We’ll return to Acts next week, but now that we have spent 3 weeks on 3 who made up the first church in Philippi, I’d like to bring that knowledge to increase our understanding of just Philippians 1. No sermon, just the text and seeing it through new eyes.
Sunday:
- How did you experience the goodness of God this week?
Monday: Philippians 1:1-7
I have a sense of how Paul felt about the Philippians. There are some whom God allowed me to join Him in bringing them to Himself that fill be with such joy because of the fruitfulness in their lives. Their joy rippled out and brought others to Christ, who brought others to Christ. That’s what Paul is seeing happening in the Philippian church. The church at Philippi gets more praise from Paul than any other church.
2. Make one observation or comment on each of these six verses.
3. Knowing what you do about the first believers in Philippi, why do you think this church was so strong?
4. You can do this silently — but give thanks now for believers for whom you thank God upon every remembrance! (Two for me were Sharon’s parents-in-law in Oregon. Their joy brought my husband’s faith from his head to his heart.)
Tuesday: Praying Philippians 1:8-11
5. Make at least 6 observations or comments on this passage.
6. Use it to pray for someone you love who is a fairly strong believers. Do it here.
7. Now pray it for yourself.
Wednesday: Philippians 1:12-18 How Suffering Advances the Gospel
8. How did the suffering of Paul and Silas in Acts 16 advance the gospel?
9. How has your suffering advanced the gospel?
10. Make an observation or comment on each verse.
11. What stands out to you the most and why?
Thursday: Philippians 1:19-25 Hard Pressed Between the Two
12. Read through this passage and explain why Paul was hard pressed between two choices.
Paul’s expectation of remaining for them proved true, for he was not beheaded until 35 years after Christ’s resurrection.
13. What does it mean, in your life, to say “For to live is Christ?”
14. What do you look forward to after death? Be specific.
Friday: Philippians 1:27-30 Engaged in the Same Conflict I Had
15. Make observations and comments for each verse.
16. What c0nflict did these believers of Philippi see that Paul had when he was with them. (Look again at Acts 16.)
17. What two things have been granted to us for the cause of Christ, according to Philippians 1:29?
18. We often don’t think of suffering for Christ as a privilege, but it is. Think of one way you or someone you love has suffered for Christ and how God brought good from it.
19. It also gives me joy to see the growth of Christians on this blog — and how you sharpen and encourage one another. True friendship is possible online. What do you think has helped you the most here?
Saturday:
20. What’s your “God Shot” or take-a-way?
39 comments
Cheryl — I did a little research on your question on yesterday’s blog — circumcision. Since it had to be just for men, what about the women? It was as I thought that the head of the household (whether father or husband) covered the women. But also interesting because of the covenant referring to Abraham’s seed – the seed comes from the male organ but creates both males and females.
And this is a rabbit trail but women were often blamed for bearing only girls (queens were beheaded) yet it is the mail seed that determines the gender. 🙂
1. How did you experience the goodness of God this week?
Summer has been good this year! Not too rushed which is nice.
We took a trip to my husband’s home state of NJ to visit family. Sarah and her husband came to see the kids. She has started a nursing program (?!) and needed help with some homework. I spent an hour or so helping her. I felt like we were a “normal”mother and daughter. That was nice.
We met new “friends” at our family’s beach house last week who have young children and whom our grands could play with jumping waves and having fun at the boardwalk riding the rides.
Finally, my husband and I are traveling to Sweden this week to be with our son and his wife for a few days. We are taking her Croatian (long story!) cat back to them, and boy has that been an experience, getting everything all ready to go. Please pray for us traveling, but more so for my sister who will be watching Cooper and Grace while we are gone. That is my stress right now; that the kids will be well behaved and it will go well for her. My sister is 70 and the total opposite from me. I want it to run smoothly. Ugh! I have no control over this and it’s difficult. Thank you for prayers. I will be checking in, hopefully as I normally do, each day or so.
Thank you Lord, for your faithful guidance and loving hands in my life.
Laura! I am thanking God for your “normal” time with your daughter! I will be praying for you, Grace, Cooper and your sister during this time! I pray for safe travels, peace of mind, good health and a lovely trip (safe kitty too).
Laura — I love that you are having such a good summer. Returning the Croatian cat. Yes, has to be a story there.
Laura, so glad to hear you and your husband can get away for a few days! Croatian cat! Hmmm…interesting. Praying for a safe, fun trip and peace as your sister watches over Grace and Cooper. God go with you!
1. How did you experience the goodness of God this week?
Hi ladies. I have not been here for awhile and have missed you.
My daughter Annie and her two children came for a visit and it was a refreshing joy to have them here. I was tired, but only in the best of ways. Meaningful conversations and lots of laughter. Grateful. (It is too quiet now…)
Nila — so glad to see you!
Hi, Nila! So good to see you here, and glad to hear about Annie and the children coming for a visit.
So wonderful you are here today! Welcome back! Yes…quiet…
So good to see you here, Nila. I love that you had a wonderful visit with your Annie and her children. Did you do music together? What a blessing! I understand the “too quiet” !
ps: My daughter, Dawn, from Polson/Flathead lake, is here and I am thrilled. You two don’t live that far apart!
Patti,
We were just in the Flathead area visiting my husband’s sister. If/when you are in Polson in the future, I would love to get together, if possible. It is a day’s drive from me.
That would be fun!❤️
A little long here…
Sunday:
How did you experience the goodness of God this week?
Dee, the picture above of Lydia, the slave girl, and the jailer brought tears to my eyes. What a wonderful echo of heaven where praise will always be on our lips and fellowship is among brothers and sisters from all nations! I do believe I will look at Philippians 1 in a new way this week.
Richard and I went on a day’s trip to Omaha, NE for his birthday and our 38th anniversary. Before we left, we committed ourselves not to talk about ministry and the world’s problems (I asked him to do a pinkie-swear lol). We will just enjoy each other’s company, and we will drive around the city for meals, desserts, and shopping (me spending the money and him driving our vehicle). We did a quick catch-up on something church-related, but we did not spend a lot of time on it.
God is the God of little things that concern us. He led me to a store where I found a special paper needed for a banner we were making for an appreciation luncheon for the school staff. It was a long shot, but there they were on a rack in the sale! First God wink!
I have often thought of buying a “lucky” bamboo plant, and I saw some fresh ones in a bucket at the last store we were at. But something prompted me not to; I thought I could always look for it some other time. When we got home, there were cards on our front porch and a potted plant. And guess what the plant was? A lucky bamboo! I could just see God smiling down on us and saying, “Surprise!” God wink 2 and then etc. later on!
And this morning I watched Tim and Kathy Keller do a gospel in life devotional based on Habakkuk 4:7 “…though there are no figs…grapes. sheep…cattle…yet I will rejoice in God my Savior.
The goodness of God is always there even when we are in difficult circumstances, and not only in the special paper or the “lucky” bamboo desires of our hearts.
Bing, I love this post! Happy anniversary (and birthday)! We are married 37 years this year in December. I love the lucky bamboo story!
Love your bamboo plant story and Habakkuk! thanks!
Loved this post Bing 🙂
And this reminder from Habakkuk. Timely.
Happy 34th anniversary and love the God winks…oh how He loves us!
Great bamboo story!
Bing, Thank you for sharing the sweet “God winks”! I love that the way Jesus surprises us!
Thank you all! I happened to have lunch the day after with the lady who gave us the bamboo plant. I told her that it was definitely a Spirit-inspired gift as she found it in our local little flower shop! She asked me why I would like one, and I told her the plant reminded me of my mother. She ate lots of thinly sliced tender bamboo shoots (edible and yummy when prepared correctly with coconut milk) when she was pregnant with me. Aaww-ugly cry.
Dee, I can’t seem to edit anymore in the editor (where it gives a time limit for editing a post). I have never had this problem until the last few weeks or so. Just thought I would mention it. Is anyone else having this trouble? I have tried on two different devices with two different web browsers. Not sure what’s up…
Have you tried turning your laptop on and off or whatever device you use?
Yes, I have done that. I might try clearing the cache next. I’ll let you know.
This is a test..
Laura, I have had issues with editing, too. Sometimes I lose the entire post or it does not go back with the changes..
I’m trying to even post today and struggling!
Sunday:
How did you experience the goodness of God this week?
The goodness of God is always pouring out on me when I read the blog. I’ve been overloaded with grandkid care the last few weeks and though I love it, it wears me out! I’m finding it challenging to get my lesson done, but reading the comments from the last week always encourages me in my faith. I love how TLC says God does the work-faith is just another gift he gives us. Psalm 33:20-21 “Our soul waits for the Lord; he is our help and our shield. For our heart is glad in him, because we trust his holy name.
The Lord is giving me much opportunity to trust him this week. Drama unfolding in terms of marriage relationships, health, etc. in our family this week. Prayers appreciated for strength and wisdom as we trust the Lord through it all. I am especially seeking prayer for my husband as he is in a place where his guidance is sought after at church, work and home-and it seems all places are falling apart! Prayed over all of you this morning.
Nahum 1:7 keeps running through my head, “The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble; he cares for those who trust in him.”
Father, You promise is we ask for wisdom not for our own lusts but to glorify You, You will give it. I ask that for Cheryl. In Jesus Name I pray.
I join Dee in praying for your needs dear Chris. Thank you for the Nahum verse! I love that.
Philippians 1:1-7
2. Make one observation or comment on each of these six verses.
2: Paul sends grace and peace to the church from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ-this always sounds so formal and yet personal when I hear it. A greeting and prayer. 3:he remembers them fondly 4: he loves them so & they give him joy in prayer 5: their faithfulness to the gospel is encouraging and brings joy to him 6:God’s work in them is sure to be completed-popular verse. 7: the faith of believers brings them together as one in joy and trial.
3. Knowing what you do about the first believers in Philippi, why do you think this church was so strong? Their faithfulness to the gospel and one another.
4. You can do this silently — but give thanks now for believers for whom you thank God upon every remembrance! (Two for me were Sharon’s parents-in-law in Oregon. Their joy brought my husband’s faith from his head to his heart.) There have been many over the years whom I am thankful for in terms of building me up in the faith. Most recently, my husband who has been a great support to our family always, but even more so in recent years. Also, my two dear friends who have stood by me month after month meeting for prayer for many years now. It brings tears to my eyes to think of all we have been through together and the many prayers said over our families. The Lord has been good to us and given us to one another for support. It is a wonderful gift to have. This blog full of friends is included in those I am so thankful for, as I have come here many times for encouragement in my faith. Thank you all for being here. ❤️
2. Make one observation or comment on each of these six verses.
Verse 1 – It says it’s from Paul and Timothy, but then the tense changes and it says, “I am writing….”
He includes the elders and deacons…as if they aren’t holy?
Verse 2 – He wishes everyone grace and peace from the Father and Jesus Christ.
Verse 3 – He thanks God each time he thinks of these people.
Verse 4 – He prays with joy for their requests.
Verse 5 – He recounts how they have helped him spread the Word.
Verse 6 – He states how God has worked through them and how He will continue until Jesus comes back.
Verse 7 – He says he feels their relationship is special, as they have managed through while he was in prison and in their defense and spreading of the Gospel.
3. Knowing what you do about the first believers in Philippi, why do you think this church was so strong?
They were from many walks of life but they had this one belief. Jesus Saves. They worked together and were a “family” because of this.
This is a test…
1. How did you experience the goodness of God this week? My daughter, Dawn is here from Montana, for a month. What a joy it is to have her with me. She loves God and she has a gentle loving spirit, so kind and caring to everyone. Thank you Lord for this precious time together. How I wish we lived closer.
I’m so happy you are getting to spend time with your daughter!
2. Make one observation or comment on each of these six verses.
V.1 From Paul (with Timothy in prison) to believers in Philippi.
V2. Paul expresses warmth, unity and love in the greeting of grace and peace.
V3. Paul is lovingingly thanking God for these believers.
V4. He has joy in thinking of these believers, specifically as he prayers for each of them. The prayers sound personalized.
V5. The believers Paul is praying for, have been actively supporting his ministry from the beginning. They have not bailed out, when he was imprisoned. They understand persecution of believers, yet they are still supportive.
V6. Paul is confident that God will support and perfect the work He began in each of them, starting with their salvation, which will continue until He returns and perfects it. They are partners with Paul and Timothy, even in their imprisonment, continuing to spread the gospel message, in spite of fear of their own persecution.
3. Knowing what you do about the first believers in Philippi, why do you think this church was so strong?
They truly believed the gospel. They could see the joy and authenticity of Paul and Timothy in spite of being imprisoned.
4. You can do this silently — but give thanks now for believers for whom you thank God upon every remembrance! (Two for me were Sharon’s parents-in-law in Oregon. Their joy brought my husband’s faith from his head to his heart.)
Dee, you are right up there at the top of my list! Don and Marguerite Blair, who we met the first Sunday we attended a church in San Jose, CA. Don was Superintendent of Schools in the Berryessa School district in San Jose, California. This man was instrumental in directing us to Seattle Pacific College. We knew that was from God! Their daughters, Kathy Mayhle and Barbara Johnson (Dee : Clarice’s daughter in law) introduced us to the church we attended for many years and where I met Dee. All this started because a pastor in San Jose, brought a leaflet to our door, inviting us to the Easter Sunday service at his church.) I had been praying desperately to find a church there….Only God.
4. You can do this silently — but give thanks now for believers for whom you thank God upon every remembrance! (Two for me were Sharon’s parents-in-law in Oregon. Their joy brought my husband’s faith from his head to his heart.)
There have been many good role models in my life with respect to being a believer. Thank You Lord, for those in my heart.
Sunday:
1. How did you experience the goodness of God this week?
We have been in Alaska since last Friday and have thoroughly enjoyed our time here so far. The beauty and the vastness that we have seen is a reminder of the amazing God we have. When I sit and look at the mountains, flowers and glaciers I can’t help but think of the verse in Romans… “For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God.”
Romans 1:20 NLT
Please pray that Jim and I can be a light/witness to those around us🙏.
Oh, Sharon! I will pray! I know you will!🙏💕
How exciting! Safe travels and yes prayers for you and Jim.