Easter Sunday

Knowing Christ (Philippians 3:10–11)

Big Idea: The resurrection of Jesus is not just a historical fact to believe, but a transforming power to experience personally.

1. Do You Know Jesus? (v. 10a)

• Not just knowing about Him, but relational, personal knowledge

• Religion vs. relationship

• Paul’s religious résumé counted as loss

• Salvation comes through knowing Christ, not credentials

2. Do You Know the Power of His Resurrection? (v. 10b)

• Resurrection power brings spiritual life now

• Power over fear, anxiety, sin, and death

• Produces peace, contentment, strength (Phil. 4)

• The Holy Spirit applies Christ’s victory to daily life

3. Do You Know the Fellowship of His Sufferings? (vv. 10c–11)

• Suffering is part of following Christ

• Jesus meets us in our pain

• Suffering draws us closer to Him

• Resurrection hope gives meaning to present trials

Discussion Guide (Philippians 3:10–11)

1. Knowing Christ Personally

Philippians 3:10
“That I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,”

Question:
What is the difference between knowing about Jesus and truly knowing Him, and how can you tell which one describes your life?

2. The Limits of Religion

Philippians 3:7–8
“But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord…”

Question:
What “spiritual credentials” or good works are you tempted to rely on instead of fully trusting Christ?

3. Counting All as Loss

Luke 9:23
“And he said to all, ‘If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.’”

Question:
What might God be calling you to surrender in order to pursue a deeper relationship with Jesus?

4. Resurrection as Reality

1 Corinthians 15:3–6
“For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins… that he was raised on the third day… and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time…”

Question:
How does the historical evidence for the resurrection strengthen your faith in difficult or doubtful moments?

5. Experiencing Resurrection Power

Philippians 4:13
“I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”

Question:
Where in your life do you most need Christ’s resurrection power right now?

6. Peace Beyond Understanding

Philippians 4:6–7
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God… will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Question:
How do you typically respond to anxiety, and what would it look like to let Christ guard your heart and mind?

7. Contentment in All Circumstances

Philippians 4:11–12
“…I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound…”

Question:
What circumstances are currently testing your contentment, and how can Christ reshape your perspective?

8. Fellowship in Suffering

1 Peter 4:13
“But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.”

Question:
How have you experienced Christ’s presence in suffering, or how might He be inviting you to trust Him in it now?

9. Purpose in Pain

Romans 8:18
“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.”

Question:
How does the promise of future resurrection help you endure present struggles?

10. Responding to the Gospel

Romans 10:9–10
“…if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved…”

Question:
What is one step of faith or obedience God is calling you to take in response to the resurrection?