Philippians Bible Study Lesson 5

This week Philippians 3: 1-11

Video session #5  https://www.rightnowmedia.org/Content/Series/368582

Paul reviewed the basics with the Philippians. The Bible and worship protect us and are our safeguards morally and theologically.

Jo Saxton explained that the Judaizers were Jewish Christians who wrongly believed that Gentiles must follow Old Testament Jewish laws, like circumcision. She talked about the real dogs of the city, and how they wandered around in packs devouring scraps. This is the analogy Paul used to compare to the the Judaizers. Jo reminds us that Jesus went to the cross to save humanity because we couldn't do it ourselves. We couldn't do it through works. If circumcision helped why did Jesus die?

Paul criticized the Judaizers because they looked at Christianity backwards – thinking that what they DID (like circumcision) made them believers instead of the free gift of grace given by Christ. What believers do is a RESULT of faith, not a prerequisite to faith. In the video, Jo reminded us that we don't need to add on “things that 'real' Christians do.” No Christian should add anything to Christ's offer of salvation by grace through faith.

Paul listed his credentials: birthplace, nationality, inheritance, activity etc. Paul considered every human gain as filth, trash, its so far removed from the salvation and transformation he's received. All he wants is Jesus. Credentials, accomplishments, or reputation cannot earn salvation. Salvation comes only through faith in Christ.

1. Jo explained that the Judaizers were trying to add to the gospel by creating a list of requirements for people to be saved. What are some modern examples of people adding to the gospel message? Why can it sometimes be tempting for us to believe those things are necessary for salvation?
2. Paul recognized the greater purpose of his life. He realized that knowing Jesus was greater than anything he could gain on earth – no social status, income bracket, or promotion could compare. He also hoped in the future resurrection of his body when Jesus returns. Instead of setting his eyes on the world around him, he chose to look to Jesus. What does Paul say about the gains he's experienced in his life?
3. Paul says what he's gained in life is garbage, or rubbish. The Greek word is skabala, meaning something so unwanted and worthless that it's thrown away, ad it's only used this once in the New Testament. It carries almost offensive connotation as it can also refer to human waste. What stands out to you about Paul comparing everything he's gained in life to garbage?
4. Read John 6:38-40; Thessalonians 4:16; 1 Corinthians 15:12-23. What can we learn about the resurrection from these passages. When will it happen? Who will raise the dead?
5. Our hope as Christians rests on Jesus. He rose from death first, signaling that his followers will one day do the same. In what ways does knowing about the resurrection of the dead shape the way you think about Jesus's resurrection?

Philippians Bible Study Lesson 4

 Philippians Bible Study Lesson 4 

This week Philippians 2:12-30

Video session #4  https://www.rightnowmedia.org/Content/Series/368582

In the video, Jo Saxton said, “Our words and our attitude matter they impact our witness. Paul calls for a different way. To be so distinct, so different, that it's the impact of shining like stars in the night. Stars shine because of their heat. Their energy comes from nuclear reaction inside the Stars. Paul invites the Philippians to be so on fire, so fueled by their relationship with God, that the world sees and wonders at the heat and what the Philippians have to say. Timothy and Epaphroditus are living examples of what Paul is talking about. Paul understands that they need more than a letter, they need living examples. 

What we think say and do matters to God and to our community.  We should take seriously what takes place in our minds, our actions and conversations it does affect the church. What does it mean to shine in your community?”

When reading verse 12, the words fear and trembling caught my attention. I did some research and found more clarification. Paul's idea was not that we should live our Christian lives with a constant sense of fear and terror, but that we should live with a fear of failing to work out our own salvation. This fear doesn't  have to be the fear of hell or damnation. It may be the awe-filled reverence of God that every believer should have. It doesn't have to be the guilty sinner's trembling, it should be the joyful trembling of an encounter with the splendor of God. 

The word harmless, can be the thought of pure. Charles Spurgeon said, "Be ye blameless and harmless, says the apostle. The Greek word might be translated 'hornless' as if you were to be creatures not only that do no harm, but could not do any; like sheep that not only will not devour, but cannot devour, for it were contrary to their nature; for they have no teeth with which to bite, no fangs with switch to sting, no poison with which to slay. 

One of my favorite selection in Philippians is, “Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, 'children of God' without fault in a warped and crooked generation. Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky.” Showing others our transformed life is a very effective witness to the power of God's word. When we display a non complaining Spirit, we show ourselves to be true followers of God. I love what 29th century British theologian Henry Alford had to say about light:

• lights are used to make things evident
• lights are used to guide
• lights are used as a warning 
• lights are used to bring cheer 
• lights are used to make things safe

In the sinful world, Paul knew that "the lights" we're in a bad place. Instead of excusing the lights for not shining, Paul knew that their position made it all the more important that they shine. Being in a dark place is a greater incentive to shine.

Paul closes this section by reminding us that it's God who works in us for his purpose.

1. Paul's goal for the Philippians is that they will become "blameless and pure" so that they can shine like stars in the darkness of the world. Why do you think our obedience to God can impact the lost world around us? What do our actions say about the church? About God?

2. Joe encouraged us to shine- not just as individuals, but as a community of believers. What actions "shine" the truth to the outside world? What could it look like for your church to "shine" in your town or city?

3. Paul says to work out salvation with fear and trembling - not the first words we might bring to mind. He uses the Greek words phobos (fear) and tomos (trembling), which each carry the connotations of both being afraid and being in awe. Paul once the Philippians to see the gravity of their actions. How they treat each other should not be taken lightly. What could it look like for you to approach Jesus with all? In what ways could all for Jesus fuel the way you treat other Christians?

4. Being children of God also means we have hope. we look forward to Jesus's return. The Romans passage says will be his co-heirs and the 1 John passage talks about us being like him. In what ways does the inheritance that comes with being God's children offer you hope?

5. Paul saw the sacrifices he made in his life as secondary to the sacrifice of the Philippians, which as we learn in 2:25 and 4:14-28, came in the form of a financial gift for Paul. The Philippians were obedient to God by sending the gift, which enabled Paul to do his work while in prison. So Paul rejoices and invites the Philippians to rejoice too. what stands out to you about Paul's attitude toward the Philippians and their gift?

Philippians Bible Study Lesson 3

This week's lesson, Philippians 1:27-2:12. Video Session #3 

https://www.rightnowmedia.org/Content/Series/368582

In the video, Jo Saxton said, "What are the next steps in unity? It's not just about peace keeping, it's not avoiding difficult conservations and pretending differences aren't there. It starts in the heart, in the surrender of our asumptions, our positions and our ideas. It means selflessness, sacrifice and humility, listening. It means death to self. And it might not look or feel good to others. We are looking at what God can do.

1. Why is it imortant to Paul that the church stands together? What is the church facing?
2. In verse 29, Paul says it''s been granted to the church to suffer for Jesus. What's your reaction to his statement? What difference does it make to your walk with Jesus to know suffering is promised for his followers?
3. Why would unity in the face of opposition be helpful for Christians? In what ways does it honor God?

Inspirational Verses from Philippians click here

Philippians Bible Study Lesson 2

This week's lesson, Philippians 1:12-26. Video Session #2 

https://www.rightnowmedia.org/Content/Series/368582

When we discussed Philippians recently, I felt such love and connection from the responses to this question:

What are some of the ways we benefit from the community we experience through the family of God? The responses included:

• We uphold and support each other in times of need.
• We we share the same common bond, the same father, we are bothers and sisters in Christ.
• We all share Christ's love.
• We share the fruit of the spirit
• We share through the power of the Holy Spirit.
• We are in fellowship and partnership of growth in the gospel.

There are so many different types of Christians, yet we all share something wonderful, our relationship with the same father. We are hagios, which means set apart, belonging to God. Romans 1:16 reminds us that the Gospel can reach all of us.

The one thing that Lydia and the jailer, two very different people, had in common, was a belief in Jesus as God’s Son. Christ's saving grace saves both men and women, rich and poor, and high and low classes. Our Savior's Grace is for all, and it is up to us to take it to all others, without prejudice or reserve.

1. On top of being in prison, Paul has heard account of people preaching the gospel out of envy. What do you think your response would be if you heard about someone's selfish motives for sharing the gospel? What was Paul's point of view?
2. According to 1:22-26, what advantage is there if Paul remains alive? What does he gain if he dies? 

God's Not Done With  You by Tauren Wells

With A Nod To Dr. Seuss

How the Virus Stole Easter

By: Kristi Bothur

'Twas late in ‘19 when the virus began

Bringing chaos and fear to all people, each land.

People were sick, hospitals full,

Doctors overwhelmed, no one in school.

As winter gave way to the promise of spring,

The virus raged on, touching peasant and king.

People hid in their homes from the enemy unseen.

They YouTubed and Zoomed, social-distanced, and cleaned.

April approached and churches were closed.

“There won’t be an Easter,” the world supposed.

“There won’t be church services, and egg hunts are out.

No reason for new dresses when we can’t go about.”

Holy Week started, as bleak as the rest.

The world was focused on masks and on tests.

“Easter can’t happen this year,” it proclaimed.

“Online and at home, it just won’t be the same.”

Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, the days came and went.

The virus pressed on; it just would not relent.

The world woke Sunday and nothing had changed.

The virus still menaced, the people, estranged.

“Pooh pooh to the saints,” the world was grumbling.

“They’re finding out now that no Easter is coming.

“They’re just waking up! We know just what they’ll do!

Their mouths will hang open a minute or two,

And then all the saints will all cry boo-hoo.

“That noise,” said the world, “will be something to hear.”

So it paused and the world put a hand to its ear.

And it did hear a sound coming through all the skies.

It started down low, then it started to rise.

But the sound wasn’t depressed.

Why, this sound was triumphant!

It couldn’t be so!

But it grew with abundance!

The world stared around, popping its eyes.

Then it shook! What it saw was a shocking surprise!

Every saint in every nation, the tall and the small,

Was celebrating Jesus in spite of it all!

It hadn’t stopped Easter from coming! It came!

Somehow or other, it came just the same!

And the world with its life quite stuck in quarantine

Stood puzzling and puzzling.

“Just how can it be?”

“It came without bonnets, it came without bunnies,

It came without egg hunts, cantatas, or money.”

Then the world thought of something it hadn’t before.

“Maybe Easter,” it thought, “doesn’t come from a store.

Maybe Easter, perhaps, means a little bit more.”

And what happened then?

Well....the story’s not done.

What will YOU do?

Will you share with that one

Or two or more people needing hope in this night?

Will you share the source of your life in this fight?

The churches are empty - but so is the tomb,

And Jesus is victor over death, doom, and gloom.

So this year at Easter, let this be our prayer,

As the virus still rages all around, everywhere.

May the world see hope when it looks at God’s people.

May the world see the church is not a building or steeple.

May the world find Faith in Jesus’ death and resurrection,

May the world find Joy in a time of dejection.

May 2020 be known as the year of survival,

But not only that -

Let it start a revival

Philippians Bible Study Lesson 2

This week's lesson, Philippians 1:12-26. Video Session #2 
https://www.rightnowmedia.org/Content/Series/368582

I've always had this picture in my head of how Paul looked. He was strong and tough, about 40, with no beard. His looks belied his great kindness and the innate love for Jesus. I've always thought of him as a gentle soul filled with patience. Oh! I've pretty much just described my Daddy! So imagine my surprise to see artist's renderings of Paul of Tarsus. He's much older and more frail than my Paul, and he as a beard. So that got me wondering if I could uncover more information about Paul that would give clues to his appearance.

What did I really know about Paul? I looked him up and was surprised to learn how my perception of him was kind of one dimensional. He was much more than that kind man in my mind's eye. He was intelligent and articulate and committed to his calling. He was trained as a Pharisee, learned the tent-making trade, so he must have been strong and fit. He was a couple of years younger than Jesus, so he wasn't old and frail I'd always thought while picturing him in my minds' eye. But, in reality, he died in 67 A.D., so he was in his 60's at that point. In Acts 23, there's a mention of his father who was a Pharisee. In Romans 1:11, he writes, “I am an Israelite myself, a descendant of Abraham, from the tribe of Benjamin.” We know that Benjamin was the second son of Rachel and Jacob. Some scholars think he was named after King Saul, a distant relative, since Paul came from a devout Jewish family and was of the lineage of Benjamin.

It’s likely that Paul was beheaded by Nero, and that the burning of Rome had something to do with it. While the Bible does not say specifically when and how Paul died. We know that 2nd Timothy was written while Paul was in a Roman prison from 66-67 AD—not long after the burning of Rome. We also know that during this time Paul was expecting death: “For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” (2 Timothy 4:6-8). Eusbius, an early church historian wrote that the emperor Nero ordered Paul's beheading.

When did Paul's name change from Saul to Paul? From the International Bible Society, Biblica, I learned that after his conversion on the road to Damascus, he was called Paul by the Holy Spirit and others. Then in Acts 13:9, as he is getting ready to launch his ministry to mostly Greek-speaking Gentiles, we read these words: “Then Saul, who was also called Paul…” After that, Luke, continues to call him Paul. Some scholars say that “Saul” is his Hebrew name, while as a Roman citizen he also used the biblical Greek name of Paul. It wasn't uncommon for people in that time to have two names. The theory is that Luke began calling him Paul” because that would be the more familiar name to the Gentiles to which they were ministering.

So, my new version of Paul has greatly expanded. In the end, he was older and certainly more frail, but much wiser too. He is someone I would like to meet. I'm sure he would greet me with a great big ole' hug and a smile.

1. What issue does Paul surface in 1:15-17 about some of the preachers in Philipi?
2. What do you think your response would be if you heard about someone's selfish motives for sharing the gospel? What was Paul's point of view?

I know that Paul grew to be an old man, but in my mind he will forever be like the first two pictures.

Philippians Bible Study

This week's lesson, Philippians 1:12-26. Video Session #2 
https://www.rightnowmedia.org/Content/Series/368582

What stuck out to me was verse 14, "because of my chains most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear." The commentary in my Bible on this verse says, “when we speak fearlessly for Christ or live faithfully for him during difficult situations, we encourage others to do the same. Being encouraged by the way you that you live.”

Paul's message in Philippians was for us to share the gospel with boldness and he reminded us that God can use a terrible circumstance to lead to something good and transformative. In Paul's case, he found himself in prison, but that lead to gospel expansion! In the video clip, Jo Saxton reminds us that circumstances have a bigger picture. Focus only on Jesus. Jesus was Paul's entire focus. Jo also said, “What can we take away from this? Our lives serve a purpose greater than ourselves. Encourage others. Pick up your cross daily. Paul is a living reminder of what this looks like.”

1. What's been the result of Paul's imprisonment? Who has been influenced by his faithfulness to God?
2. Why do you think Paul is able to keep this perspective? What about his outlook on his life and death resonates with you?