PHILIPPIANS
REJOICE IN THE LORD
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
BACKGROUND MATTERS
OUTLINE OF PHILIPPIANS
PLAN OF STUDY
HOW TO INCREASE YOUR JOY 1:1-11
PIONEERS WANTED 1:12-26
BATTLE STATIONS! 1:27-30
THE GREAT EXAMPLE 2:1-11
THE INS AND OUTS
OF CHRISTIAN LIVING 2:12-18
THE PRICELESS PAIR 2:19-30
LEARNING HOW TO COUNT 3:1-11
LET'S WIN THE RACE! 3:12-16
LIVING IN THE FUTURE TENSE 3:17-21
YOU DON'T HAVE TO WORRY! 4:1-9
THE SECRET OF CONTENTMENT 4:10-23
INTRODUCTION
The following is from an introduction to a study of Philippians by Michael Hall. He introduces the book with these words:
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There are dark clouds upon the horizon of our age which threatens our victory and joy in Christ. Clouds of despair, loneliness, inflation, divorce, crime, frustration, and meaninglessness which hover over our lives and blot out all light and life! Unhappiness is rampant. Our society is miserable, though it runs madly after happiness and fun. Beneath all the facade of prosperity and outward gaity, there is a prevailing sense of frustration. Yet this sad situation is climaxed tragically by children of God who have imbibed this spirit of defeat, disgust, distress, and deplorable despair! They doubt their Christian experience. They are insecure in their hope for eternal life. They question their fellowship with Christ. Our need, then, if for a joyous victory!!
How we need the revival of a joyous, conquering church! For it's very evident that spiritual depression doesn't recommend our precious faith to an already depressed, defeated, and degenerated world. Certainly, the exuberant joy of the early Christians was a potent factor in their phenomenal growth and power!
Philippians is a book of joy and victory. There we realize that victory and joy springs from a steadfast faith in Jesus, a deep love and sweet unity with each other, an unshakable peace with God and the mighty power of Christ working in us! Their is joyous victory in suffering (ch. 1) in service (ch. 2) in Christ (ch. 3) and over our problems (ch. 4). Philippians is a book which breathes the rare perfume of Christian joy and peace in the midst of dark, gloomy clouds of suffering. And it's preciousness is climaxed by its writer --- a chained prisoner under the shameless tyranny and ungodly dictator of Rome, who found joyous victory even there.
So read, meditate, study, ponder and prayerfully imbibe this principles in this very powerful and revealing book. The book is addressed to those who were already achieving a very high level of Christian experience. It has a depth of spiritual awareness, a real intimacy with Jesus Christ, and a picture of the victorious life in Christ. There are constant exhortations to joy, love, unity, peace and Christian maturity. And what could be more needed in this day of materialism and over-involvement with the affairs of this life than a clear vision of our LORD?
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To all of the above, I add a hearty AMEN and AMEN! Christian ought to be the happiest people on earth. We are saved, cleansed from sin, headed for heaven. We are "children of the King." Why is there so much depression, despair, frustration and gloom in the lives of God's people?
BACKGROUND MATTERS
1. Origin of the Church at Philippi.
The establishment of the church in Philippi served as the entrance of the gospel into Europe. Philippi was established by Philip of Macedon in 360 BC. When it became part of the Roman Empire in 168 BC it became the capital for this region.
The book of Acts details two conversions in Phillipi. Lydia was first converted (Acts 16:12-15). Then the jailer was baptized (Acts 16:25-34)
2. Date and Place of Writing.
This is one of a group of letters of Paul known as the prison epistles. It is clear that Paul was in "bonds" when he wrote this letter. The letter was probably written from Rome because:
A. Paul was a prisoner - 1:7, 13, 14, 16.
B. His imprisonment was serious - 1:20, 1:30, 2:17.
C. He send greetings from Caesar's house - 4:22.
3. Authenticity and Unity.
There is little dispute about the authenticity of Philippians. It is genuinely Paul's style of writing. The book does not divide itself into spiritual and practical matters like the books of Galatians, Ephesians, and Colossians. But, this letter is written when Paul a prisoner, He seeks to cheer, comfort and encourage rather than deal with the issues of the day.
4. Occasion and Purpose.
Paul's plans for the future are on hold. He is in prison and does not know if he will ever be released. He realizes that he may die in prison or be killed. He desires to encourage and console the church with words of reassurance and cheer.
He also wanted to warn them of the Judaizers. He calls them "dogs" and "evil workers" (3:2). Paul urges them to be aware and alert.
5. Features of the Letter.
The key theme of this letter is JOY. Paul wants to cheer them with news of Timothy and Epaphroditus. He speaks in positive terms of his own situation. He rejoices in the midst of adversity.
NOTE: There are all kinds of churches. Every preacher of several years in the ministry can talk about their "Corinth" church with all kinds of problems. They can also remember their "Philippi" church with few problems. Some congregations require must work, patience, and firm preaching. Others have few problems and the primary task is to encourage them to "KEEP ON KEEPING ON."
OUTLINE
Several outlines are offered in various commentaries. The one that I prefer comes from the book, Be Joyful, by Warren Wiersbe.
KEY THEME: THE JOY OF THE LORD
KEY VERSE: PHILIPPIANS 3:1
1. THE SINGLE MIND - Chapter 1
A. The Fellowship of the Gospel 1:1-11
B. The Furtherance of the Gospel 1:12-26
C. The Faith of the Gospel 1:27-30
2. THE SUBMISSIVE MIND - Chapter 2
A. The Example of Christ 2:1-11
B. The Example of Paul 2:12-18
C. The Example of Timothy 2:19-24
D. The Example of Epaphroditus 2:25-30
3. THE SPIRITUAL MIND - Chapter 3
A. Paul's Past (The Accountant - "I Count") 3:1-11
B. Paul's Present (The Athlete - "I Press") 3:12-16
C. Paul's Future (The Alien - "I look") 3:17-21
4. THE SECURE MIND - Chapter 4
A. God's Peace 4:1-9
B. God's Power 4:10-13
C. God's Provision 4:14-23
PLAN OF STUDY
This book is given to you for a study guide. I will not always follow the format given here when teaching the class. I have written the following to serve as a means to guide you through the book of Philippians. This material has been prepared to serve as a guide to:
A. Stimulate you to do advanced study and meditation.
B. Open topics of discussion that need serious examination.
C. Raise questions which require discerning study.
D. Examine the richness of the truths in this epistle.
I have divided the book into the sections in the outline. These thirteen lessons follow the outline of the book. This material is provided for your study and analysis of the book of Philippians. In class, we will move at our own pace. We will not always study a lesson each week.
Each lesson is examined in three sections.
Part 1 The Key Words to study.
Part 2 The Key Issues to examine.
Part 3 The key Questions to answer.
It is my hope and prayer that you will study this book with a very personal view. At each verse, we must learn to ask, "What is God saying to me in this passage?" Before we can apply the teachings of God to others, it is a requirement that they become a part of our own lives.
We will never (I said, "NEVER!") convert the world, which is lost in despair, to the blessings of Christianity until they see those blessings in our lives. Joy is feasible. Peace is possible. Contentment is conceivable. Victory is ours. Fellowship in the gospel is workable. Real, genuine joyous victory in Christ is attainable!
1. How to Increase Your Joy
Philippians 1:1-11
1 Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:
2 Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
3 I thank my God upon every remembrance of you,
4 Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy,
5 For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now;
6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:
7 Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace.
8 For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ.
9 And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment;
10 That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ;
11 Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.
1. KEY WORDS
1 Servants, saints, bishops, deacons
2 Grace, peace
3 Thanks, remembrance
4 Prayer, request
5 Fellowship, gospel
6 Confident, perform
7 Meet, bonds, defence, confirmation, partakers
8 Record, bowels
9 Abound, knowledge, judgment
10 Excellent, sincere, offense
11 Filled, righteousness, glory, praise
2. KEY ISSUES
1 Church organization and authority of bishops and deacons
2 Greetings and salutations - Commands or customs?
3. Gratitude, memory
4 Prayer is asking
5 Fellowship
6 Confidence
7 Meet for the master's use (2 Tim. 2:21)
8 Bowels of mercy
9 Judging
10 Sincere
11 Fruit of righteousness
3. KEY QUESTIONS
1 What authority do elders have in the local congregation?
2 Are we commanded to greet one another?
3 Why can we remember some things and not remember others?
4 Will God answer every request we make in prayer? Why or why not?
5 How can we have "fellowship in the gospel"?
6 How do we gain confidence?
7 Has the gospel been confirmed?
8 Where is the "seat of emotion" in our body?
9 In what ways does love grow?
10 How can you tell if one is a "phony"?
11 What are the fruits of a Christian?
2. Pioneers Wanted
Philippians 1:12-26
12 But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel;
13 So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places;
14 And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.
15 Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will:
16 The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds:
17 But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel.
18 What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.
19 For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,
20 According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.
21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
22 But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not.
23 For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:
24 Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you.
25 And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith;
26 That your rejoicing may be more abundant in Jesus Christ for me by my coming to you again.
1. KEY WORDS
12 Fallen out, futherance, gospel
13 Bonds, manifest, palace
14 Waxing, confident, bold, speak
15 Preach, envy, strife, good will
16 Contention, sincerely, affliction
17 Set, defense
18 Pretence, truth, rejoice
19 Salvation, supply
20 Earnest, expectation, ashamed, magnified
21 Live, die, gain
22 Flesh, labor, wot
23 Strait, depart, with Christ, far better
24 Needful
25 Abide, continue, faith
26 Abundant
2. KEY ISSUES
12 When bad things happen
13 Everybody knows my problem
14 Confidence
15 Preaching Christ
16 Methods and attitudes in preaching
17 Gospel needs defending
18 Bad preaching can bring good results
19 God answers prayer
20 We must be bold in faith
21 Purpose of life
22 Difficult decisions, hard choices
23 Good, better, best
24 Serving others
25 Spiritual growth = joy of faith
26 Seek to spread joy to others
3. KEY QUESTIONS
12 Why do bad things happen to us?
13 Do we stick our nose in other people's business?
14 How do we get more confidence?
15 What does it mean to preach Christ?
16 Has a sermon made you angry? Why?
17 Should we have religious debates?
18 Can God use my feeble efforts?
19 How does God answer our prayers?
20 Why are some Christians ashamed of the gospel?
21 Why are we here?
22 How do you make those tough choices?
23 How can death be "far better" than living?
24 Explain the difference between "need" and "want".
25 How can you tell if you are growing spiritually?
26 List some ways we could bring joy to others.
3. Battle Stations!
Philippians 1:27-30
27 Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;
28 And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God.
29 For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;
30 Having the same conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear to be in me.
1. KEY WORDS
27 Conversation, becometh, affairs, stand fast, striving
28 Terrified, adversaries, perdition
29 Behalf, suffer, his sake
30 Conflict, saw, hear
2. KEY ISSUES
27 Our conversation
28 Do not be afraid
29 Christians will suffer for Christ
30 All have these conflicts inside
3. KEY QUESTIONS
27 What does your lifestyle say about your faith?
28 Why are we afraid of men?
29 Why is there suffering in the world?
30 How can we handle the conflicts in our lives?
4. The Great Example
Philippians 2:1-11
1 If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,
2 Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.
3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.
5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:
10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;
11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
1. KEY WORDS
1 Consolation, comfort, fellowship, bowels
2 Likeminded, accord, mercies
3 Strife, vainglory, lowliness, esteem
4 Look, own things
5 Mind
6 Form, robbery, equal
7 Reputation, servant
8 Fashion, humbled, obedient, death, cross
9 Exalted, name, above
10 Bow, heaven, earth, under earth
11 Tongue, confess, Lord
2. KEY ISSUES
1 Fellowship and emotions (feelings)
2 Being likeminded
3 Dealing with strife, humility
4 Caring about others
5 Developing the mind of Christ
6 Jesus before Bethlehem
7 Humanity of Jesus
8 Need of the death of Jesus
9 Having an exalted name
10 The 3 realms of Jesus
11 Confession
3. KEY QUESTIONS
1 What is the basis of our fellowship?
2 How can we be likeminded?
3 How can I be more humble?
4 List some ways to show genuine care and concern.
5 What would Jesus do?
6 Where was Jesus before Bethlehem?
7 List some ways Jesus was human.
8 Why did Jesus die?
9 Describe how Jesus' name is exalted.
10 Describe the three realms of Jesus.
11 Why is confession an important part of salvation?
5. The Ins and Outs of Christian Living
Philippians 2:12-18
12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
14 Do all things without murmurings and disputings:
15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;
16 Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.
17 Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all.
18 For the same cause also do ye joy, and rejoice with me.
1. KEY WORDS
12 Obeyed, work, salvation, trembling
13 Will, pleasure
14 Murmuring, disputing
15 Blameless, harmless, rebuke, crooked, perverse, light
16 Holding, run, vain, labored
17 Sacrifice, service
18 Cause, joy, rejoice
2. KEY ISSUES
12 Salvation by works
13 God's will in our lives
14 Stop complaining
15 Contrast to the world around us (wicked, perverse)
16 Laboring in vain
17 Sacrifice for the cause of Christ
18 Causes of rejoicing
3. KEY QUESTIONS
12 Is salvation by works, faith, or both? Explain.
13 How does God accomplish his will?
14 What is the harm of murmuring?
15 How should be contrast with the world around us?
16 Is it possible to labor for God in vain?
17 Do Christians sacrifice today?
18 What makes us rejoice?
6. A Priceless Pair
Philippians 2:19-30
19 But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state.
20 For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state.
21 For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's.
22 But ye know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he hath served with me in the gospel.
23 Him therefore I hope to send presently, so soon as I shall see how it will go with me.
24 But I trust in the Lord that I also myself shall come shortly.
25 Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants.
26 For he longed after you all, and was full of heaviness, because that ye had heard that he had been sick.
27 For indeed he was sick nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow.
28 I sent him therefore the more carefully, that, when ye see him again, ye may rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful.
29 Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in reputation:
30 Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me.
1. KEY WORDS
19 Trust, comfort, state
20 Likeminded, naturally, care
21 Seek, own, things of Christ
22 Proof, served, gospel
23 Hope, soon
24 Trust, shortly
25 Necessary, brother, companion, fellowsoldier, messenger
26 Longed, heaviness, sick
27 Nigh, mercy, sorrow
28 Carefully, rejoice, less sorrowful
29 In the Lord, gladness, reputation
30 Regarding, supply, service
2. KEY ISSUES
19 Knowing is comforting
20 Men of like mind
21 Selfishness of man
22 Father / son relationships
23 Ambassadors sent on a mission
24 Trust in God's will
25 Relationships in Christ (brother, companion, soldier)
26 Heavy hearted
27 Sickness / no miracle here
28 Reducing sorrow
29 How to receive a brother
30 Priority/importance (my life or yours)
3. KEY QUESTIONS
19 How can we comfort people?
20 Think of someone you would trust with your possessions.
21 Do you think selfishness is a major problem today?
22 How was Paul a "father" to Timothy?
23 Discuss the great commission. Can we "send" someone?
24 How can we develop confidence in God?
25 Describe the relationships we have in Christ.
26 Is it OK to be sad, heavy hearted?
27 Why didn't Paul just heal him with a miracle?
28 How can our sorrow be reduced?
29 Should we pay attention to reputation?
30 Which is more important: my safety or God's work?
7. Learning How to Count
Philippians 3:1-11
1 Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe.
2 Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision.
3 For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.
4 Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more:
5 Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee;
6 Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.
7 But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.
8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,
9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:
10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;
11 If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.
1. KEY WORDS
1 Finally, grievous, safe
2 Beware, evil, concision
3 Circumcision, worship, spirit
4 Flesh, trust
5 Israel, Hebrew, Pharisee
6 Zeal, persecuting, righteousness, blameless
7 Gain, loss
8 Excellency, count, win
9 Found, righteousness, faith
10 Know, resurrection, fellowship, sufferings, conformable
11 Means, attain
2. KEY ISSUES
1 Spiritual rejoicing differs from worldly joy
2 False teachers are to be avoided
3 Flesh and spirit are opposites
4 When to brag and boast
5 Importance of our roots, family tree, genealogy
6 Significance of zeal for the Christian
7 What is profit, what is loss
8 What to keep, what to give up
9 My righteousness vs. the righteousness of God
10 Partners in the suffering of Christ
11 Anticipate the resurrection
3. KEY QUESTIONS
1 How does the Bible protect us and keep us safe?
2 Of whom should we "beware"?
3 In what sense are we the circumcision?
4 What security is there in our family tree?
5 Should we spend time tracing our genealogy?
6 What is good and what is the danger with zeal?
7 If life were a ledger, what are your assets and liabilities?
8 What would you give up to go to heaven?
9 What is the difference between my righteousness and God's?
10 Can we know Christ? Can we be sure of anything?
11 Will all people be raised from the dead?
8. Let's Win the Race!
Philippians 3:12-16
12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.
13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,
14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
15 Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.
16 Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing.
1. KEY WORDS
12 Attained, perfect, apprehend
13 Count, forgetting, reaching, before
14 Press, mark, prize, calling
15 Perfect, minded, reveal
16 Walk, rule, mind
2. KEY ISSUES
12 Perfectionists
13 Keeping the past in the past, focus on the future
14 The prize of Christianity
15 God's revelation keeps us in the same mind
16 Unity is possible when we follow the same rules
3. KEY QUESTIONS
12 Can we ever reach perfection?
13 How can we "forget" the past?
14 What is required to "press" for the prize?
15 How does the Bible keep us in the same mind?
16 How can we ever be united?
9. Living in the Future Tense
Philippians 3:17-21
17 Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.
18 (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:
19 Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.)
20 For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:
21 Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.
1. KEY WORDS
17 Brethren, followers, mark, ensample
18 Walk, weeping, enemies, cross
19 End, destruction, god, belly, shame, earthly
20 Conversation, heaven, look
21 Change, vile, fashioned, subdue
2. KEY ISSUES
17 Following men
18 Enemies of the cross
19 Other gods worshipped today
20 Anticipation of heaven
21 Our new body
3. KEY QUESTIONS
17 Is there a danger in following men?
18 List some "enemies of the cross of Christ".
19 Name some "gods" which are worshipped today.
20 How much do we anticipate heaven?
21 What kind of a body will be have in heaven? What will we look like?
10. You Don't Have to Worry!
Philippians 4:1-9
1 Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.
2 I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord.
3 And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life.
4 Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.
5 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.
6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.
1. KEY WORDS
1 Beloved, longed, crown, fast
2 Beseech, same, mind
3 Intreat, yokefellow, book of life
4 Rejoice, alway
5 Moderation, at hand
6 Careful, supplication, requests
7 Peace, understanding, keep, hearts, minds
8 Whatsoever, virtue, think
9 Learned, received, heard, seen, do
2. KEY ISSUES
1 Love for fellow Christians
2 Single minded
3 Support and encourage workers in God's Kingdom
4 Rejoice in ALL circumstances
5 Moderation is the key to success
6 The cure for worry
7 Genuine peace and contentment
8 Meditation time
9 Methods of learning
3. KEY QUESTIONS
1 How can I stand fast in the Lord?
2 Is it possible to be of the same mind?
3 How can we help those who labor in the gospel?
4 Can we rejoice in ALL situations of life?
5 In what ways should be we moderate?
6 What is the cure for worry?
7 How does God keep our heart and mind?
8 Is there any value to positive thinking?
9 List the ways we learn from others.
11. The Secret of Contentment
Philippians 4:10-23
10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity.
11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.
12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.
13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
14 Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction.
15 Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only.
16 For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity.
17 Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.
18 But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.
19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
20 Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
21 Salute every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren which are with me greet you.
22 All the saints salute you, chiefly they that are of Caesar's household.
23 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
1. KEY WORDS
10 Greatly, flourished, careful, opportunity
11 Want, learned, state, content
12 Abased, abound, full, hungry, need
13 Can do, through, strengtheneth
14 Communicate, affliction
15 Beginning, church, communicated, giving, receiving
16 Sent, necessity
17 Desire, gift, fruit, account
18 Odour, sacrifice, acceptable
19 Supply, need, riches
20 Father, glory, ever and ever, Amen
21 Salute, saint, brethren
22 Saints, salute
23 Grace, Amen
2. KEY ISSUES
10 Opportunity + ability = responsibility
11 Contentment
12 Make two lists. A. Abound in: B. Suffer need:
13 Providence of God
14 Sharing with those in need
15 Missionary support
16 Repeat needs vs. temporary needs
17 Who gets the credit
18 Satisfaction
19 God will provide
20 Praise belongs to God
21 How to salute
22 Saints in high places
23 Grace
3. KEY QUESTIONS
10 How can we take advantage of opportunities?
11 What is secret of true contentment?
12 What can lack teach us about abundance?
13 Complete this sentence: Through Christ I can ________.
14 How well do we communicate with the afflictions of others?
15 How are churches to support a missionary?
16 What is the difference between temporary and long-term needs?
17 Who should get the credit?
18 What sacrifices are we making for God?
19 How does God supply my needs?
20 What is a "doxology"?
21 How should we greet one another?
22 Why are there few Christians in high places?
23 How is the grace of Jesus with us?