Sharon Reformed Presbyterian Church · Sermon study sheet

Legacy & Honor

Bryan Schneider · March 22, 2022

Philippians 3:17

sharonrpc.org/sermons/legacy-honor

Summary

Philippians calls believers to observe and imitate faithful Christian examples while recognizing that every human example remains dependent on grace.
Two ways of life stand in contrast: enemies of the cross set their minds on earthly appetite and glory in shame, while Christians belong to heaven and await Christ.
Death soberly exposes the failure of earthly things to provide final meaning, refuge, or escape from judgment.
Christianity is neither a license to live for sin nor an attempt to earn heaven through good deeds; Jesus Christ saves sinners by grace.
The believer's deepest hope is not heaven's created splendor but Jesus himself, the slain and risen Savior whom the saints behold and worship.
At death a believer's soul enters glory with Christ, while the body rests in the grave awaiting the completion of redemption.
Jesus will return with power, raise the dead, and transform the believer's lowly body to be like his glorious body.
Christians therefore grieve death honestly but with resurrection hope, stand firm in the Lord, and leave a legacy that directs others to follow Christ.

Why does Paul tell believers to pay careful attention to faithful examples?
How can we imitate a Christian's life without treating that person as perfect or as the ground of hope?
What marks distinguish a life set on earthly things from one governed by heavenly citizenship?
How does death reveal the inadequacy of possessions, appetite, career, and family when treated as ultimate ends?
Why is Jesus himself, rather than merely the benefits or scenery of heaven, the Christian's central desire?
What happens to a believer's soul and body at death?
How does Christ's own resurrection guarantee the future transformation of his people's bodies?
What would it mean for my life and eventual legacy to direct others toward Christ and help them stand firm?

Christian example: A visible but imperfect pattern of life shaped by grace that can be imitated insofar as it follows Christ.
Legacy: The enduring testimony and influence a life leaves, especially the direction it gives others toward or away from Christ.
Heavenly citizenship: The believer's present belonging to Christ's kingdom and true homeland while awaiting the Savior from heaven.
Enemy of the cross: One whose life remains governed by earthly appetite, shameful glory, and resistance to Christ's saving rule.
Intermediate state: The condition between death and resurrection, when a believer's soul is with Christ while the body rests in the grave.
Resurrection: Christ's future raising and transformation of the believer's body into glorious, incorruptible life.
Grief with hope: Honest sorrow over death joined to confidence in Christ's presence, return, and resurrection promise.
Stand firm: Persevere in the Lord, holding the gospel hope and pattern of life set forth in Philippians.