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

Philippians: 4:10-21                                        Saturday, April 3, 2004

Today’s theme: Finding out what I really need in life.

Scriptural background:

Quotes to think about

"A friendship can weather most things and thrive in thin soil--but it needs a little mulch of letters and phone calls and small silly presents every so often--just to save it from drying out completely.” Pam Brown, Australian author.

"What we call happiness in the strictest sense comes from the (preferably sudden) satisfaction of needs which have been dammed up to a high degree." Bernard le Bovier de Fontenelle. 16th century French author.

"A friend is what the heart needs all the time." Henry Van Dyke, pastor and professor of English Literature at Princeton.

Review 

1.  What is the difference between joy and happiness and why do you think God opts for joy here?

 

 

2.  What does the peace of God guarantee us?

 

 

3.  Paul seems to argue that the general focus of our thought life is significant? How can we focus on what he demands and still live in the real world?

 

 


 

Chapter 4:10-21

10I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it.

1.  What do you see hidden behind “at last you renewed your concern”? Does this tell us anything about Paul?

 

 

 

11I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

2.  Need here on verse 11 is a Greek word meaning lacking. The word translated need in verse 12 is a word meaning humbled. Paul is saying that he is not lacking anything since he knows how to deal with both humility and exaltation. He can deal with the extremes. Why is this an important lesson for the Christian to learn?

 

 

 

 

3.  Content really means self-sufficient. Paul is saying he is self-sufficient in all circumstances. The outer circumstances are not important; instead it is his sufficiency in Christ (he who gives me strength) that is important. Is this pie in the sky Christianity? Why is this truth so significant to living a successful Christian life?

 

 

 

 

 


 

14Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. 15Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; 16for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid again and again when I was in need.

4.  The Philippians were unique in their concern for Paul. What does this tell you about being a leader in the Christian church?

 

 

 

17Not that I am looking for a gift, but I am looking for what may be credited to your account. 18I have received full payment and even more; I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.

5.  Note that Paul does not lay claim to anything from them. He expresses no sense of rights. How does this section speak to our age? What could Christian leaders learn from Paul here?

 

 

 

 

19And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.

6.  The word translated need here is absolute necessity. How is that different from how we see most needs?

 

 

7.  How is this statement related to the Lord’s prayer that Jesus taught his disciples?

 

 

 

 


 

20To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen. 21Greet all the saints in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me send greetings. 22All the saints send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar's household. 23The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.

8.  Note that Paul is not alone, there are brothers with him and he suggests that there are converts even within the house of Caesar. Why do you think God had Paul include that tidbit?

 

 

 

Assignment

Review your notes for chapters 3 and 4. Think about Paul’s arguments in this section and your response to them. What has changed in your life due to interacting with those arguments? When you consider the whole of Philippians, what one thing strikes you the most? What one demand cuts the deepest into your life?

Finish your personal prayer. See you in two weeks.

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