Philippians Bible Study Lesson 8

Phillippians 4:10-23
link to video on Right Now Media 
https://www.rightnowmedia.org/Content/Series/368582

• Main Idea: When we follow the call to joyful sacrifice, we can find contentemnt in any cirecumstance and thus live generously.

In verses 10-14, Paul discuses contentment. Ask yourself if you have great needs, or are you discontented because you don't have what you want? We must learn to rely on God's promises and Christ's power to help us be content. If we always want more, we need to ask God to remove that desire and teach us contentment in every circumstance. He will supply all our needs, but in a way that he knows is best for for us.

People can often make Philippians 4:13 about themselves. But if we know anything about Philippians, it's that Paul is not after personal gain. He advocates for putting others first, for seeing our lives as garbage compared to knowing Jesus, and to being content. This is one of the most-quoted verses in the Bible. We often see it recited before sports games or captioned on a social media post. But without its context, we can make the verse out to mean that Jesus is a spiritual steroid shot that empowers people to make game-winning goals or climb the corporate ladder. The power we receive from our our belief in and relationship with Christ is sufficient to do to his will and to face the challenges that arise from our commitment to doing it. He does not grant us superhuman ability to accomplish anything we can can imagine without regard to his interests. As we struggle for the faith will will face troubles, pressures, and trials. As they come, we must ask Christ to strengthen us.

In verse 17, Paul is making it clear that his primary desire is for the Philippians to gain the benefits that come with being generous – maturity, joy, and trust in god. In other words, he's more concerned about the Philippians than himself. As the Philippians share in Paul's suffering, Paul's equally invested in them. Think about what stands out to you about Paul's attitude in this verse. Consider what it could look like to receive gifts with a similar attitude as Paul?

Think about people in your life who aren't Christians. Write their names down and commit to praying for them this week. Ask God for opportunities to talk about Jesus with them.

1. Why do you think contentment can be so tough for us?
2. Jo explained the significance of Paul mentioning Cesar's household in the final lines of this letter. He's reminding the Philippians once more that Jesus is Lord – not Caesar. God is bringing people into his family and Caesar can't stop him. What's hopeful for you about the fat that Jesus is Lord and that God can move despite human authorities?
3. What are some ways you've heard people use Philippians 4:13?
4. In what ways could Philippians 4:13 offer encouragement for you as you pursue contentment in all circumstances?
5. The word Paul uses in verse 14 that's translated “to share in my troubles, is sygkoinoneo. It implies a partnership with someone, often over a period of time. The Philippians partnered with Paul in his mission to spread the gospel from the beginning. What does it show about the Philippians that they not only gave, but also persisted in giving to Paul?
6. What about the Roman's conversions offers you hope for those you know who aren't following Jesus?

Philippians Bible Study Lesson 7

This week Philippians 4:1-9

Video session #7  https://www.rightnowmedia.org/Content/Series/368582?episode=7

Paul continues to instruct the Philippians how to press on in sacrificial life in Christ in these pressured times. This is his Closing Appeal for Steadfastness and Unity.

Euodia and Syntyche were significant to the community. They had worked directly with Paul to spread the gospel throughout the city of Phillipi, although it is not clear exactly in what way. The church had begun at a women’s prayer meeting, and it is likely possible that Euodia and Syntyche were part of that original group. The one thing we know for sure is that these two women were not agreeing with one another. It is likely their argument was public because Paul had heard about it even though he was currently in a Roman prison. Two women fighting in this manner would have put the unity of the believers in Philippi in jeopardy, so it was important for Paul to address the bickering in his letter to the church.

The verb contended used in verse 3 was used in athletic terminology - gladiatorial matches, fighting side by side. It helps us know that these women were central to the mission in Philippi. Paul begs them to work things out, as this community was a glimpse of heaven and their names were in the Book of Life.

In the video, Jo Saxton said that these verse contained nuggets of wisdom and instructions on how to press on in sacrificial life. These tools for life were given to us all:

1. Christians are called to rejoice in God.
2. Christians are called to be marked by gentleness, sometimes translated gentle forbearance, willingness to yield, softness, patience, moderation, a recognition of mercy. That's a challenging posture to have when you're under attack from people outside, or when you're in the midst of relational problems inside the community. Suffering tests this quality, but the Lord is near, a reminder of that heavenly perspective.
3. Christians can give their anxiety and worries to God in prayer and he will give them peace. Peace will be standing on guard in their minds and in their hearts.
4. Christians can have minds like Jesus by “thinking about whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”  Paul lists and instructs what to focus on, knowing their minds will shape their lives.
5. Paul urges them to practice what he's taught them when he says, “Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” Paul's closing words again bring up the concept of living examples. Don't just remember what you've learned from me, use it, practice it. God will lead us.

Discussion Questions

1. Paul confronted the women out of love for them in the church. Why is it important to confront disunity in the church with love? What could the negative consequences be if we don't confront in love?
2. The tool in verse 5 is gentleness. Joe described gentleness as forbearance, softness, patience, moderation, a recognition of mercy. She said when we treat each other with gentleness, it helps our witness to the world. What does it look like practically speaking to be gentle? Why do you think being gentle towards other people could help our witness to the world?
3. If we look at verses six and seven, Paul gives us another tool. He encourages the Philippines to go to God In prayer about their anxieties. When have you come to God with your anxieties? What did that look like?   (to be clear, these verses do not say that if you struggle with depression or anxiety that you must only seek God for a cure. As Joe said in the video, seek medical and professional help if you are experiencing mental health issues.)
4. It can feel deceitful to rejoice when life is hard - as if being joyful belittles or betrays what you're going through. But rejoicing in God doesn't mean we forget our pain. It means we remember who God is and praise him as we suffer. What's a good balance between acknowledging pain and suffering while rejoicing in God? And what ways does Paul give us an example to follow? 
5. practically speaking, rejoicing in God is more than singing worship songs on Sunday morning. Joy is a fruit of the spirit. We can ask God to teach us to be joyful - to rejoice always. It has to do with how we think, what we say, and how we act throughout the day. What could rejoicing and God look like for you this week?
6. Through faith in Jesus, we have access to God like never before. God is with us always. He is given us his Spirit who lives in us and he's intimately working in our lives - both internally and externally. What reassures you about the truth that God is with you? In what ways is his presence encouraging to you?
7. In these verses, Paul shows how God's nearness changes us. Externally, we are joyful and gentle because we know our God loves us, is with us, and is faithful to us. In what other ways has God's presence in your life affected your external actions?
8. We can always present our requests to God. He hears and responds to us. While he might not say yes to the things we want, he hears every request we make to him. What kinds of requests do you make to God? What requests do you avoid talking to God about? Why do you avoid them?

Philippians Bible Study Lesson 6

This week Philippians 3: 12-21

Video session #6 https://www.rightnowmedia.org/content/series/368582?episode=6

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SESSION GOALS

Main Idea: We can be encouraged to persevere in following Jesus's example of joyful sacrifice by looking to other Christians' examples and by focusing on the future hope we have in eternity.

Head Change: To know where to look to help us persevere in a life surrendered to Jesus.

Heart Change: To feel encouragement by the way other Christians preserve in following Jesus.

Life Change: To endure present circumstances by looking beyond ourselves to eternity and to those who have gone before us.

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In this session, we'll talk about what it looks like to persevere in following Jesus, knowing that people have gone before us and that our citizenship is in heaven. In the video, Jo Saxton begins by sharing three Greek words for life found in scripture.

Bios is everyday life of the physical body. It is where we get the word biology.

Psuche is interior life, the psychological, human soul, emotion and will. It is where we get the word psychology.

Zoe refers to the uncreated, eternal life of God, the divine life uniquely possessed by God. A richer quality of life, a transformed life that begins now and continues into eternity.

One of the key features of the early church was that they generally saw their earthly life through the lens of eternity. This life on earth was only the start. To Paul, this future hope was fuel for his earthly life. He persists through the suffering by forgetting the past and focusing on the future we have because of Jesus. This path starts now and leads to eternity. Paul refers again to the concept of 'a living example' as he tells us to imitate him as he imitates Christ.

He then tells of those who live at odds with the gospel message. They have the potential to derail the entire community. Instead of embracing a life defined by the cross, Paul describes them as enemies of the cross. Instead of living in the light of eternity, their commitment is for the here and now, for earthly things. Instead of getting rid of everything that stands in their way, they've indulged in it. Their appetites are ruling and defining their minds, values and their lives. He reminds the church at Philipi and those throughout the ages, that they have a different allegiance now – heaven, and that a Christian has citizenship far more significant and powerful than any earthly culture or power. They have a Lord and savior who is greater than the greatest emperor, one that would transform them.

We can learn from this to look to mature Christians in our lives when we are discouraged in our faith or enduring suffering. We can refocus our minds back towards God and the promise of eternity. We can also be the ones to encourage less mature Christians than us, to focus on God and eternity. We can invite them to investigate us more closely. Our primary citizenship is in heaven. Do people see Jesus not just in our beliefs, but in our actions? May our words and actions be an encouragement to others.

1. What's the significance of Paul saying the Philippians' citizenship was in heaven?
2. Jo opened by reminding us how the early church saw their lives – through the lens of eternity. In what ways have we seen that to be true of the Philippians and of Paul through studying this letter? What does it mean to see your life with an eternal perspective?
3. Jo pointed out the intensity of Paul's argument in verse 20 – for the Christian inhabitants of a Roman colony to hear their citizenship was in heaven would have been a perspective shift. What does it mean to you that your citizenship is in heaven?
4. In verse 15, Paul encourages all those who are mature to “take such a view of things.” The Greek word translated “view” phroneo, pops up ten times in Philippians. It refers to your attitude – the way you think, your motivations, mindset. Paul sets up a contrast in the verses following 3:15 between those who have a mature view of their lives and those who set their minds on earthly things. We can look at how Paul uses phroneo earlier in Philippians to better understand this contrast. What do you think it means to have the mind of Jesus?
5. As followers of Jesus, we imitate him in all areas of our lives, including our attitude. That means the way we think about our friends, family, finances, career, and resources should be the same as how Jesus thought about those things. It means selflessness, sacrifice, and humility. What could it look like to have the attitude of Jesus as you walk through this week?
6. Paul compares his life as a follower of Jesus to a race. He says he will endure the run, keeping his eyes on his goal: Christ and the resurrection. Paul uses this image several times in his various letters. Looking at instances where he talks about running the race we can see what else we can learn from his perspective. What, in your experience, helps you persevere in following Jesus?
7. Because of the fall, we get sick, experience trauma, and lose control of our emotions. But we have hope beyond the pain we experience in our bodies in this life. What encourages about the hope of the resurrection, specifically resurrection bodies?
8. What does it look like to tell others about Jesus your context?

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