Sunday July 21

Dependance on Human Leadership must decrease.

Philippians 2:12–13 CSB

12 Therefore, my dear friends, just as you have always obeyed, so now, not only in my presence but even more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. 13 For it is God who is working in you both to will and to work according to his good purpose.

2:12

How does Paul address the church? What does this teach us about Paul’s view of human leadership?

Who have the people of the church of Philippi obeyed: Paul or the Lord?

Why is it important to Paul the the people understand that obedience is even more important in his absence?

What dose Paul tell them to work out? How should they work it out? How is it possible for them to work out their salvation without Paul being there to lead them? (2:13 answers this question)

What does this teach us about God’s relationship with the church? What does this teach us about the role of human leadership?

A Human Leader’s rejoicing

Philippians 2:14–16 CSB

14 Do everything without grumbling and arguing, 15 so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God who are faultless in a crooked and perverted generation, among whom you shine like stars in the world, 16 by holding firm to the word of life. Then I can boast in the day of Christ that I didn’t run or labor for nothing.

phil 2 14-

2:14-16

What does Paul say that they must do in order to be blameless and without fault? (Complaining: grumbling…this is what Israel did in the wilderness) What does this teach us about God’s purpose for the church in every generation?

What does Paul say that the church does in the world? How does the church accomplish this?

What does Paul call the word of God? What happens if the church does not hold fast to the word of God?

What are some ways we shine as lights in the world by holding fast to the word of God?

2:16 Why does Paul say that if the church does everything without complaining and arguing and if they hold fast to the word of life that he can rejoice? Why does he think it is possible for him to have worked among them in vain? When does Paul say that he will be able to rejoice? Why?

What does this teach us about our responsibility as a church? What does this teach us about the role of human leadership (pastors and deacons)? What should we want from human leaders according to this text? What should we expect from ourselves according to this text?

Philippians 2:17 CSB

17 But even if I am poured out as a drink offering on the sacrificial service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you.

What does Paul know is possible for his future? What does he want the church to accept? What does this teach us about God?

A Contrast in two different kind of human leaders

Philippians 2:19–24 CSB

19 Now I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon so that I too may be encouraged by news about you. 20 For I have no one else like-minded who will genuinely care about your interests; 21 all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. 22 But you know his proven character, because he has served with me in the gospel ministry like a son with a father. 23 Therefore, I hope to send him as soon as I see how things go with me. 24 I am confident in the Lord that I myself will also come soon.

phil 2 19-

2:19

Why does Paul want to send Timothy to the church in Philippi? Paul wants them to know exactly what is going on in his life. He wants to know exactly what is going on in the life of the church. Why is this important? What does this teach us about accountability?

2:20-21

Why does Paul have so much confidence in Timothy?

What is different about Timothy and others that may be seeking human leadership positions? Whose interests or welfare does Paul and Timothy care about? Who else cares about the church’s interests or welfare? What does this teach us about Jesus?

2:22-24

How does Paul want the church to receive Timothy in his absence?