Meeting# 1| This Week’s Leader: David Goodno (Lane Butt or Tom Landis as backup, if David is unavailable.)
Philippians can be divided into four sections:
Paul’s joy in living for Jesus (Ch. 1:1-30).
Examples of joyful humility (Ch. 2:1-30).
Pressing toward the goal (Ch. 3:1-21).
Exhortation (urging, advice, appeal) and encouragement (Ch. 4:1-23).
Introduction: This is our first meeting of the Fall Semester of the Men’s “Called” Growth Group, will be meeting weekly every Wednesday, 09/04/2024 through 11/13/2024; 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm. 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, about A.D. 60 (60 – 62). It is one of four letters, along with Ephesians, Colossians, and Philemon.
The letter is a message of encouragement and joy. Paul wrote the letter to encourage believers to maintain joy in suffering and to pursue unity in the church for the sake of the gospel’s advancement. This letter uses the words joy and rejoice more than a dozen times, making it one of Paul’s most uplifting letters. As we read Paul’s letter, we should try and think of some of the past circumstances we’ve faced or pressing matters we are currently going through.
Paul’s message is that we should not look at our circumstances as the “final word.” Paul was possibly chained to a Roman guard as he wrote this letter. - He said he could rejoice in everything; that God is always, ALWAYS greater than anything we may face, and that the Lord will take care of our needs.
Behind prison bars is not the place you would expect a person to find happiness. And yet Paul did. He was able to say, “Rejoyce in the Lord always!”, even from prison. How could Paul – the world traveling missionary who had been spreading Christianity throughout the Roman Empire – find joy and contentment in prison? And why would God put him there? Wouldn’t it have been far better to have Paul out there sharing the gospel message? - Yet Paul was both joyful and content.
While we read and study Paul’s letter this semester, think about how we can follow Paul’s example and use that to help us through difficult circumstances we may face.
This Week’s Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank you for never giving up on us and for continuing to work in our lives. Help us to surrender to you and help us to be more like Jesus every day. Lord, we are unworthy on our own, but through Jesus we are worthy. - Amen
Scripture: Read - Phillipians Chapter 1:1 – 30
Observation, Application & Questions: (Identify/Discuss Among the Group)
The first chapter of this letter speaks about the joy we can experience in everyday life – no matter what troubles we’re facing. To Paul, living was all about his relationship with Christ. Understand that Paul didn’t know if this time in prison would end with his execution. To live is Christ, he says, but to die is gain. Whether he lived or died, Paul knew he would be right where God wanted him, and he was content with that. When we have that kind of attitude, we’re not worrying, fretting, scheming, plotting or feeling hopeless. We’re free instead to Live life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ – Because God will take care of the rest.
WORD STUDY: Philippians 1:1 – The word ‘ebed (Hebrew) and doulos (Greek) is often translated as “slaves”. The New Living Translation (NLT) renders this word as “slaves”; where the English Standard Version (ESV) and New International Version (NIV) renders the word as “servant,” New King James Version (NKJV) renders the word as “bondservant.” However, the terms cover a range of relationships that require a range of renderings – either “slave”, “bondservant,”mor “servant” – depending on the context. In Old Testament times, one might enter slavery either voluntarily, to escape poverty or to pay off a debt, or involuntarily, by birth, being captured in battle, or as punishment through judicial sentence. Protection for all in servitude in ancient Israel was provided by the Mosaic Law. In New Testament times, a doulos is often best described as a “bondservant” or “servant” - someone who is bound to serve for a specific amount of time, usually a lengthy amount of time. Whichever translation we read, we can take away that what is being described is a deep commitment, covenant, vow or obligation.
Christ showed true humility when He laid aside is rights and privileges as God to become human. He poured out His life to pay the penalty we deserve. Laying aside self-interest is essential to all our relationships.
We are to take Christ’s attitude is serving others. We must renounce personal recognition and merit when we give up our self-interest, we can serve with joy, love and kindness. Agree or disagree, discuss.
This letter is a personal letter, written to the Philippians. Paul wanted to thank the believers for helping him when he was in need. Paul also wanted to tell them why he could be full of joy despite his imprisonment and upcoming trial. The Roman colony of Philippi was located in northern Greece (called Macedonia in Paul’s time). The church in Philippi consisted mostly of Gentile, non-Jewish believers who were not familiar with the Old Testament, which is most likely why he did not quote any Old Testament passages in this letter.
We get upset at children who fail to appreciate small gifts, yet we undervalue God’s immeasurable gifts of grace and peace. Instead, we often chase after things, possessions, money or shallow experiences. What can we do to recognize and appreciate the gifts God has given us?
Partnership summarizes an important component of Paul’s view of the church. Paul was filled with joy as he thought about those who prayed for, encouraged, and supported him in Philippi. Paul had helped them just a few years earlier, and now they were helping him. It was a two-way relationship – there was mutual love and support. Partnership should characterize the church today. In fact, this is what it means to function as the body of Christ, helping and supporting the church and each other.
What can we do to promote and nurture supportive relationships within the church?
How can we partner with believers from other congregations?
Think about your growth in faith over the years, who encouraged you most and brought out the best in you? If you are willing, share with the group.
Do you think you can lead and mentor others in their faith journey? Why or why not? - What about the three circles?
Think about people who have helped you grow as a Christian, discuss among the group. Consider thanking them for that encouragement.
Think about someone you know that needs encouragement, does anyone come to mind? Ask God to help you understand their circumstances, and what you can do to help that person grow. – if you are willing share with the group.
Paul had plenty of reasons for becoming discouraged – he faced imprisonment, yet he could face the future with confidence because he was not living for himself.
In a discouraging situation, what can a person choose to do?
How do we usually react in tough times? What can we do to be more / remain positive in our attitude and responses?
How can difficult times increase our dependence on Christ?
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: Philippians 2:1-30
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
Schedule:
Month, Meeting Number, Date, Book/Chapters/Verse/(Total Verses)
September 2024:
_x_ 001, 09/04 Phillipians 1:1-30. (30 Verses)
___ 002, 09/11 Phillipians 2:1-30. (30 Verses)
___ 003, 09/18 Phillipians 3:1-21. (21 Verses)
___ 004, 09/25 Phillipians 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)