Meeting# 4| This Week’s Leader: David Goodno (Lane Butt or Tom Landis as backup, if David is unavailable.)
Philippians can be divided into four sections:
1. Paul’s joy in living for Jesus (Ch. 1:1-30).
2. Examples of joyful humility (Ch. 2:1-30).
3. Pressing toward the goal (Ch. 3:1-21).
4. Exhortation (urging, advice, appeal) and encouragement (Ch. 4:1-23).
Introduction:
This is the fourth meeting of the Fall Semester. The Men’s “Called” Growth Group’s meets weekly 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm on Wednesdays through November 13, 2024 (11/13/2024).
Everyone is welcome to join; you do not have to have been at a previous meeting to attend.
This semester, Called Men’s Group is conducting a Bible study of the Book of Philippians (Sept.) and Colossians (Oct.)
The Book of Philippians is a letter written by the apostle Paul to encourage believers to maintain joy and hope in times of suffering. As we finish up our reading of Paul’s letter, continue to focus on past and current challenges; the difficult times that we’ve had to face and our currently facing - remember our circumstances are not the “final word.” It ain’t over, till God says it’s over. Paul said he could rejoice in everything; that God is always, ALWAYS bigger, greater and superior to anything we can face. We should remain planted and faithful to the Lord through it all, our eyes on Him!
In his letter Paul shows us how to live successful Christian lives. Often, we allow our job titles or careers to define us; Christ’s attitude was one of humility and self-sacrifice; our spiritual growth requires self-discipline and obedience, as we grow and become mature Christians, our identity should be in Christ.
When we first started this semester, we took up the challenge to pray every morning as soon as we woke up (before our feet touched the ground). - How did everyone do? Discuss among the group.
This Week’s Prayer: Dear Lord, we thank you for allowing us to come together and study your word tonight. Lord, help us to fully experience your love, joy, and peace that can only be found in you. Help us endure through all our struggles, help us to remain calm in the storm; give us peace and understanding. Help us find the way, when we can’t see the way. Christ, we acknowledge you as our Lord, and savior, as we lean into you, lean into us.
In Jesus’ name. – Amen
Scripture: Read - Philippians Chapter 4:1 – 23
Observation, Application & Questions: (Identify/Discuss Among the Group)
The fourth chapter of Paul’s letter opens with encouragement to remain true to the Lord. But how? We need to keep our eyes and focus on Christ. Keep in mind that this world, all its ups and downs, highs and lows, these things are temporary; we should keep our faith, strength and hope in Jesus. Jesus will bring everything in this world under His control. We should resist negative influences of temptation, avoid and steer clear of false teachings; messages that would lead us astray. If we have questions, don’t seek answers or place your trust in what you find on YouTube, or the internet, we should go to our pastors, Christian mentors with our questions. Don’t lose heart, and never give up.
What is the “Warrior Ethos” – US Army values? As a group google search and discuss.
I will always place the mission first. I will never accept defeat. I will never quit. I will never leave a fallen comrade.
Can this be applied to Christian life? - Yes
How would we go about doing that? - Put Jesus first in our lives. Do not allow the enemy to weaken our faith or hope. Never quit. ALWAYS be looking for a spiritual mentor, and always be looking for people you can mentor and lead to Christ.
Paul addresses a disagreement between two believers, Euodia and Syntyche. These two women were workers in Christ in the Philippian church, their broken relationship was significant enough for Paul to address it in his letter.
Paul asks for his “true partner” – some translations use the word “companion” to help the women find resolution. It is not known who this true partner or companion actually is. Scholars believe that the partner/companion could be
Epaphroditus, or Syzygus (possibly a person’s name).
What are we told about Euodia and Syntyche in verse 3? How does this underline the seriousness of what is happening within this church.
What kinds of reasons do Christians who are in the same Church fall out with one another?
Does it matter?
We need to take any disagreements with other believers seriously. It is possible to full all in for Christ, and yet have broken relationships with other believers. We should not stand by idly or wait for the dispute to resolve itself. Are there any past disagreements that come to mind? If you are willing, please share among the group. How did you address the situation, and what was the outcome? – Discuss among the group.
Paul tells us not to worry about anything. This may seem impossible – we all have worries, worries about our jobs, life, relationships, politics; our lives are constantly filled with uncertainty and worry.
What is the cure for anxiety according to verses 6-7?
What can we do as believers to reduce worry?
True peace is not found in positive thinking, a life without conflict or having good feelings. True peace is found in knowing that God is in control. What we put into our mind determines what comes out in our words and actions. Paul tells us (4:8) to focus on minds with thoughts that are pure, true, honorable, right, admirable and worthy of praise. We need to examine what we are putting into our mind through television, books, social media, and the internet. Above all read God’s word and pray; learning to put it into practice and apply God’s word to our lives.
Thoughts? Discuss among the group.
Paul says that he has all he needs, that their generosity was a sweet-smelling sacrifice.
What do we think this means? - Paul may have been referring to a peace offering, Leviticus 7:12-15, which contains instructions for such offerings of thanksgiving. Although Greek and Roman Christians were not Jews and had not offered sacrifices according to Old Testament laws and would have been quite familiar with pagan rituals of offering sacrifices.
Have you ever received a meaningful gift? What was it? If you are willing share with the group. / Discuss.
I’ve heard it said that “something given has no value” – is this true? Discuss among the group.
Do you consider yourself a giver? Or do you find yourself reluctant to give? Discuss among the group.
It is also important to remember that Paul fully relied on God throughout his imprisonment, and he was content - Jesus was the source of his strength. Paul showed amazing dependence on God throughout his life and ministry, and we can trust that God will always meet our needs and provide for us as well.
Finish this sentence: “You know it’s going to be a bad day when…”
What can we say to help someone feel more optimistic about life?
What does Paul recommend for all believers regarding prayer?
What promises are recorded in Chapter 4?
What do we think causes a person to develop a negative attitude about life?
What causes some people to approach life with an attitude of gratitude?
What can we do to prevent negative attitudes from dominating our points of view?
***
What was the context? What was going on at the time this was written?
What and where is this happening?
What makes what was happening meaningful?
Is there anything special about the location (or locations)?
Who is involved?
How do they respond to God?
What character traits do you notice about them?
What is the significance of their involvement?
What do you think is the key message?
Did anything stand out, or something that surprised you? What was it?
Were there any repetitive words or themes that stood out to you? What were they?
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Is there anything that stood out to you? Share with the group and discuss.
Is there anything that left you with more questions? What were they? Share with group, discuss and research.
Biggest takeaway?
Given Philippi’s strategic location, what kind of city would you expect it to be? What typical problems would you expect to find in the city? What problems would the church in Philippi be having? What similar problems do churches face today?
Prepare for next week’s meeting. Read: Colossians 1:1-29
Is there anything that stands out when reading these verses? Be ready to discuss it at the next meeting.
REMINDER: This Fall 2024 Semester Men’s group will be meeting every Wednesday, 09/04/2024 through 11/13/2024; 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm. Please monitor https://fv.church/events for more information.
References/Acknowledgements:
Elements of today’s Bible study were copied from:
1. NLT Courage for Life Men’s Bible, New Living Translation (NLT); copyright 2023 Tyndale House Ministries Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation https://www.tyndale.com/sites/courageforlifebible/
2. ESV Study Bible, copyright 2008. The Holy Bible, English Standard Version (ESV); copyright 2001 by Crossway, Wheaton, Illinois.
3. NLT, Life Application Bible Studies, Philippians and Colossians; copyright 1998, 2009, Tyndale House Publishers Inc, Carol Stream, Illinois.
4. The Good Book Guide to Philippians, Philippians Shining with joy, by Steven J. Lawson; copyright 2017, The Good Book Company www.thegoodbookcompany.com
5. US Army Warrior Ethos: https://www.army.mil/values/warrior.html
Schedule:
Month, Meeting Number, Date, Book/Chapters/Verse/ (Total Verses)
September 2024:
_x_ 001, 09/04 Philippians 1:1-30. (30 Verses)
_x_ 002, 09/11 Philippians 2:1-30. (30 Verses)
_x_ 003, 09/18 Philippians 3:1-21. (21 Verses)
_x_ 004, 09/25 Philippians 4:1-23. (23 Verses)
October 2024:
___ 005, 10/02 Colossians 1:1-29 (29 Verses)
___ 006, 10/09 Colossians 2:1-23 (23 Verses)
___ 007, 10/16 Colossians 3:1-25 (25 Verses)
___ 008, 10/23 Colossians 4:1-18 (18 Verses)
___ 009, 10/30 Bible Translations (Video and Discussion)
November 2024:
___ 010, 11/06 TBD
___ 011, 11/13 TBD (FINAL MEETING OF THE SEMESTER)