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Resurrection: The Prize that Drives Us

Text: Philippians 3

Preacher: Alex Hogendoorn

Date: May 11, 2025

Tagline:

The resurrection of Jesus is not just our hope—it is the prize he cheers us on to win!

Sermon Summary:

Alex opened with a story about coaching U12 soccer—how the shift from recreation to real competition transformed how kids approached the game. In the same way, Paul invites the Philippians to play not for fun or comfort, but to win—to pursue the surpassing worth of knowing Christ and the resurrection to come.

In Philippians 3, Paul lays out everything he once counted as gain—status, heritage, accomplishments—and declares it rubbish compared to knowing Christ. This knowing isn’t just intellectual; it is a sure promise rooted in the reality of Jesus' resurrection--because he rose, we will rise. In the resurrection we have the answers our souls long for: that death is not the end, that justice will be fulfilled, and that glory is promised. Drawing on vivid analogies—a tuning fork, a guitar’s resonance, C.S. Lewis’ image of radiant resurrected saints—Alex painted a picture of the hope and glory that lie ahead. The call? To run hard after Jesus, to count everything else as loss, and to never give up, because the prize is worth it—and Christ is running with us.

Group Discussion Guide

Icebreaker Questions

  1. As a kid, what was something you took way too seriously—or not seriously enough?
  2. Have you ever had to give something up in order to gain something better? What did that look like?
  3. What’s something that “fires up your imagination” when you think about the future?
Read Philippians 3 together and discuss any questions that arise from the passage. Then use a few of these questions for further reflection.

Discussion Questions

  1. Paul says he counts all things as loss compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ. What do you think this looked like in his life—and what might it look like in yours?
  2. The questions of death, justice, and glory are the deep longings of the soul, and they are all fulfilled in the resurrection. Which of these speaks to you most right now? Why?
  3. In the sermon, Alex described the resurrection body as being “in perfect harmony with the Holy Spirit.” How does this reshape how you think about heaven and life after death?
  4. Paul says, “Not that I have already obtained it… but I press on.” What helps you press on in your faith, especially when you feel weak or weary?
  5. The sermon closed with the image of Jesus as a coach, cheering us on. Or that he is urging us to win so he can share his prize with us. What does it mean to run your race with Jesus—not just for him? How might that change your sense of calling?

For Further Study

  1. Philippians 3 – Pressing on toward the prize
  2. 1 Corinthians 15:42–44 – The resurrection body
  3. Romans 8:11 – Life through the Spirit who raised Jesus
  4. 2 Corinthians 4:16–18 – Our light momentary affliction
  5. 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18 – Encouragement in the face of death
  6. Colossians 3:1–4 – Set your minds on things above
  7. John 11:25–26 – “I am the resurrection and the life”
  8. Isaiah 25:6–9 – Death swallowed up forever
  9. Hebrews 12:1–2 – Run the race with endurance
  10. Revelation 21:3–5 – “He will wipe every tear”

Gospel Connections

Let’s discuss how we can apply this message to our lives as we seek to make the following connections as we follow Jesus

  • God: How does the promise of the resurrection deepen your trust in God’s character and plan?
  • The Church: In what ways can our church help one another run the race well, even through suffering?
  • Our Group: What does it look like to cheer each other on as we pursue Christ together?
  • The City: How can our hope in the resurrection offer comfort and courage to our neighbors facing loss, injustice, or despair?

 

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