Chapter 3 The Joyful Race--Leader's Guide

1) “He is no fool to give up what he cannot keep in order to gain what he cannot lose.”- Jim Elliot
Who is Jim Elliot?
http://www.atanycost.org/DidTheyHaveToDie.htm

In v7 Paul counts all his own merits as LOSS, for the sake of Christ.  Have you ever done (or know someone who done) something that doesn’t benefit you/themselves, but for the beneficial of others? What do the quotes you have chosen say about you? (If your group is still uncomfortable sharing, just get them to think about it)

2) v12:. Have you ever tried to be perfect in all that you do and become discouraged? Why is this verse encouraging? This movie clip illustrates the difference.

3)Paul talks about a goal and a prize in v14.

a) In your opinion, what prize does he refers to? 

Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. 1 Cor 9:25

b) Life is a race. So is your faith in salvation.  What’s the different between a Christian race and a normal race?

Christian race is not about winning other Christians, but completing the race.

Refer : Hebrews 12:1

“Race” – The race of life, more to obstacle race.

c) We often have a goal/aim we look forward to. A goal to success, a goal of happiness, or a goal to shoot in!  Do you have a goal?  Why do you hold a goal? What is the goal in this verse?
"The goal is to press on and the prize is a fulfillment of the goal. Christ has laid hold of him, he must therefore lay hold of that which is his Lord's purpose for him. He must forget the past--the sins and failures of the past, and also the achievements in the service of Christ--so that the may always be straining forward to what lies ahead in the work of Christ and in the likeness of Christ." IVP Commentary

4) in v 17 Paul talks about using him as an example to follow (or a role model). So who is your role model?