Paul wrote letters to the Colossians, to Philemon, and to the Ephesians and Philippians while under house arrest in Rome around A.D. 60 to 61. He could receive guests and write letters during that time but he could no longer travel.
Ephesians 3:1: For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles –
Ephesians 4:1: I urge you, therefore, I the prisoner in the Lord, to live in a manner worthy of the calling with which you were called.
Ephesians 6:20: ...for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may speak it boldly as I must.
Epaphroditus a member of the church in Philippi brought with him contributions as an expression of their "partnership" and "concern" to meet the needs of Paul (Phil 1:3-5
,Phil 2:30 , and Phil 4:10-19 ). This is probably the last letter he wrote before his trial and death. How does this discussion of joy become more meaningful knowing that Paul was about to suffer and the church would do so too?
,Phil 2:30 , and Phil 4:10-19 ). This is probably the last letter he wrote before his trial and death. How does this discussion of joy become more meaningful knowing that Paul was about to suffer and the church would do so too?
1) Describe an event in your life that
brings joy to your heart (v4)
a) What is the difference
between joy and happiness
Joy –unconditional
Happiness –conditional
(v7-8)
The reasons for joy:
The gospel is preached
Philippian's faith and their joy in faith.
The reasons for joy:
The gospel is preached
Philippian's faith and their joy in faith.
Paul's deliverance.
Joy in Christ Jesus
2) Read v3-11
a) List 3 things Paul mention in his Thanksgiving and Prayer
-Thank God of the saints
at Philippi
-Paul describes his joy
- the saints – “holy one”
- the saints – “holy one”
b) In university,
knowledge is not connected with love or depth of insight.
What do you think is the connection between love,
knowledge and depth of insight? V 9
Love grows as it is based on knowledge and wisdom (depth of insight). So the three are completely interwined so that we are able to tell (discern) what is best and may be pure and blameless because of Jesus. In order that God is praised.
Love grows as it is based on knowledge and wisdom (depth of insight). So the three are completely interwined so that we are able to tell (discern) what is best and may be pure and blameless because of Jesus. In order that God is praised.
3) v12-14 talks about
Paul’s detention
a) Have you ever been in a situation where you felt trapped, lonely and had no friends? Share the moment.
Possibly at those times, you recognized how friends are a
true gift from God. Paul recognizes this as he wrote from prison to his friends in Philippi. If you feel this way in uni, pray that God will send you the gift of true friends.
4) v 15-19 talks about Paul’s
dilemma.
a) Paul mention his
willingness to sacrifice himself
for Jesus Christ, he feels “torn between the two”. How does Paul resolve this?
"I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; 24 but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body."
He chooses what is better for the people than for himself...he is unselfish.
He is eager for their progress and joy in their faith.
"I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; 24 but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body."
He chooses what is better for the people than for himself...he is unselfish.
He is eager for their progress and joy in their faith.
b) In life, have you ever
experience a situation where you have to choose between two hard decisions? How did you resolve it?
5) Finally, what do you
think Paul asked the Philippians to do?
In v27-28, what do you think it is referring to?
27 Whatever 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 the one Spirit,[e] striving together as one for the faith of the gospel 28 without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God.
Life application bible says this:
" Suffering, in and of itself, is not a privilege. But when we suffer because we faithfully represent Christ, we know that our message and example are having an effect and that God considers us worth to represent him. (Acts 5:41) Suffering has these additional benefits:
1) it takes our eyes off of earthly comforts.
2) it weeds out superficial believers.
3) it strengthens the faith of those who endure.
4) it serves as an example to others who follow us. Suffering for our faith doesn't mean we have done something wrong. In fact the opposite is often true--it verifies that we have been faithful.
Life application bible says this:
" Suffering, in and of itself, is not a privilege. But when we suffer because we faithfully represent Christ, we know that our message and example are having an effect and that God considers us worth to represent him. (Acts 5:41) Suffering has these additional benefits:
1) it takes our eyes off of earthly comforts.
2) it weeds out superficial believers.
3) it strengthens the faith of those who endure.
4) it serves as an example to others who follow us. Suffering for our faith doesn't mean we have done something wrong. In fact the opposite is often true--it verifies that we have been faithful.
v15-19 => Paul’s
detractors
v27-30 => Paul’s
directions
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