Emmaus Saturday Morning Men’s Bible Study Ý
Copyright 2004 by William Meisheid

Philippians: Chapter 2:12-30                    Saturday, February 21, 2004

Today’s theme: Laboring together for the work of Christ, both with each other and God.

Scriptural background: Ephesians 2:10 “For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

Quotes to think about

“God is a foreman with certain definite views, who orders life in shifts of work and leisure. Seamus Heaney (b. 1939), Irish poet, critic.

“Whatsoever we beg of God, let us also work for it.” Jeremy Taylor (1613–1667), British churchman, devotional writer. The Rule and Exercises of Holy Living (4th edition), ch. 4, sct. 7 (1654).

Review

1.  How could the Philippians make Paul’s joy complete?

 

2.  What is Paul’s purpose in explaining the Son’s humbling of himself?

 

3.  Tell us something new that you learned last week.

 

Chapter 2:12-30

12Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed--not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence--continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, 13for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.

1.  To whom is Paul expecting the Philippians to be obedient to?

 


 

2.  How is the balance shown in this passage significant to our understanding of both how we live our Christian lives and how God deals with us.

 

14Do everything without complaining or arguing, 15so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe 16as you hold out the word of life--in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing.

3.  What does God think about complaining and arguing? Does it matter if the complaints and arguments are with each other or God himself? Think of the Israelites and think of Job. What is the distinction?

 

 

17But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. 18So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.

4.  What, according to Paul, does faith produce in the Christian? Why are these fruits significant?

 

19I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you. 20I have no one else like him, who takes a genuine interest in your welfare. 21For everyone looks out for his own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. 22But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel. 23I hope, therefore, to send him as soon as I see how things go with me. 24And I am confident in the Lord that I myself will come soon.

5.  What does this section show you about Paul?

 


 

25But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs. 26For he longs for all of you and is distressed because you heard he was ill. 27Indeed he was ill, and almost died. But God had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me, to spare me sorrow upon sorrow. 28Therefore I am all the more eager to send him, so that when you see him again you may be glad and I may have less anxiety. 29Welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor men like him, 30because he almost died for the work of Christ, risking his life to make up for the help you could not give me.

 

6.  What two things does Paul reveal about himself in this passage?

 

7. Paul admits to anxiety in this section. Is anxiety sin, only sometimes sin, or never sin? Justify your position.

 

Assignment

Read Chapters one and two and think about the themes that Paul has developed. Think about the new insights you have gained so far in this study and how they are going to affect your life in the coming weeks and months

Continue to think about the prayer you are working on for yourself based on Paul’s example.

Begin to see how this study might help you prepare yourself for Lent, which will start on Wednesday, February 25th.


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