Blog: November 2019

November 24By Sermons

Studies in Philippians: Abandon all to Know Christ

Digging Deeper

What is something that sets you apart from others? What are you great at? What talents do you have? Any major accomplishments? The education you have? How about your good looks? The things in your lives where you feel “I’ve done well.” Once we figure that out, let’s put it in a resume to God as to what we have to offer Him. Are we ready to hear His response – “I need none of that”? On a human level, we think that’s important, but in our relationship with God, these are not the basis in which we connect with Him. Pastor Tony continues our study of Philippians revealing that we must abandon all to know Christ.

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November 17By Sermons

Studies in Philippians: Partners in the Gospel

Digging Deeper into Philippians 2:19-30

  1. Let’s discuss the two principles that Tony pulled from Paul’s relationship with Timothy and Epaphroditus. Dialogue as to how these transfer to our daily lives.
    1. Principle #1. Seek the Interests of Christ rather than your own interests.
    2. Principle #2. Risk your life to serve others.
  2. Compare Paul’s attitude about his potential death (Philippians 1: 20-24) with his attitude about Epaphroditus’ near-death experience (Philippians 2: 25-30). How does Paul’s teaching on death in 1 Corinthians 15: 24-26 and 15: 54-58 inform this discussion?
November 10By Sermons

Studies in Philippians: Choosing to Move Forward to Maturity

Digging Deeper

Read Philippians 2:12-13 in a few different translations

  1. Discuss what it means to “work out your salvation with fear and trembling.” Also look up 1 Cor. 2:3 and Psalm 2:11 where this phrase occurs also. If you want to discuss more on how to approach our transcendent God, look up Isaiah 66:1-2 and Hebrews 12: 28-29.
  2. Verse 13 tells us that God is also working in us to accomplish our salvation. Discuss how our efforts relate to God’s work in us.

Read Philippians 2: 14-16 in a few different translations

  1. Paul immediately gives an example of working out their salvation that fits the Philippians situation: “do all things without grumbling and disputing.” Brainstorm how grumbling and disputing retard our spiritual growth to Christlikeness.
  2. Discuss what it means to be “blameless and innocent” in this life and why Paul wants us to be pursue this?
  3. In verse 16, what does it mean to “holding fast to the Word of Life,” and why is Paul worried that he might have run in vain when it comes to the Philippians’ faith?
November 3By Sermons

Studies in Philippians: The Exaltation of Christ

Digging Deeper

  1. Read and summarize what Jesus did Philippians 2: 5-8. Quickly talk about what Jesus accomplished on the cross. For example: He ransomed us, He redeemed us, and He reconciled us.
  2. Read Philippians 2: 9-11 and discuss the following questions.
    -What is this name that is above every name?
    -What does it mean to bow the knee and confess that Jesus is Lord?
    -How does Isaiah 45: 20-24 inform the above question?
    -From Romans 10: 9-11, Is allegiance to Jesus required to be saved?