DOCSLIB.ORG

Home Group Bible Study Questions

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Home Group Bible Study Questions Home Group Bible Study Questions Philippians 3:1-11 V.3:1 “rejoice in the Lord” – is God the object we are to rejoice in? Or is God’s action; His blessing; the work He is doing in the lives of the Philippians the source or basis for rejoicing? I think the answer is Yes. Paul wants the Philippians to find their fulfillment of joy in the person of the Lord, but I also think based on the context used prior in the letter that Paul wants them to rejoice in what God is doing and has done. God is the basis/source for rejoicing. ◆ How are you finding joy in the Lord? . because of who He is? . in the works He is doing and has done in your life? ◆ ALSO: rejoice in the Lord because I am about to give you correction/difficult news (i.e. V.2) “write the same things to you” – Paul is about to provide another example, kind of repeating himself. V. 1:27 said, “let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel” then he gave the examples of Christ, Timothy and Epaphroditus and how they lived worthy of the gospel. He is about to give them another example, effectively repeating himself ◆ This is an easy example for him to give and one that will provide safety as they understand it ◆ ALSO: coming back around to the “opponents” mentioned in V. 1:28 V.3:2 Dogs, Evildoers, mutilators of the flesh? Who are they? Dogs in Biblical context are not family pets, they are wild scavengers who devour what they come in contact with, and are only trying to fill their stomachs by any means necessary even if it is disgusting. Think wild feral dogs. ◆ Psalms 22:16-18 – dogs and evildoers surrounding “the Messiah” at crucifixion, they fail to see the value they are destroying ◆ Matthew 7:6 – dogs or pigs, indiscriminate, trample on what is holy and then attack ◆ Matthew 15:26 – dogs are unworthy of what is meant for the children (of God) ◆ Luke 16:21 – dogs feeding on / licking that which is disgusting ◆ 2 Peter 2:22 – dogs returning to their vomit, pigs returning to the mud – lack understanding of what is going on or what they need ◆ Romans 2:28-29 – mutilators of the flesh – Judaizers, force circumcision on Gentiles in order to become Christian V.3:3 Provides Paul’s context for Verse 2 ◆ Mutilators – those who force circumcision ◆ BUT – we are not that, we are the true circumcision/covenant people of God (Genesis 17 – of Abraham God’s chosen people) Romans 2:28-29 – true circumcision is that of the heart through the Spirit not of the flesh ◆ Evidence: 1) who worship by the Spirit of God – We can worship by the Spirit because we are indwelled with the Spirit. John 4:22-26 – worship in Spirit and Truth 2) Glory in Christ Jesus – He is our treasure, He is what we seek, He is what we boast in, He is our passion. Is He really? 3) Don’t put confidence in the flesh – What is the flesh? Human achievement minus the Holy Spirit and the Glory going to God ◆ Our confidence should be in the Spirit giving glory to Jesus ◆ My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus blood and righteousness . V.3:4 – If Paul is trying to find something to put his confidence in, what is he trying to find confidence for? – answer found in Verse 8 & 9 – “in order that I may gain Christ and be found in Him” V.3:5-6 – Seven fleshly attributes he could attempt to put confidence in, but they don’t actually lead to salvation. Paul lists his pedigree based on Jewish understanding of what leads to right relationship with God – obeying the Law. ◆ 1) right rituals; ◆ 2 & 3) proper heritage; ◆ 4) national pride; ◆ 5) religiously active; ◆ 6) firmly holding to religious practices; ◆ 7) good enough in his own eyes ◆ What do you put your confidence in? i.e.: morality, religious activities, position, job, retirement, strength/skills, etc. V.3:7 Anything we put confidence in that is not Christ Jesus will fail and be lost in eternity V.3:8 Paul values Christ over everything, knowing Christ in relationship overshadows every other element of life ◆ Read Isaiah 46:6. How do these verses relate? V.3:9 Confidence in our own ability to be good enough, our own righteousness is incomplete. Our faith (confidence) must be found in Christ V.3:10-11 Read Romans 6:3-11. What similarities do you see between these verses? Home Group Bible Study Questions Philippians 3:12-21 IMPERFECT PAUL. “I’m not perfect yet. I haven’t reached that goal. But I’m running hard for the prize at the end of the race. One day I’ll make that prize my own because Jesus Christ made me his own.” Painting by El Greco, Wikimedia, Google Art Project. V. 12 “Not that I have obtained . .” We are all works of holiness in process. It is obvious in my life that I am not perfect or holy yet, but does that mean that I shrug off or overlook my sinfulness, give up or stop seeking Christ? No! Press on! Keep seeking Him! Make different decisions because you are not your own. You belong to Him and He expects you to continue to progress. V. 13 Do not allow pride in your salvation to overshadow your sin. I tend to find myself looking at my sin in one of two ways: 1. Pridefully shrugging off my sin as if it is not that bad or not that important. “God has already forgiven my of my sin so it’s not that big a deal.” Yes, God has and will forgive your sin but it is still a big deal. Repent! 2. Living my life as if I have not been forgiven after I have repented. I often feel like I am harder on myself after repenting, not allowing myself to “feel” forgiven or walk in the freedom of Christ. If I have repented then I am forgiven. Learn from the past decision and make a better one next time but live as if I have been set free. V. 14 Paul was “pressing on toward the goal of the upward call . .” We are all called by God to serve to serve His purpose. • What has God called you to do? If you are not sure, please read Matthew 28:18-20 and Ezra 7:10. • How are you “pressing on” toward the goal that the Lord has set before you? V. 15 The more we understand the heart and forgiveness of God, the easier it is to live this way. Seek God and allow Him to reveal this to you. V. 16 Do not overlook what God has already done and been doing in your life. Hold fast to where God has brought you from. Revelation 19:10 says “the testimony of Jesus is the Spirit of Prophesy.” When we proclaim our testimony of what God has already done in our lives, we partner with the Spirit of God to do the same thing in our lives again or in the lives of others. Live out your testimony and proclaim it! V.17 I find myself uncomfortable by the first part of this verse but ok with the second. I think it is easy to “keep my eyes on those who walk accordingly”. There are many people whom I look to as Godly examples for me to follow. Prayerfully thank God for those whom you find faithful examples. I am uncomfortable when I realize that there are people looking to me as an example. Lord, give me the faith to lead others to you with the example of my life not just my words. V. 18 As we think about those who are walking away or have walked away from God, as well as those who are actively working against the church, it should break our hearts seeing their choices. It should also actively engage us in fervent prayer for them. Take time now to pray for the those who you know are away from God. Pray for those who you know personally or just within our culture, who are actively working against God’s leadership. V. 19 Paul oppositely mirrors Verse 3 by describing the focus of those who are without Christ. 1. the worship themselves and their satisfaction – which is temporary at best. 2. They glory in things that should bring shame to them. Social media and Youtube are full examples of those get- ting “famous” for things truly are shameful. 3. They are focused on and confident in what THEY can obtain. The idea that “He who dies with the most toys wins.” V. 20-21 BUT our true citizenship is not here. We are just temporary here. All our stuff will pass away. We are glory bound awaiting His calling. We are not to wait idly or passively but we are to be actively advancing His agenda, being transformed into His glorious holiness by His power and through His Spirit. Praise God for His continuing transformation in your life!.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • What Does “Under the Law” Really Mean? a FURTHER STUDY by J.K
    What Does “Under the Law” Really Mean? A FURTHER STUDY by J.K. McKee posted 10 June, 2011 www.tnnonline.net In the discussion over the validity and relevance of the Torah for today’s Believers in Yeshua the Messiah (Jesus Christ), there is one particular issue that is a cause of significant confusion and consternation: Is it not true that we are not under the Law?1 No responsible Bible reader can ignore or deny what passages like Romans 6:14 communicate: “For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace.” If we want to be honest with what the Bible tells us, then it is true that born again Believers are not under the Law. Within a great deal of contemporary speech and jargon employed today, using a phrase like “under the law” is a colloquialism akin to “according to/in accordance with/by/defined by/via the law.” This is something that we have all used at one point or another. When we watch the news and see a reporter say something like “Under the law of the State of Texas murderers can expect to be given the death penalty,” the usage of “under the law” is intended to more accurately mean: “According to the law of the State of Texas murderers can expect to be given the death penalty.” For some reason or another, though, using the terminology “under the law” is a bit more common for some modern people than “according to the law.” Challenges can certainly exist when terms, phrases, or expressions that are used in modern English (and in particular American English) are automatically assumed to mean the same thing in the Bible.
    [Show full text]
  • Rereading Paul on Circumcision, Torah, and the Gentiles Asha K
    A Seal of Faith: Rereading Paul on Circumcision, Torah, and the Gentiles Asha K. Moorthy Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY 2014 © 2014 Asha K. Moorthy All rights reserved ABSTRACT A Seal of Faith: Rereading Paul on Circumcision, Torah, and the Gentiles Asha K. Moorthy It is generally held that the Apostle Paul dismissed the rite of circumcision for Gentiles. This dissertation, however, offers a different perspective. Through examination of relevant sources regarding the role of circumcision in conversion along with consideration of Philo of Alexandria’s depiction of Abraham as an exemplar of and for the proselyte, this project will suggest that Paul, in Rom 4:11‐ 12, uses the example of Abraham in order to explain the value of circumcision for Jews as well as for Gentiles. It will be argued, moreover, that Paul’s objections to circumcision, as found in Romans as well as in Galatians, Philippians, and 1 Corinthians, were not to the rite per se but rather to the notion that circumcision was necessary for entering the Abrahamic covenant, “becoming a Jew,” justification, salvation, spiritual transformation, protection or identity in Christ. A case will be made, moreover, that in Paul’s day there were two competing forms of circumcision and that Paul was opposed to the more radical procedure. Finally, divergences in Paul’s handling of the topic of circumcision in different letters will be explained through attention to particular audience concerns. TABLE OF CONTENTS Chapter 1: Introduction 1 1.
    [Show full text]
  • The Glory of Knowing Christ Philippians 3:1-11 My (Tony) Parents Recently Brought Me Four Tubs of Stuff That I Used to Value. Th
    The Glory of Knowing Christ Philippians 3:1-11 My (Tony) parents recently brought me four tubs of stuff that I used to value. The contents included baseball cards, trophies, a letterman’s jacket, and more sports related material. They were tired of having my former treasures fill up their storage space. As I looked through these things, I was first excited. Then I stepped back and evaluated the whole thing. Here was eighteen years of my life…. placed into four plastic tubs. It was pretty sobering. I used to spend countless hours playing sports, and trading baseball cards. While I’m thankful for my childhood days and for my days playing sports, I really wish I had some different goals growing up. I wish I would have lived with Philippians 3 in mind. What do you treasure? Is there anything of surpassing value? Is there anything that deserves our life-long, passionate pursuit? The answer is “yes.” Paul describes it in verse 8: More than that, I also consider everything to be a loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. (Phil 3:8) Paul reminds us that nothing on earth compares to knowing Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. You will never regret pursuing Christ. I (Francis) took my wife with me to Memphis for a speaking engagement. Nothing is more romantic than being near Elvis. It’s amazing at how crazy people are over this person, who is dead. In Philippians 3, Paul has crazy love for Jesus, who is alive. This is the love we need also.
    [Show full text]
  • New Testament Letters Biblical Commands
    © 2013 Rev. Paul R. Schmidtbleicher, Th.M. Philippians Commands Page 1 New Testament Letters Biblical Commands Commands from Philippians 1. Philippians 1:27 The gift of eternal salvation demands that the believer conduct a lifestyle that is worthy and proper as a child of God. Phil 1:27 Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel, (NKJ) Salvation is the beginning point of the Christian Life where the Lord accepts us in the state He finds us, poor, sinful, and wretched. He expects us (commands us) to start with that salvation foundation and build the new man, one fashioned after the example of the Lord Himself as we "walk in Him." 2. Philippians 2:2 The believer is to fulfill both the mind of Christ and the mind of Apostle Paul in not being self-centered, but placing others above self. Phil 2:2 fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. (NKJ) In context, the like mindedness that is in view is that of love and care of one another that esteems others above self. A secondary position is taken allowing the Lord to promote according to His Will, His pleasure, and His timing. This is what would bring joy to Paul as it speaks to a Christian maturity he is seeking in all under his ministry.
    [Show full text]
  • C18-The Second Sunday in Lent.Indd
    be few?” And he said to them, 24 “Strive to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able. 25 When once the THE SECOND master of the house has risen and shut the door, and you begin to stand outside and to knock at the door, saying, ‘Lord, open to us,’ then he will answer you, ‘I SUNDAY IN LENT do not know where you come from.’ 26 en you will begin to say, ‘We ate and Y C drank in your presence, and you taught in our streets.’ 27 But he will say, ‘I tell you, I do not know where you come from. Depart from me, all you workers of S G evil!’ 28 In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when you see Celebrant Bless the Lord who forgives all our sins. Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God but People His mercy endures for ever. you yourselves cast out. 29 And people will come from east and west, and from north and south, and recline at table in the kingdom of God. 30 And behold, C D some are last who will be rst, and some are rst who will be last.” ) Almighty God, you know that we have no power in ourselves to help ourselves: 31 At that very hour some Pharisees came and said to him, “Get away from here, Keep us both outwardly in our bodies and inwardly in our souls, that we may for Herod wants to kill you.” 32 And he said to them, “Go and tell that fox, ‘Be- be defended from all adversities that may happen to the body, and from all evil hold, I cast out demons and perform cures today and tomorrow, and the third thoughts that may assault and hurt the soul; through Jesus Christ our Lord, day I nish my course.
    [Show full text]
  • Catholic Scripture Study Series V
    CATHOLIC SCRIPTURE STUDY Catholic Scripture Study Notes written by Sister Marie Therese, are provided for the personal use of students during their active participa- tion and must not be loaned or given to others. SERIES V WISDOM LITERATURE AND NEW TESTAMENT LETTERS Lesson 20 Commentary Philippians Lesson 21 Questions Colossians PHILIPPIANS SPREAD THE GOSPEL Philippians INTRODUCTION A strong note of joy and hope fills this letter. It can be a source of inspiration to us in living our Philippi was a prominent town north and east faith and in attracting others to it by our own en- of Greece, made famous by Anthony’s defeat of thusiasm for it. This is Paul’s way—he saw it as Brutus and Cassius there. Around 50 A.D. Paul the great gift of his life, and he eagerly shared his founded a small mission at Philippi. By the time enthusiasm and, with his own deep love of Christ of this epistle, written during one of his impris- and what He had done for him, he brought nearly onments, the church at Philippi has “bishops and all the Roman Empire, the Gentile world, to deacons.” Christ and His Church. The Philippians were special to Paul, for they I. PAUL AND THE PHILIPPIANS (Philippi- had three times sent him an offering for his up- ans 1:3-30) keep, had sent Epaphroditus to help him, and had kept the unity of the faith. A. Paul’s Response (Philippians 1:3-11). The strong efforts of the Philippians to grow in Some believe that this letter, being rambling in the faith and to help Paul, bring him to remember its topics, is a combination of seven letters, which them “constantly,” rejoicing over them.
    [Show full text]
  • Bringing Heaven to Earth -- Philippians 3:17-4:3
    Catalog No. 1305–12 Philippians 3:17–4:3 Central Peninsula Church Justin Buzzard July 22, 2007 Bringing Heaven to Earth SERIES: Philippians: A People and A Place Transformed by the Gospel Several decades ago an anthropologist by the death and our urge to secure our lives and the lives of name of Donald Brown took it upon himself to dig up our loved ones. Agreed? and study all of the documented findings on every Second: the fear of the future and the society and culture known to man. Dr. Brown devoted corresponding need for clarity. All people groups think years of his life to this project. And what he found was a about the future and experience a level of anxiety and list of 372 human universals, 372 traits that are common fear over what could possibly happen in the future. So among all societies and cultures. Upper class people it’s not just you and me, but everybody wants to get some who live in estates on the Peninsula and poor people measure of clarity about the future, some sense that who live in huts in the jungles of Papua, New Guinea whatever’s coming, things are going to be okay. It’s share these 372 universal traits. Here’s some of what Dr. actually this fear that I personally succumb to the most. I Brown found. think that 75% of the sin in my life can be traced to a Joking is common to every society. Every culture fear of the future, not trusting God, and making an idol tells jokes and enjoys laughter.
    [Show full text]
  • PH08.3 17-4 3.Citizens and Sisters.072317.Pages
    CITIZENS AND SISTERS PHILIPPIANS 3:17-4:3 Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern. For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame - who set their mind on earthly things. For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself. Therefore, my beloved and longed-for brethren, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, beloved. I implore Euodia and I implore Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. And I urge you also, true companion, help these women who labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life. Perhaps you’ve heard the bizarre story of Mehran Nasseri. For eighteen years, from 1988 until 2006, Nasseri lived in the Charles De Gaulle Airport in Paris. Nasseri’s odyssey began in 1977 in his homeland of Iran. Because of Nasseri’s protests against the Shah, he was expelled from his country. For a time he lived as a refugee in !1 Belgium. But Nasseri claimed to be half-British, so he decided to seek citizenship in England.
    [Show full text]
  • Group Leader's Guide
    SOUL SHIFT Group Leader’s Guide CONTENTS: About This Guide 1. Overview 2. Me to You 3. Slave to Child 4. Seen to Unseen 5. Consumer to Steward 6. Ask to Listen 7. Sheep to Shepherd 8. Me to We About This Guide This guide is to be used in conjunction with the SoulShift Church Resource Kit, based on best-selling SoulShift: The Measure of a Life Transformed by Steve DeNeff and David Drury. With these group discussion questions, you can help facilitate an all-church transformation focused on the seven shifts that God’s Spirit brings about in the hearts, minds, and behaviors of his people. Week one: Overview Think about and share what has changed since you were younger: • How has technology changed? • How have the ways people communicate changed? • How has travel changed? • How has church life changed? Discuss the following questions: • What makes a change good? • What causes people to change spiritually? Study Scripture: During this eight-week small group study, we will focus on the book of Philippians. If you break this book down, each section relates to one of the SoulShifts. Reading the book of Philippians this week will prepare us for the sermon series. In addition, studying the Scriptures listed below will help us understand the context. Read 2 Corinthians 5:17. This passage speaks of the process of becoming a new creature and our old life passing away. In what ways are people afraid of new things and change? In what ways do they crave the new and want to be different? Read Romans 12:2.
    [Show full text]
  • Philippians Having the Mind of Christ
    Philippians Having The Mind of Christ Page 1 of 27 Sam Freesmeyer and Aaron Craig May 2021 Embry Hills church of Christ Philippians Table of Contents Lesson 1 Introduction and Background ................................................................... 3 Lesson 2 (Philippians 1:1-11) The Mind of Christ Regarding Brethren ...................... 5 Lesson 3 (Philippians 1:12-20) The Mind of Christ Regarding Adversity ................... 7 Lesson 4 (Philippians 1:19-30) The Mind of Christ Regarding Life and Death ........... 9 Lesson 5 (Philippians 2:1-11) The Mind of Christ................................................... 11 Lesson 6 (Philippians 2:12-18) The Mind of Christ Regarding Obedience ................ 13 Lesson 7 (Philippians 2:17-30) The Mind of Christ Toward Self .............................. 15 Lesson 8 (Philippians 3:1-14) The Mind of Christ Regarding Righteousness ........... 17 Lesson 9 (Philippians 3:15-21) The Mind of Christ Regarding Maturity .................. 19 Lesson 10 (Philippians 4:1-9) The Mind of Christ Regarding Peace ........................... 21 Lesson 11 (Philippians 4:10-19) The Mind of Christ Regarding Contentment ............ 23 Lesson 12 (Philippians 4:21-23) Conclusion ............................................................ 25 Lesson 13 Review ................................................................................................... 27 Page 2 of 27 Sam Freesmeyer ad Aaron Craig May 2021 Embry Hills church of Christ Philippians Lesson 7 (Philippians 2:17-30) The Mind of Christ Toward Self Philippians 2:17-30 (New King James Version) 17. Yes, and if I am being poured out as a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. 18. For the same reason you also be glad and rejoice with me. 19. But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, that I also may be encouraged when I know your state.
    [Show full text]
  • Finding Our Identity in Christ No. 14 Philippians 3:4-11 February 11
    From The Pulpit Of Finding Our Identity in Christ No. 14 Philippians 3:4-11 February 11, 2007 Series: Paul’s Epistle to the Philippians Nathan Carter Text …though I myself have reasons for such confidence. If anyone else thinks he has reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5 circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; 6 as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for legalistic righteousness, faultless. 7 But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8 What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ-- the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. 10 I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead. Introduction Who are you? Who are you? What defines you? Have you ever been at a party with people you don’t know? What’s generally the first question people ask? “So, what do you do?” The assumption people have is that once they know that you’re a consultant or an architect or a housewife or a waitress they have you figured out.
    [Show full text]
  • AN EXPOSITION of PHILIPPIANS 3:13: HOW to FORGET YOUR PAST! ~ Rev
    1 AN EXPOSITION OF PHILIPPIANS 3:13: HOW TO FORGET YOUR PAST! ~ Rev. Paul R. Shockley Philippians 3:13 Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I. Introduction: Sometimes our past is our worst enemy. Have you ever found yourself telling someone about an unpleasant experience you‘ve had whereby you have been wronged in some way. As you tell the story anger or pain builds up inside of you, you get excited and emotional, your skin becomes red, and your facial muscles become distorted And when they ask, When did this happen, you reply, “Five years ago this March .” There is so much in that moment of re-telling stories. Memory can bring back the pain of that event as if it happened yesterday. Many people have difficulty forgetting wrongs done to them in the past, saying something like, "How can I ever get over the hurt of being betrayed by who I thought was my best friend?” “I can never trust my spouse again.” “How can I ever forgive my parents, my siblings, my neighbors?” “How can I get beyond the rejection of my own children?” “My boss is a fiend!” Other still find it difficult to forget the years spent in rebellion against God and that past comes back to haunt them, whether they are non-believers or believers. Regardless, they consider themselves useless to God . Some of these people do want to serve God, but can never seem to take the first step, and take that step with joy.
    [Show full text]