. Maybe they went to every Vacation Bible School (VBS) as a kid, and they now attend every student event. Maybe they know Scripture and can recite the Ten Commandments. Maybe their families are active in your church. Maybe some of them are even ministers’ kids. And if they aren’t careful, your students could start to depend on these things to make them right with God. 

Here’s the truth: none of these things make us righteous. As we see in Paul’s life, our right actions and rule-keeping won’t fix a heart problem. But this is actually great news because being righteous doesn’t depend on us; instead, our righteousness comes from Christ! 

APPLICATION

What keeps you from living up to what God has already shown you (v. 16)?

THE WIN

FOR THE STUDENT: Many students go to camp or an event where God showed them something new, but then they fail to apply what they learned. Camps and events are awesome, but we can help our students see that our relationship with God is mostly built during the mundane, daily moments. 

FOR THE LEADER: As a leader, you’ve likely watched students come home from camp or another event with a renewed excitement in their walk with Christ. And you’ve also likely felt disappointment when that excitement wore off and some of those students faded away. Be encouraged that these events, lessons, late-night hangouts, and your investment in students’ lives are making a difference.