Calvary Chapel Mountain Home “Step by Step” Bible studies

The letter to the Philippians is letter of tremendous encouragement and joy. Paul under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit writes this letter to thank the church in Philippi for their support and to instruct them on the issue of unity. As we walk “step by step” through this letter I am confident that God will bless our time, study and discussion.

Philippians 4

V1 therefore-So then, or ‘in light of this…’. Considering who we are in Christ (3:8-11,17-21) we should be eager to reconcile and maintain unity within the body of Christ. 

“If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.” Romans 12:18

stand fast in the Lord-Who we are in Christ enables us to resist, even stand against temptation and opposition.

V2,3  We are not told what the issue is between these 2 ladies but it had the potential to bring division within the church. God simply instructs them to “be of the same mind in the Lord”. The beauty of true Christian fellowship is that we are each unique yet united. Unity with diversity was a New Testament truth before it was a contemporary cliché.               

It is better to be a help rather than a hindrance concerning reconciliation.

V4 The key is that we rejoice in the Lord. Regardless of our pains, trials, or circumstances we have joy in Him. As the song goes; “the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace.”                          Again- Choose to rejoice, always!

V5 It is common place for criticism to be known, it takes thought and effort to let your gentleness be known. Gentleness; “means meekness under provocation, readiness to forgive injuries, equity in the management of business, candour in judging of the characters and actions of others, sweetness of disposition, and the entire government of the passions.” Dr. Macknight

V6 anxious-“To be troubled with cares”. Anxiousness or worry is an imbalance of thought which produces an uneasiness and restlessness. Worry weighs a person down, alters their personality and is a cause of illness, indigestion, headaches, muscle aches, etc…  What do we do about it? Cast it over to God (1Peter 5:7)!  Notice we are to be anxious for no-thing. We are to give to Him everything. Simple in concept yet difficult in application, until we realize He will guard our hearts and mind. (Proverbs 3:5-8)

V7- The product of giving all to Him (v6) is that we experience His peace. This inner protective peace guards our emotions and thoughts and keeps us calm when we may be tempted to worry.

V8 Upon giving all to God we must realize the importance of taking every thought captive (2Co.10:5). Once we have given everything over to Him it is essential to rethink the way we think (Romans 12:2). Look at the list mentioned here in v8 and then consider how your thoughts will shape your attitude and outlook.

V9 Paul was not boasting when he made mention of himself. He knew what God had done in his life and encouraged others to live wholeheartedly for God as well. Paul always gave God the credit for the good work done in his life.

V10 Epaphroditus had brought Paul a gift from the Philippian church (2:25,4:18). Paul was obviously encouraged by this gift of love as it was an opportunity for his Philippian friends to express their love and appreciation. (v14)

V11-13 This process of learning does not happen overnight. Paul learned that circumstances did not define his relationship with God. May we grow to understand this truth and speak humbly, confidently as Paul; I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

V14-16 Jesus said “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35).  The Philippian church time and again supported the work of the ministry that Paul was doing. Paul was a hard worker and did not ask for handouts, he simply accepted gifts for the necessities so he could do God’s work.

V17- Paul knew that those who give genuinely and graciously would be blessed by God, for God knows the heart and action of all His children.

V18 I have all and abound-Paul is writing from jail and yet he knows the wealth of his Father. Here he graciously and thankfully acknowledges the gifts that were sent to him.

V19- God will supply our needs out of His abundance in a greater way than we would imagine.

V20- Now=In light of or considering His riches, faithfulness, grace(ch.1-4)!  glory=praise, honor, worship.

V21-23 Note thewarm greetings that remind us of the genuine fellowship they shared.    Those of Caesar’s household were probably soldiers assigned to guarding Paul who heard and responded to the gospel.

My Memory Verse for this week: ________________

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

Calvary Chapel Mountain Home “Step by Step” Bible studies

The letter to the Philippians is letter of tremendous encouragement and joy. Paul under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit writes this letter to thank the church in Philippi for their support and to instruct them on the issue of unity. As we walk “step by step” through this letter I am confident that God will bless our time, study and discussion.

Philippians 4

V1 therefore-So then, or ‘in light of this…’. Considering who we are in Christ (3:8-11,17-21) we should be eager to reconcile and maintain unity within the body of Christ. 

“If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.” Romans 12:18

stand fast in the Lord-Who we are in Christ enables us to resist, even stand against temptation and opposition.

V2,3  We are not told what the issue is between these 2 ladies but it had the potential to bring division within the church. God simply instructs them to “be of the same mind in the Lord”. The beauty of true Christian fellowship is that we are each unique yet united. Unity with diversity was a New Testament truth before it was a contemporary cliché.               

It is better to be a help rather than a hindrance concerning reconciliation.

V4 The key is that we rejoice in the Lord. Regardless of our pains, trials, or circumstances we have joy in Him. As the song goes; “the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace.”                          Again- Choose to rejoice, always!

V5 It is common place for criticism to be known, it takes thought and effort to let your gentleness be known. Gentleness; “means meekness under provocation, readiness to forgive injuries, equity in the management of business, candour in judging of the characters and actions of others, sweetness of disposition, and the entire government of the passions.” Dr. Macknight

V6 anxious-“To be troubled with cares”. Anxiousness or worry is an imbalance of thought which produces an uneasiness and restlessness. Worry weighs a person down, alters their personality and is a cause of illness, indigestion, headaches, muscle aches, etc…  What do we do about it? Cast it over to God (1Peter 5:7)!  Notice we are to be anxious for no-thing. We are to give to Him everything. Simple in concept yet difficult in application, until we realize He will guard our hearts and mind. (Proverbs 3:5-8)

V7- The product of giving all to Him (v6) is that we experience His peace. This inner protective peace guards our emotions and thoughts and keeps us calm when we may be tempted to worry.

V8 Upon giving all to God we must realize the importance of taking every thought captive (2Co.10:5). Once we have given everything over to Him it is essential to rethink the way we think (Romans 12:2). Look at the list mentioned here in v8 and then consider how your thoughts will shape your attitude and outlook.

V9 Paul was not boasting when he made mention of himself. He knew what God had done in his life and encouraged others to live wholeheartedly for God as well. Paul always gave God the credit for the good work done in his life.

V10 Epaphroditus had brought Paul a gift from the Philippian church (2:25,4:18). Paul was obviously encouraged by this gift of love as it was an opportunity for his Philippian friends to express their love and appreciation. (v14)

V11-13 This process of learning does not happen overnight. Paul learned that circumstances did not define his relationship with God. May we grow to understand this truth and speak humbly, confidently as Paul; I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

V14-16 Jesus said “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35).  The Philippian church time and again supported the work of the ministry that Paul was doing. Paul was a hard worker and did not ask for handouts, he simply accepted gifts for the necessities so he could do God’s work.

V17- Paul knew that those who give genuinely and graciously would be blessed by God, for God knows the heart and action of all His children.

V18 I have all and abound-Paul is writing from jail and yet he knows the wealth of his Father. Here he graciously and thankfully acknowledges the gifts that were sent to him.

V19- God will supply our needs out of His abundance in a greater way than we would imagine.

V20- Now=In light of or considering His riches, faithfulness, grace(ch.1-4)!  glory=praise, honor, worship.

V21-23 Note the warm greetings that remind us of the genuine fellowship they shared.    Those of Caesar’s household were probably soldiers assigned to guarding Paul who heard and responded to the gospel.

My Memory Verse for this week: ________________

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

Calvary Chapel Mountain Home “Step by Step” Bible studies

The letter to the Philippians is letter of tremendous encouragement and joy. Paul under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit writes this letter to thank the church in Philippi for their support and to instruct them on the issue of unity. As we walk “step by step” through this letter I am confident that God will bless our time, study and discussion.

Philippians 3

V1 Paul now states what he has been longing to remind the Philippians of which is, to rejoice in the Lord!  Paul then gives them instruction on how to truly rejoice in the Lord; even while in jail!

V2,3 Paul is addressing Jewish teachers who were adding on to the Gospel. (See also Acts15:1-29) God’s warning through Paul- is to Beware of false teachers who sound good, but what they are teaching is not good.   Circumcision: Is a cutting away of the flesh, as an Old Testament outward sign of a covenant relationship.    (New Testament Circumcision references: Romans 2:25-29, 4:9-12, Colossian 2:11-14)

V4-6 Paul now proceeds to disprove the false teachers. He is not boasting about who he is, he is merely comparing based upon their logic of righteousness which comes from human effort. If righteousness comes by human effort then according to their way of viewing people Paul would be the most qualified.

V7 Paul’s summary is all that he inherited, all that he was taught, and all that he thought was righteous prior to knowing Jesus was of no value!

V8-11 Paul now realizes that the main thing is what God has done, not what Paul can do. Now the main thing is knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.

V9 There is no greater liberty and joy than to know that you are right with God because of God. Not our works, nor our bloodline, but by Him and Him alone!

V10 Paul desired to grow closer to Jesus; to know the power of His resurrection, to have the fellowship of  suffering, and being conformed to his death by laying aside his own will to fully know God’s. 

V11 I believe Paul is referring to resurrection life in this life. He knew of the life to come (1:21-23) yet he longed to be more surrendered, more submitted, more of a servant like Jesus. The reality is that the closer we get to Jesus the more clearly we see our need of more of Him. It is kind of simple, the more light the easier it is to see the impurities. Paul did not recoil at the knowledge of his sin, he desired more of Jesus and less of self.

V12-14 What a wonderful mindset: Honesty, determination, forward-looking,  knowing the true source of where his strength came from.

Honesty:  “not that I have already attained..” The truth was not depressing to Paul rather it motivated him to know God more.

Determination:  “I press on…” (2 Corinthians 11:23-33) Gives us a glimpse of what Paul went through while serving. This ‘drive’ was fueled by the reality that is revealed in (2 Corinthians 5:14,15.)

Forward-looking: “reaching forward to those things which are ahead..” Building from the past while looking forward to the future. Many Christians get caught in the past and can’t progress toward the goal.

Goal-Oriented: “I press toward the goal…” Not task driven or imbalanced. Paul was able to fix his eyes on a target and move towards it. It is clear from the context of this letter that Paul knew that his strength was in God alone. (4:13, 3:10, 1:6)

V15,16 Paul realized that he was not competing nor comparing himself against other believers. Each of us must walk in the knowledge we have been given, with the desire to know more (2 Peter 3:18).

V17 See 1Timothy 4:12-15.

V18,19 Paul had seen many walk away from simplicity that is in Christ. Clearly this tugged at his heart yet he had to ‘call it like it is’ concerning false teaching and selfish motives. What would Paul have to say about many Christian conversations today?

V20-21 In contrast to an earthy perspective we are to remember who we are in Christ. This place is not home and we should long for His return, heaven, and our new heavenly bodies. (2 Co.5:1-11)

My Memory Verse for this week: ________________

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

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?

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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