Calvary Chapel Mountain Home “Step by Step” Bible studies

As you begin this study it is our desire that you will have a growing appetite and joy for the Word of God. The time we have in group interaction as well as your own study of the passages can be a great way to learn and grow. 

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths” Proverbs 3:5,6

Philippians 1

As we will see the theme of the letter is that of rejoicing, joy, and encouragement. What is interesting is that Paul wrote this letter while under Roman house arrest as he was awaiting trial, (Acts 28:30-31, Phil. 1:13).

Discuss how your personal environment can have an effect on your attitude and outlook on life?   __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Philippians 1:1- The Greek word for bondservants is doulos which means:  willingly devoted to another to the disregard of one’s own interests. (Thayer Definition 1c).

Paul gives a simple introduction followed by identifying the recipients of the letter- saints-Means blameless, set apart. Based on Jesus’ gift we are either a “saint” or we are an “aint”. It is not our works that makes us blameless; it is the finished work of Jesus that makes us “saints”.

V2-Grace and peace are often mentioned together in the New Testament and it will always be Grace that leads to peace.

PERSONAL REFLECTION

V3 Paul had some challenging yet rewarding times in Philippi. Note that Paul thanked God for the people who were in his life. Who are some people that you are thankful for? Have you let them know lately how much you appreciate or love them?

V4-11 In this letter we get a glimpse of Paul’s prayer life which was; joyful, confident, and united with other believers.  Discuss how these verses can be an encouragement, and instruction to us for our own prayer lives?  _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

V12-14 Outwardly it appears arresting Paul would stop him from spreading the Gospel, but in reality he was given a whole new audience of palace guards to speak to. Paul’s preaching of the Gospel while in prison inspired many followers to be strengthened in Christ.

V15-17 Paul recognized that some had the wrong motives in their efforts yet he knew the message “Jesus Chris is our Lord and Savior” would prevail over their personal negative intentions or motives.

V18 Paul was not encouraging “pretense” but he acknowledged that the gospel message was more important than individual motives.

V19- Our prayers, His presence, divinely blended together to produce confidence and assurance in Him!

V20- Paul possessed a determination in his life that no matter how much the personal cost; even death, Christ would be magnified.

V21-26 The true heart of a bondservant is to do and see the will of their Master. Paul was eager to go home to Jesus, yet he knew God could and would continue to use him to bless others.

V27- It is Paul’s desire to find those in Phillipi Striving-Working, and Laboring together for the furtherance of the gospel.    How can we live out this verse in our own lives?

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28-Jesus’ adversaries Pontius Pilate as well as the centurion at the cross were amazed that He was not afraid. (Matt.27:14, 23, 24, 54)

V29-30 The New Testament speaks often of the sufferings we will experience. Revealed in the life of Jesus, experienced by the 1^st centuries Christians and every generation to follow, we must be aware that in this life as a Christian we will have suffering. (2 Timothy 3:12).

Paul had grown to the point that his circumstances did not define his relationship with God. That attitude is a great benchmark for us to reach for; loving God, living for God, learning from God, leaning on God. Meditate this week on what God is showing you from chapter 1 and then prepare for next week by reading and thinking upon chapter 2.  

My Memory Verse for this week: ________________

Calvary Chapel Mountain Home, ccmountainhome.com, 350 N. Main St., Mountain Home, Id. 83647, ph.208-580-0662