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

Philippians: Chapter 1:12-30                                                          Saturday, February 7, 2004

Today’s theme: Whatever will be is for the sake of the gospel.

Quotes to think about
"A firm faith in the universal providence of God is the solution of all earthly troubles." Dr. Benjamin Breckenridge Warfield, noted orthodox Princeton scholar, 1851-1921.

“There’s a special providence in the fall of a sparrow. If it be now, ‘tis not to come. If it be not to come, it will be now. If it be not now, yet it will come. The readiness is all.” William Shakespeare, Hamlet, in Hamlet, act 5, sc. 2, l. 165-8 (1604). Hamlet is responding to Horatio’s offer to forestall his duel with Laertes, of which Hamlet has a premonition that all will not be well.

Review

1.  What is Paul’s supreme trust?

 

2.  What is the significance of their unity with him in the gospel?

 

3.  What is the possible significance of Paul focusing at the beginning of this letter on a prayer for discerning love?

 

Chapter 1:12-30

12Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel. 13As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. 14Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly.

1.  Who else declared what was meant for evil (such as Paul’s chains), God has meant for good (boldness in the brothers to declare the gospel)? How are these vastly separated situations similar?

 

 

15It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. 16The latter do so in love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. 18But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. 19Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance.

2.  How is the theme proclaimed in the previous section advanced here?

 

3.  What deep Christian truth, later expressed in his epistle to the Romans, undergirds his thinking here?

 

20I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. 21For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. 22If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! 23I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; 24but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. 25Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, 26so that through my being with you again your joy in Christ Jesus will overflow on account of me.

4.  Despite the previously declared truth, Paul is still concerned over his ability to meet the test. What does this show you about the man behind the apostle?

 

 

 

27Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel 28without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you.

5.  Paul echoes similar concerns for the Philippian church. Do you think his admission of a need for courage helped them? How?

 


 

This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved--and that by God. 29For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him, 30since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.

6.  What is the sign? How does it evidence salvation by God?

 

 

7.  Paul calls suffering a gift, granted by God on behalf of Christ. How can this be?

 

 

Assignment

Read verses 2:1-11. Think about Paul’s purpose in revealing the mystery of Christ’s kenosis (Christ letting go of the prerogatives of divinity).

Continue to pray Paul’s Philippians’ prayer this week. Prayer the bible study prayer on the first page as the Lord prompts you.


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