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?
