Fight for Joy- (Through loneliness) Philippians 1:6-11 Questions for Reflection and Discussion

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The Apostle Paul wrote Philippians approximately ten years after he first proclaimed the gospel in Philippi (52-54 A.D.). During that time Paul and this young church exchanged numerous messages and visits. The specific occasion prompting the writing of this letter was Paul’s thankfulness for the aid and encouragement sent to him by Epaphroditus. Upon hearing of Paul’s imprisonment the Philippian church commissioned Epaphroditus to make the 800 mile journey to Paul as their “messenger” (Philippians 2:25). Philippians is likely the last communication this church had with Paul.

Read 2 Timothy 4:9-18. What does this reveal about Paul’s state of mind at the time of his trial and initial imprisonment?

With this in mind reread Philippians 1:3-11. How does this enhance your understanding of Paul’s gratitude and affection for these Philippian Christians? What do you imagine Paul’s reaction was when Epaphroditus first arrived? (Philippians 2:25-30)

What encouragement/challenge do the following Scriptures provide for your fighting for joy through seasons of loneliness?

1 Kings 19:9-18--

John 6:67--

Matthew 6:6; Mark 1:35; Revelation 1:9--

Genesis 32:24--

2 Corinthians 12:2-4--

Matthew 11:28--

Application

Paul and the Philippians’ affection for the gospel provided the basis for their “partnership in the gospel.” How is affection (passion) for the gospel evident in your life? Family? Our church family? How is the Holy Spirit leading you to fight for joy during seasons of loneliness?

Memorize This

Philippians 1:6-I am sure of this, that He who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. © HCSB

Jersey Shore Men's Conference-- Saturday, October 5th 9 till Noon

Men-- Join me for the 2013 Jersey Shore Men's Conference, Saturday, October 5th 9:00 AM till Noon at First Baptist Church of Red Bank. Tickets are just $10. You can register online here.

In addition to great worship with men from churches across our region and breakout sessions we'll be challenged by Scott Hoffman, regional manager for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. Scott's message is A Letter of Hope to the Men of the Church.

As the men of the church, it is incumbent upon us to provide the kind of leadership that Christ commands in order to protect our families, guide our churches, and fulfill our mission.   The Letters to the Churches in Revelation provide the perfect guidebook for our journey and we will be exploring these letters in detail to determine precisely what they say to us in 2013 at the Jersey Shore. [MORE]

"Partnership in the gospel"

In Sunday's Fight for Joy conversation we looked at three characteristics of a good fight from Philippians 1:5-6. 1). partnership (or fellowship) in the gospel ("for your fellowship in the gospel" 1:5), 2). a passionate confidence in the sway of the gospel ("being confident of this very thing..." 1:6a), and 3). purposefully living out the gospel (..."begun a good work in you..." 1:6b).


As a fan of Pixar films (Cars, Planes, Up & Toy Story), I used as an illustration how each of these stories juxtapose characters who initially clash but then become partners in a mission. In Toy Story, Woody ( the boy Andy's go-to favorite toy) clashes with Buzz Lightyear for fear he will loose his status as favorite. The story ends with Woody and Buzz friends because they battled together to return to Andy. In Up its Carl and Russel. In Cars it's Mater and Lightning McQueen. You get the picture.

These Pixar writers are on to something important. Partnership/fellowship is not built on sameness as much as it is on a shared mission. As Christians we've been tasked with the greatest mission the world has ever known. When we lock arms in this mission we experience the "fellowship in the gospel" that wrote of to the Philippians.

Fight For Joy-- Philippians 1:1-6 Questions for Reflection and Discussion

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Philippi was the first city where Paul preached after receiving his “Macedonian Vision.” (Acts 16:10) Founded by Alexander the Great’s father, Philip II of Macedon, Philippi was located in central Macedonia 10 miles north of the Mediterranean Sea. What insights about Philippi and the Macedonian culture generally from the following Scriptures?

Acts 16:9-10, 35-39, 17:4-7; and 2 Thessalonians 2:2--

As he does in his other epistles (church letters) the Apostle Paul concludes his salutation in the name of “the Lord Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 1:2b) Given your insights about Macedonian (Roman) culture above, why is this so significant? (By contrast Paul addresses his personal letters to Timothy and Titus using the salutation in the name of “Christ Jesus our Lord” or “our Savior.” (1 & 2 Timothy 1:2 and Titus 1:4)

The three recurring themes of Philippians: our partnership in the gospel, our passionate confidence for the affects of the gospel and our purposeful living out of the gospel provide the basis of our fight for joy. How are these themes developed in the following verses?

Partnership in the gospel: Philippians 1:5, 7, 30; 2:25; 4:10, 13, 15-18--

Passionate confidence for the affects of the gospel: Philippians 1:4, 18, 25; 2:2, 17-19; 28-29; 3:1; 4:1, 4-6, 10-13, 19--

Purposeful living out of the gospel: Philippians 1:6, 27; 2:1-4, 12-15; 3:7-16; 3:20-21; 4:4-9, 13, 19--

Application

Philippians is addressed to “all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi” (Philippians 1:1). “Saints” (Greek-- hagios) means “holy” or “set apart” ones. How ought being called a “saint” (a holy one) influence your behavior?

Two specific ways Paul and the Philippians partnered in the Gospel was through prayer and financial generosity (2 Corinthians 8:1-5). How is the Holy Spirit leading you to greater partnership in the Gospel?

Memorize This

Philippians 1:6-I am sure of this, that He who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. © HCSB

Fight For Joy (Acts 16:11-40) Questions for Reflection and Discussion

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The Apostle Paul traveling with Luke, Timothy and Silas, on his 2^nd missionary journey arrived in Philippi in 52 AD. The letter of Philippians was written by Paul in 62 AD while he was a prisoner in Rome.  From its inception Paul maintained a close bond with these fellow Christ-followers writing, “Every time you cross my mind, I break out in exclamations of thanks to God… I find myself praying for you with a glad heart. I am so pleased that you have continued on in this with us, believing and proclaiming God’s Message, from the day you heard it right up to the present” (The Message, Philippians 1:3-5).

What insights do the following Scriptures provide about the relationship the Apostle Paul had with the churches he planted?

1 Corinthians 1:11--

Colossians 4:7-18--

Ephesians 6:21--

1 Thessalonians 1:8-9--

Acts 16:11-34 records the conversion accounts of the first Christians in Philippi. How might their stories have impacted the young Philippian church and its continuing steadfast commitment to the Apostle Paul and his ministry?

Lydia (Acts 16:14-15)--

the servant girl (Acts 16:16-18)--

the jailer and his family (Acts 16:25-34)--

Application

Your story-- Where do you see evidence of God at work in your life? For whom do you thank God “for every remembrance”?  How is the Holy Spirit leading you to fight for joy?

Memorize This

Philippians 1:6-I am sure of this, that He who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. © HCSB

National Back to Church Sunday

It's not too late to invite a friend or neighbor to join you tomorrow, Sunday, September 15th for Back to Church Sunday. Click here for a Facebook/Twitter/Email to invitation New Monmouth Baptist Church.

the Fundamentals: Strengthened in Faith-- Questions for Discussion and Reflection

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The writer of Hebrews lists Gideon as a hero of faith (Hebrews 11:32). We are first introduced to Gideon in Judges 6 as a humble farmer living during a time when Israel is being oppressed by the Midianites. Nationally, Israel, having done “evil in the sight of the Lord, is experiencing deep decline. Personally, Gideon sees himself inadequate of the call God has placed on him (Judges 6:15). Encountering the Angel of the Lord Gideon is strengthened in faith and leads his people in victory over their oppressors.

Judges 5 concludes, “And the land was peaceful 40 years” (Judges 5:31b). Read Judges 4 and 5. How might growing up in the shadow of these “glory days” and hearing stories of the conquests of Deborah and Barak shaped Gideon’s thoughts of himself being called by the Lord?

Gideon responds to the Angel of the Lord, “Look, my family is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the youngest in my father’s house.” (Judges 6:15) What insights do the following scriptures provide for God choosing someone like Gideon?

Genesis 37:4--

1 Samuel 16:6-13--

1 Corinthians 1:27-28--

2 Corinthians 12:9-11--

Compare Gideon’s encounter with the Angel of the Lord with similar encounters by others in Genesis 16:13; Exodus 3:2-6 ; Exodus 19:20-21 ; and Judges 13:20-22. Who is the Angel of the Lord? (Use a Study Bible or Bible Dictionary for additional insights.)

Read Judges 6-8. How do you observe Gideon’s faith being strengthened?

Application

What do you identify as areas of weakness in your life? How might God use these weakness(es) in a big way? How is the Holy Spirit leading you to strengthen your faith?

Memorize This

Hebrews 11:1-Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. © ESV

Audrey Assad in Concert at NMBC Saturday, 9/28

 Audrey Assad is in concert at NMBC on Saturday, September 28th. Tickets are $12 and can be purchased online here.

Living Proof LIVE Simulcast w/ Beth Moore at First Baptist Church in Red Bank Saturday, September 14th

My good friend Pastor Ty and the women's ministry of First Baptist Church in Red Bank is hosting the Living Proof Live Simulcast with Beth Moore on Saturday, September 14th, 9:15 AM to 4:15 PM. Tickets are $20 if purchased in advance here and $25 at the door. You can learn more about the Living Proof Simulcast here.

 

On Monday night, September 30th at 7:00 PM is the kick-off of a 6-session study from Beth Moore that explores secrets: some forgiven, some covered, and some just between you and God. Watch a preview of this study here. Download a sample form the study here. You can register for this class Sunday mornings in the Welcome Center. For more information about this study email Dawn here. 

the Fundamentals: Authentic Faith-- Questions for Discussion and Reflection

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Around 600 BC the prophet Habakkuk seeking to comfort his people while facing tremendous hardship and oppression by reminding them that the “righteous live by faith” (Habakkuk 2:4b).  The ESV Study Bible defines the kind of faith Habakkuk refers to as “continuing trust in God, clinging to His promises, even in the darkest days.” The apostle Paul when writing Romans and Galatians echoed this phrase to describe the kind of faith that results in salvation. (Romans 1:17 and Galatians 3:11)

What insights do the following Scriptures provide for understanding Authentic Faith as “continuing trust in God by clinging to His promises”?

Genesis 15:5-6; Romans 4:13-25--

Habakkuk 1:1-2:4--

Romans 1:17; Galatians 3:10-12--

Ephesians 2:8-9--

What do the following Scriptures reveal about the object of authentic faith?

Mark 11:22; John 14:1--

John 6:29, 14:1; Acts 20:21--

Romans 4:21; Hebrews 11:13--

Application

Is your faith more circumstance-focused or Christ-focused? In what area(s) of your life is the Holy Spirit leading you to trust God and cling to His promises regardless of your current circumstances? 

Memorize This

Hebrews 11:1-Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. © ESV