Philippians 1 questions

Acts 16 ESV

Paul came also to Derbe and to Lystra. A disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a Jewish woman who was a believer, but his father was a Greek. He was well spoken of by the brothers at Lystra and Iconium. Paul wanted Timothy to accompany him, and he took him and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in those places, for they all knew that his father was a Greek. As they went on their way through the cities, they delivered to them for observance the decisions that had been reached by the apostles and elders who were in Jerusalem. So the churches were strengthened in the faith, and they increased in numbers daily. And they went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia. And when they had come up to Mysia, they attempted to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them. So, passing by Mysia, they went down to Troas. And a vision appeared to Paul in the night: a man of Macedonia was standing there, urging him and saying, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” And when Paul had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go on into Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them. So, setting sail from Troas, we made a direct voyage to Samothrace, and the following day to Neapolis, and from there to Philippi, which is a leading city of the district of Macedonia and a Roman colony. We remained in this city some days. And on the Sabbath day we went outside the gate to the riverside, where we supposed there was a place of prayer, and we sat down and spoke to the women who had come together. One who heard us was a woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple goods, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul. And after she was baptized, and her household as well, she urged us, saying, “If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay.” And she prevailed upon us. As we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a slave girl who had a spirit of divination and brought her owners much gain by fortune-telling. She followed Paul and us, crying out, “These men are servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to you the way of salvation.” And this she kept doing for many days. Paul, having become greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” And it came out that very hour. But when her owners saw that their hope of gain was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace before the rulers. And when they had brought them to the magistrates, they said, “These men are Jews, and they are disturbing our city. They advocate customs that are not lawful for us as Romans to accept or practice.” The crowd joined in attacking them, and the magistrates tore the garments off them and gave orders to beat them with rods. And when they had inflicted many blows upon them, they threw them into prison, ordering the jailer to keep them safely. Having received this order, he put them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks. About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them, and suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken. And immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone’s bonds were unfastened. When the jailer woke and saw that the prison doors were open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, supposing that the prisoners had escaped. But Paul cried with a loud voice, “Do not harm yourself, for we are all here.” And the jailer called for lights and rushed in, and trembling with fear he fell down before Paul and Silas. Then he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.” And they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their wounds; and he was baptized at once, he and all his family. Then he brought them up into his house and set food before them. And he rejoiced along with his entire household that he had believed in God. But when it was day, the magistrates sent the police, saying, “Let those men go.” And the jailer reported these words to Paul, saying, “The magistrates have sent to let you go. Therefore come out now and go in peace.” But Paul said to them, “They have beaten us publicly, uncondemned, men who are Roman citizens, and have thrown us into prison; and do they now throw us out secretly? No! Let them come themselves and take us out.” The police reported these words to the magistrates, and they were afraid when they heard that they were Roman citizens. So they came and apologized to them. And they took them out and asked them to leave the city. So they went out of the prison and visited Lydia. And when they had seen the brothers, they encouraged them and departed.

(NIV ZSB Notes) is thus a brief account of the gospel, a theme prominent in other parts of Philippians (the word “gospel” appears 10 times: 1:5,7,12,14,16,27 [twice]; 2:22; 4:3,15; cf. also “the word of life” [2:16]). Paul also gives unity and the humility needed to foster such unity considerable attention (1:27-2:4). He stresses that justification is freely given by the words of God, through faith in Christ not the law (3:9). The letter is not primarily doctrinal; it also focuses on knowing Christ (3:8-11); “joy” (1:4,25; 2:2,29; 4:1) and “gladness/rejoicing” (1:18 [twice]; 2:17-18 [4 times]; 3:1; 4:4 [twice]; 4:10) are prominent, appearing 15 times in this short letter.

(ESV SB Notes) Today Philippians would be called a missionary support letter. Paul is writing to people who help provide the prayer support and financial assistance necessary for his ministry as an apostle to the Gentiles. To fulfill his end of the partnership, Paul assures the Philippians of his prayers, updates them on his personal circumstances, reports on the effectiveness of gospel ministry in his area, offers spiritual encouragement, and expresses heartfelt gratitude for the many ways they support his ministry.

(ESV SB Notes) Philippians is unified by its joyful, almost exuberant mood (the words for “joy” or “rejoice” occur more than a dozen times); by the strong personal relationship between its author and its recipients (a relationship that is almost constantly in view, from the beginning of the letter to the end); and by the many connections Paul draws between the saving work of Jesus Christ and the servant ministry of his followers, who are called to live and die according to the pattern of the sufferings, death, resurrection, and glorious exaltation of Jesus himself.

NEED CHURCH?

Paul is addressing bodies of believers, made up of overseers, deacons, etc. Paul clearly cares deeply for these people. This is family for him.

1. Paul begins the letter by thanking God, with joy, for the Philippians, because they are his partners in the Gospel (v. 3-5). Do you believe that being involved in a church is necessary for living the Christian life? Why or why not? Share some about the impact and importance of Christian community in your own life.

2. Philippians has been described as Paul’s most positive and joyful letter. What are some of the ways Paul communicates his positive feelings for this church?

The day of Christ Jesus seems to be a main theme (6,10)

1. Paul begins the letter by thanking God, with joy, for the Philippians, because they are his partners in the Gospel (v. 3-5). Do you believe that being involved in a church is necessary for living the Christian life? Why or why not? Share some about the impact and importance of Christian community in your own life. The day of Christ Jesus seems to be a main theme (6,10)

BRIDE GROOM IS COMING

The day of Christ Jesus seems to be a main theme (6,10)

How do Paul’s views challenge some of our common ways of thinking about death?

(ESV Strong's) 16 holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.

1. How do Paul’s views challenge some of our common ways of thinking about death?

(NIV) 1 Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, 2 for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. 3 While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.1. How do Paul’s views challenge some of our common ways of thinking about death?

(NIV) But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare. 11 Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives 12 as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming.

1. How do Paul’s views challenge some of our common ways of thinking about death?

11 Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives 12 as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming.

HOW SHALL THE COMMUNITY LIVE?

In the mean time, as we look to the day of Christ, as we understand that will be greater than anything in this world, Paul is directing us toward a particular way of living. He directs us toward this with his prayers…what is he praying for? (Green)

vs. 9 -10 “This is my prayer…able to discern… pure and blameless...

1. What are some characteristics of a mature Christian life? (v. 9-11).

2. How do you “discern” what is best? (community hermeneutic? need for the body? reference question one!

Biblical interpretation (hermeneutics) is the task and process whereby Christians come to understand the Bible, accept its claims, and live according to its teachings.

The believing community is an interpreting community. This means that the community will have students who give themselves to the study and teaching of the Bible. The task of such students is not to dominate the process of interpreting the Word, but to exercise leadership in this area. It is the task of each member to participate in the interpretation of the Bible. We believe that God gives special insight to individuals as they read and study the Bible. These insights are to be tested in the community (; , ). This testing of interpretations ultimately needs to involve the whole people of God -- individuals, study groups, congregations, conferences, denominations, and wider church.) - As stated in Biblical Interpretation In The Life of the Church (Mennonite Church, 1977)

3. What encourages a sense of partnership among Christians? How can you encourage, through your attitudes and practices, a sense of partnership in the church (v. 7-8)?

2. How do you think your life would be different if your primary purpose was to live for Christ? Questions

(ESV SB Notes) 1:12–18 Paul's Imprisonment Has Meant Progress for the Gospel. Paul realizes that the Philippians are grieved over his imprisonment, so he encourages them by pointing out that his circumstances are furthering the proclamation of the gospel. His joy in difficult circumstances is meant to be an example to the Philippians to likewise rejoice even in difficult times. Further, Paul's charitable attitude toward fellow believers who make life hard for him is also to function as a model for the Philippians, since it is evident that there is some disunity in the congregation (4:2–3).

(ESV SB Notes) 1:12–18 Paul's Imprisonment Has Meant Progress for the Gospel. Paul realizes that the Philippians are grieved over his imprisonment, so he encourages them by pointing out that his circumstances are furthering the proclamation of the gospel. His joy in difficult circumstances is meant to be an example to the Philippians to likewise rejoice even in difficult times. Further, Paul's charitable attitude toward fellow believers who make life hard for him is also to function as a model for the Philippians, since it is evident that there is some disunity in the congregation (4:2–3).Obviously Paul’s mindset is on another world not this one, he is thinking about being with Jesus. (21-23)

Obviously Paul’s mindset is on another world not this one, he is thinking about being with Jesus. (21-23) This gives him fresh eyes into the opposition and trials, they are all temporary!

Obviously Paul’s mindset is on another world not this one, he is thinking about being with Jesus. (21-23)

Paul is “torn” (23) Does he have an option? What helps him accept his place of remaining in his circumstances?

Obviously Paul’s mindset is on another world not this one, he is thinking about being with Jesus. (21-23)

1.Paul says that for him “to live is Christ.” What are some other common purposes for life? To live is _____________. (share your faith? raise godly children? make money to support foreign missions?.... what does it look like “to live is Christ”?)

2. What do verses 15-18 reveal about the various motivations for ministry? What conclusions did Paul reach about that? (—> envy; rivalry; goodwill - whatever the case, if Christ is preached, Paul rejoices (18))

Have someone read verse 6 again. How are those words an encouragement to you?

CLOSING ENCOURAGEMENT!

Have someone read verse 6 again. How are those words an encouragement to you?

In verse six, what is Paul confident of and what is the basis of his confidence? In the Christian life, is our growth and perseverance God’s work, our work, or both? Discuss what the bible has to say on this subject with your group (see ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ).

How did Paul describe his circumstances? How did he feel about what he was facing?

PRAYER TARGETS:

Church- need for people to come to church- need for people who do come to prioritize it.

Expectancy- Day of the Lord, teach us to live with the end in mind. Teach us to see the need for other people to come to Christ.

Community- Unity, ministry from the right motives.

Paul says that for him “to live is Christ.” What are some other common purposes for life? To live is _____________.

How do you think your life would be different if your primary purpose was to live for Christ?

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Philippians 1 questions

Paul’s original journey to Philippi

Philippians background

Questions

Observations (1-11)

Questions

Observations (12-26)

Philippians 1 questions

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Paul’s original journey to Philippi

Philippians background

Questions

Observations (1-11)

Questions

Observations (12-26)