OC Bereans

Gentlemen,

The following questions will prepare you for Monday night’s study (5/4), plus a review of last week’s study (4/27) is included below.

1. Philippians 2:12-13 – Compare and contrast Paul’s charge to “work out” our salvation with the “God who is at work” in us.
2. v. 15 – How are we “blameless,” “innocent” and “above reproach”?
3. vv. 19-23 – What do we learn about Timothy?
4. vv. 25-30 – What do we learn about Epaphroditus?

Review of Philippians 2:5-11

v. 5 – Cf., Matthew 20:28; John 13:15; Ephesians 5:1-2; 1 Peter 2:21-23; 1 John 2:6

v. 6 – “existed” Cf., John 1:1; 17:5, 24; Colossians 1:15-20; 1 Timothy 3:16; Hebrews 1:3

“form” Cf., Galatians 4:4; 2 Corinthians 4:4

v. 7 – “emptied” Cf., Isaiah 50:6; 53:3, 12; 2 Corinthians 8:9; Hebrews 2:9-10 (Psalm 8:5-6)

“likeness” Cf., Romans 8:3; Hebrews 2:14; 4:15

v. 8 – “cross” Cf., Deuteronomy 21:23; 1 Corinthians 1:23; Galatians 3:13; Hebrews 12:2; 1 Peter 2:24

v. 9 – “highly exalted” Cf., Isaiah 9:7; 52:13-15; 53:12; Daniel 7:13-14; Matthew 11:27; 28:18

vv. 10-11 – “every knee … every tongue” Cf., Isaiah 45:23; Romans 14:11; 1 Corinthians 15:27

Our study starts at 7 pm … see you before then!  Steve is up next for bringing the dessert.

~ tr

Philippians 2:5-11 contains one of the most glorious passages in the New Testament!  Here are five “food for thought” questions to help prepare you for Monday night’s Bible study.

1. According to v. 6, was Jesus truly God, or did He just appear in a god-like “form”?
2. What is meant in v. 7 as “emptied Himself”?  Did He cease to be God?
3. In v. 8, how did Jesus’ humility lead to death?
4. Where is history (as we know it) ultimately headed?
5. What’s in this passage for me?

The study starts at 7 pm.  Tim will bring the “munchies.” See you before then!

~ tr

Gentlemen,

Remember, we will not meet this coming Monday, the 20th, but will resume our study of Philippians, chapter two, on Monday, April 27th.

Check back a few days before then for some study questions.

~ tr

In Philippians 1:27, the Apostle Paul exhorts:  “Conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.”

This begs the question:  How?

Fortunately for us, Paul goes on to identify at least six components in the next four verses.  Can you identify them?

1. v. 27 – _________________________
2. v. 27 – _________________________
3. v. 27 – _________________________
4. v. 27 – _________________________
5. v. 28 – _________________________
6. vv. 29-30 – ______________________

Monday night’s Bible study will unpack these verses, as well as lead us into one of the most exciting passages in all of the New Testament, in chapter two.  Bring your Bible, your notes, and your hunger to learn.  Scott also promises to bring the dessert!

The study starts at 7 pm … see you before then!

~ tr

Gentlemen,

Here are several questions to help you prepare for our Bible study this Monday, March 30th.

1. What does Paul mean by the phrase, “partakers of grace”?  (Philippians 1:7)
2. What specific things does Paul pray for the Philippians?  (1:9-11)
3. Define the “fruit of righteousness.” (1:11)
4. What are Paul’s “circumstances”?  (1:12)
5. Define the “praetorian guard.” (1:13)
6. How is it possible for someone to “preach Christ from envy and strife”?  (1:15)
7. Re-phrase (1:21) into your own words.
8. What are the components of a life lived “worthy of the gospel of Christ”?  (1:27-30)

The Bible study starts at 7 pm.  Roc promised to bring the dessert.  See you before then!

~ tr

Gentlemen,

Since our Bible study will not meet this Monday, March 23rd, here is an assignment to help you “redeem the time.” Begin to outline the book of Philippians.

To get started, just fill-in the blanks below.  Feel free to sub-divide the text even more.

I.  _______________  (1:1-11)

A.  _______________ (1:1-2)

B.  _______________ (1:3-11)

II.  _______________ (1:12-26)

A.  _______________ (?? – ??)

B.  _______________ (?? – ??

III.  _______________ (1:27 – ??)

A.  _______________ (?? – ??)

B.  _______________ (?? – ??)

C.  _______________ (?? – ??)

~ tr

We resume our in-depth, verse-by-verse study of Philippians this Monday night, March 16th, at 7 pm.  Think through these five questions as you prepare for our study.

1. What is the significance of Paul’s use of the terms “grace” and “peace” in chapter one, verse two (1:2)?
2. Compare Paul’s prayer for the Philippian Christians in chapter one with other prayers for believers:  Ephesians 1:15-16 •  Colossians 1:3-4 •  1 Thessalonians 1 •  2 Thessalonians 1
3. What is unusual/significant about Paul’s repeated use of the word “joy”?
4. What did Paul mean by the Philippians’ “participation in the gospel”?
5. How does 1:6 refer to a Christian’s “eternal security”?

Mark promises to bring the dessert!  See you before 7 pm!

~ tr

Gentlemen, there are three things to remember this week:

1. Remember: We will not meet this coming Monday, March 9th, since I will be on an airplane, enroute home from Colorado.
2. Remember: Contact your brother, whose name you drew out of the bowl, and pray with/for him this week.
3. Remember: Post your comments to this blog, relating what you are learning as you continue to read through Philippians.  We will all benefit from your insights.

We resume our in-depth study of chapter one on Monday, March 16th, at 7 pm.

~ tr

Commit to reading through the entire book of Philippians every day this week!  It will greatly enhance your preparations for our weekly Monday night studies.

To facilitate this, click on the “Read Through Philippians” link in the right-side toolbar, under “Bible Study Tools.” I recommend that you read a different version each day.

Be sure to share some of the insights you gain with the rest of us by posting a “comment” or two to this blog.

~ tr

P.S.  Remember to also read Acts 16:9-40 for the historical context.

In these troublesome economic times, what would you say to a friend if he or she gave you a gift large enough to support you for a year? … or more!?

Come to the men’s Bible study this Monday night where we will peer over Paul’s shoulder as he writes a “thank you note” to the Christians at Philippi, in Macedonia.

In four short chapters, Paul expresses deep appreciation for the Philippians’ unflagging support, while integrating one of the richest passages of Christology.  He exhorts these 1st Century believers to press on in their lives of faith, while breaking into a veritable “love-fest” over his joy for their commitment.

We have much to gain from an in-depth study of this strategic letter from Paul!

We will now be meeting in classroom OC-1, directly across the hall from the kitchen, at Biola University’s Orange County Education Center.  This means we have lots of room to grow … so invite a friend (or two)!

Bob is scheduled to bring the dessert … no pressure … but don’t you hope he bakes one of his mouth-watering apple pies!?

The study starts at 7 pm!  See you before then!

~ tr