Pray: "Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law."

1. 1

   What do you learn about God (the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) from this chapter? His thoughts, ways, or actions toward us, as His creation? How can you respond to God in prayer and praise?

2. 2

   In verses 1-6, Paul is comparing the Judaizers and those who are the true circumcision. Circumcision was the outward sign of the commitment to God for the covenant people of God in the Old Testament. However, the Judaizers put their confidence for their salvation only in the outward actions of circumcision and their lineage as Jews; but they had rejected Christ and therefore were not part of the Christian family of God. Where did Paul place his confidence for his salvation? How did he view whatever gain he had obtained? What had he suffered for the sake of Christ?

3. 3

   In verses 12-16, did Paul consider that he had obtained perfection? In verses 13-14, what is Paul's attitude toward mistakes he has made in the past? Where does he place his focus for life? Who does he call to think this way?

4. 4

   According to verses 17-21, how do brothers (believers) walk compared with how enemies of the cross walk?

5. 5

   Ponder: In this chapter, Paul is calling us to change our vision, from the things of earth to the things of heaven. Those who set their mind on earth focus on gaining their confidence in the things they accomplish, their wealth, and their own glory. When troubles come, their first thought is "How can this be fixed to provide the most comfort here on earth?" Those who set their minds on the prize of Christ see life and all it has to offer as means to glorify Christ in all they do. When troubles come, their first thought is "How can I trust God and keep my eyes on Him to bring Him glory?" Every decision they make is through the lens of eternity. Read Matthew 6:33. What do you find yourself focusing on more: earthly or eternal? How does this lead you to pray?