Digging Deeper
Read Philippians 2:12-13 in a few different translations
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- Discuss what it means to be “blameless and innocent” in this life and why Paul wants us to be pursue this?
- 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?
Digging Deeper into Philippians 2: 5-8
- Read Philippians 2: 5-6.
The New Testament is quite clear, Jesus has existed as God from eternity. Look up Hebrews 1: 1-3 and then John 1: 1-3 and discuss what you can learn about Christ’s preexistence as God. - Read Philippians 2: 6-8 below and discuss the significance of the words in “quotes”.
- though he existed in the “form” of God,
“He did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped,”
but “He emptied” himself, by “taking the form of a servant”, being born in the likeness of men.
And being found in human form,
“he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.”
- In light of Jesus humility, how should we carry out Paul’s admonition in Philippians 2: 3-4.
Digging Deeper into Philippians 1:27-2:5
- Survey through the following verses and define what it looks like to live worthy of the Gospel. How do you do this without falling into legalism or self-righteousness.
•Philippians 1: 27; Ephesians 4: 1-3; Colossians 1: 10;
1 Thessalonians 2: 12; 2 Thessalonians 1: 11-12 - Talk through each verse in Philippians 1: 27-30 and determine what unity is and how it affects our ministry in the world. Make sure you discuss what it means for a church to have “one mind.”
- From Philippians 2: 2-4, define what humility looks like in your day to day life. Brainstorm how we can put this into practice in our church and community.
Digging Deeper into Philippians 1:12-26
- Paul has been in jail for between 2-4 years. Some would say that he had blown it by appealing to Caesar; he could still be free to proclaim Christ if he hadn’t. From Philippians 1:12-18, what is Paul’s attitude about his imprisonment and the advancement of the Gospel? What does this say about God’s power to accomplish His purposes even when our plans are greatly altered?
- Read Philippians 1:19-26
-Discuss what Paul mean by “to live is Christ!”
-Again, discuss what Paul mean by “to die is gain!” - To what degree are these two succinct sayings reflective of your walk with Christ and of our relationship with one another?
Studies in Philippians
Digging Deeper into Philippians 1:1-11
- Paul is a prisoner, uncertain whether he will be put to death or be released. In spite of this he seems to live with joy and encourages the Philippians (who had trials of their own) to do the same. Survey through some of the passages and then discuss your level of joy in the midst of troubles. Philippians 1: 4, 18, 25; 2: 2, 17-18; 3: 1; 4: 1, 4, 10.
- Tony suggested that the theme of Philippians is Pressing on to Be Mature Followers of Christ. Look up Philippians 3: 10-15 and discuss what might be included in “pressing on” towards maturity.
- God is the one who works maturity in us be we are highly participatory in the process. Look up Philippians 1: 6-11 and 2: 12-16. Locate and discuss the verbs that describe God’s actions and then notice and discuss the verbs that describe our actions.
Studies in the Book of Acts: The Wrap Up
Digging Deeper
Let’s talk about the Great Commission in Matthew 28.
Read Matthew 28:16-23
-This command is specifically given to the Eleven, why should we obey it today?
-Verse 17 says they all worshiped, but some doubted. What did they doubt? Is there any significance for us today in our doubts?
-What is the difference between evangelism and making disciples?
-What is the role of baptism in making disciples?
-What is the role teaching them to observe all that Christ commanded them?
-How significant is it that Jesus has promised His presence to the end of the age?
Hear Pastor Tony speak about what baptism means and its importance. Join us as four wonderful members of the body of Christ make their declarations of their salvation in baptism at Burnt Cedar Beach, Incline Village, NV.
Studies in the Book of Acts: Paul in Philippi: What’s Love Got to Do With It?
Digging Deeper into Acts 16
- Luke tells us that “The Lord opened Lydia’s heart to respond to the things spoken by Paul” (Acts 16: 14). Share with the group how God first opened your heart to believe. Describe what aspects of the Gospel struck you most profoundly: e.g., conviction of your sin, God’s love for you, Christ’s death on the cross, etc.
- Read Acts 16: 19-34. Remind each other of the description Lukas gave regarding the prison conditions Paul and Silas were in. Lukas also suggested that Christ’s love for Paul compelled him to serve with joy no matter his situation (read 2 Corinthians 5: 14-15). How much thought have you given to Christ’s love for you? To what level does it motivate you to serve no matter the consequences?
- Read Acts 16: 35-40. Why do you suppose Paul required the authorities to come and release him instead of just going away quietly? How did this serve the Gospel? Is there any application for us today?
Studies in the Book of Acts: Paul’s 1st Missionary Journey
Digging Deeper
- Read Acts 13: 1-4
- Many people today go out to plant their “own” churches. What should be the role of the local church in sending people out to start new ministries (whether church planters or missionaries)?
- There is both a human side and a divine side to people coming to faith in Jesus. Let’s discuss them both.
- The Human side: The role of proclaiming and hearing the Gospel.
-Read Romans 10:9-17 and Acts 13:38-47; 2 Peter 3:8-9 - The Divine Side: The role of God’s electing grace
-Read Acts 13: 46-52
-Read John 6: 37-44, 65; 12: 36-43
-Romans 8: 28-30
- Jesus said to count the cost of following him (Luke 14: 25-33). Read Paul’s words to the believers in Lystra about the cost of following Jesus after he was nearly stoned to death (Acts 14: 19-23). What does it cost to us today?
Cornerstone Church