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 1st 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
- Nov 14, 2012“Philippians 1″
Nov 14, 2012“Philippians 1″By: Dan DavisSeries: Wednesday Evening
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 1st 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
- Nov 7, 2012“Introduction to Philippians”
Nov 7, 2012“Introduction to Philippians”By: Dan DavisSeries: Wednesday Evening
Calvary Chapel Mountain Home “Step by Step” Bible studies
Philippians: Background from Acts
The letter to the Philippians is a letter of tremendous encouragement and joy. Paul, writing under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, sends this letter to thank the church in Philippi for their support. He also addresses some issues of unity that had come up. 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 fantastic 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 background-Acts 16
Philippians is a letter to the church in the city of Philippi. In Acts 16, the Bible gives us some ‘background’ on this city and the people in Philippi.
Read Acts 13:2,3,4 and 16:6-10 How did disciples in the early church determine where they would serve? _______________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________
Additional verses showing the person and ministry of the Holy Spirit from the book of Acts:
1:8 Holy Spirit empowers and prepares us to be witnesses
5:9 Warning against “tempting” the Holy Spirit
8:29 Holy Spirit instructs Philip
8:39 Holy Spirit relocates Philip.
10:19 Holy Spirit speaks to Peter
11:28 Holy Spirit gives prophecy
It is important to understand the leading and equipping of the Holy Spirit. The church in Philippi is a result of the work done by the Holy Spirit through someone (Paul) who would follow His instruction. This truth applies to all believers and not church leaders alone. How can we discern and know the leading of the Holy Spirit in our lives?
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Acts 16:11-15
Look at the map in the back of you Bible and familiarize yourselves with the area identified. (‘then and now’ maps are available at the entry table.)
V13-16 Lydia becomes the first recorded convert to Christ in Europe. God hears her prayers, opens her heart, and she responds. She shows her appreciation by inviting Paul and his friends to stay with them.
Acts 16:16-24
Paul spoke up for the slave girl and against those who mistreated her. In doing what was right Paul draws criticism and is beaten. Doing what is right often carries a price!
Acts 16:25-40
V25- People are observing how we handle adversity. Paul and Silas were not trying to impress people with their singing. They were singing because of the impression Jesus left on them. What “impresses” you? What do we sing when we face adversity?
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V26-34 Neither Paul not Silas had any idea of what would take place as they prayed and worshipped, but you can be sure their motive was to simply focus on God regardless of circumstances.
V27- Thinking he had failed and would be severely punished, the prison keeper was going to commit suicide. Philippi was a Roman ruled city, a model city for Roman government. If a Roman soldier allowed a prisoner to escape then that prisoners’ sentence was placed upon the soldier. It was believed better to die quickly at the hand of a sword than to suffer the torture of the Roman guards.
V34- From thoughts of suicide to New Life! Be patient when life is overwhelming; great things may be just around the corner!
V35-40 Paul shows a little ‘spunk’ as he addresses the punishment they had received. Rather than slip away quietly he wisely points out their wrong doing. It is possible that the church in Philippi was left alone for awhile so that the improper punishment Paul and Silas received would be forgotten.
V40- They visited the new believers and then traveled on to the next city in their journey. It is important to note that encouragement was of vital importance to Paul. He often sought to strengthen through encouragement and the letter to the Philippians is a model of that.
For Next Week: Read the entire book of Philippians and then go back to focus on chapter 1 for next week’s meeting.
My Memory verse for this week is: ______________________________
NOTES: ___________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Calvary Chapel Mountain Home, ccmountainhome.com, 350 N. Main St., Mountain Home, Id. 83647, ph.208-580-0662