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Active Christians Today University of Toledo
Bible Study ~ Philippians 1:27-2:4
Our Fall Semester Study begins with Philippians. What does it look like to live a life of joy in the midst of suffering, temptation and social challenges? Our study reveals how Paul equips his readers toward spiritual maturity through practical, perspective-changing wisdom. Discover how to grow in joy in the midst of any circumstances!
Locations & Times
Delta Church of Christ
2018 Bretton Pl, Toledo, OH 43606, USA
Wednesday 5:30 PM
ACT UT - Philippians 1:27 to 2:4 “Supporting Each Other”
What is God talking to you about this week?
What is God talking to you about this week?
Paul begins this section with an urgent call for the Philippians to live lives worthy of the gospel of Christ. What did he have in mind? A life of engaging in struggle for the advancement of the gospel. But in the midst of suffering how are we to stand firm in the struggle? Paul’s answer is that we stand firm together. The only problem is that suffering not only keeps people from struggling for the gospel but it also makes them less willing to look out for each other.
Paul’s solution to this is that we are freed to look out for each other because God is looking out for us. Christ demonstrated this mindset when he empties himself of glory to serve us knowing that God was serving him and would restore him to his rightful glorious place.
Paul’s solution to this is that we are freed to look out for each other because God is looking out for us. Christ demonstrated this mindset when he empties himself of glory to serve us knowing that God was serving him and would restore him to his rightful glorious place.
CONNECT WITH EACH OTHER:
Have you ever had to accomplish a really difficult task in your Christian life?
How did you see community (group, church) play a role in your ability to follow through?
Or how did a lack of community affect you?
Have you ever had to accomplish a really difficult task in your Christian life?
How did you see community (group, church) play a role in your ability to follow through?
Or how did a lack of community affect you?
The Philippians were experiencing opposition from the pagans in their city (1:28). How did Paul tell them to respond to the opposition? (1:27-30)?
Paul says we are to live lives worthy of the gospel of Christ. What do you think he had in mind?
Think of the opposite: what would a life “unworthy of the Gospel” look like?
Paul says we are to live lives worthy of the gospel of Christ. What do you think he had in mind?
Think of the opposite: what would a life “unworthy of the Gospel” look like?
How does unity play a role in the spread of the gospel? How can it help?
Think of the opposite: what does disunity do to hurt the spread of the gospel?
When Believers go through suffering, how can that affect the gospel message both in positive and negative ways?
When suffering or going through personal trials and difficulties, why are people tempted to become selfish?
Think of the opposite: what does disunity do to hurt the spread of the gospel?
When Believers go through suffering, how can that affect the gospel message both in positive and negative ways?
When suffering or going through personal trials and difficulties, why are people tempted to become selfish?
“Participation with the Spirit” (verse 1) is another reference to the word koinonia, the same word as "partnership.” Paul likely means the community we have with each other because we each share in God's Spirit.
What four qualities mark unity our unity with Christ and in the Christian experience? (2:1)
In simple terms, what do you think these four things mean?
Have you experienced any of the blessings listed in 2:1? (For instance, what encouragement from Christ have you received? Or, how has God's love comforted you?)
What four qualities mark unity our unity with Christ and in the Christian experience? (2:1)
In simple terms, what do you think these four things mean?
Have you experienced any of the blessings listed in 2:1? (For instance, what encouragement from Christ have you received? Or, how has God's love comforted you?)
Verses 2:1-4 constitute one big thought. It is a big “if-then” statement. “If you have experienced these four things in verse 1, then act this way described in verses 2-4.”
Think about the situation of the Philippians. How would experiencing the things mentioned in verse 2:1 empower or help the Philippians to live out Paul’s expectations in 2:2?
What do the words of Paul from this passage say to you about what to do when you experience difficulty that would free you to serve others?
Think about the situation of the Philippians. How would experiencing the things mentioned in verse 2:1 empower or help the Philippians to live out Paul’s expectations in 2:2?
What do the words of Paul from this passage say to you about what to do when you experience difficulty that would free you to serve others?
PARTNERS: Plan of Action
In verses 2:2-4 Paul gives the Philippians a number of commands. What are they? List them.
In verses 2:2-4 Paul gives the Philippians a number of commands. What are they? List them.
Look at the list you created. In a practical way, how can this list become a guide for building unity in a student group?
How can you cultivate this on your own within a group like ACT?
How can you get others involved in cultivating Paul’s commands in verses 2-4?
How can you cultivate this on your own within a group like ACT?
How can you get others involved in cultivating Paul’s commands in verses 2-4?
Apply it:
A notebook can remind you of the instruction from God that you are meditating on, and it can help you to organize your thoughts and intentions. For example, perhaps you want to look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. You could try one or two of the following approaches:
1. Memorize Phil. 2:4, or Phil. 2:1-4.
2. Ask God to enable you to notice others, interests and how to serve them. Confess that on your own you are really most concerned about your own wants.
3. For the next week, be alert for times when you have to choose whether to look out for others' interests. As soon after each time as possible write down what the choice was and what you decided.
A notebook can remind you of the instruction from God that you are meditating on, and it can help you to organize your thoughts and intentions. For example, perhaps you want to look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. You could try one or two of the following approaches:
1. Memorize Phil. 2:4, or Phil. 2:1-4.
2. Ask God to enable you to notice others, interests and how to serve them. Confess that on your own you are really most concerned about your own wants.
3. For the next week, be alert for times when you have to choose whether to look out for others' interests. As soon after each time as possible write down what the choice was and what you decided.
CONNECT TO GOD:
What do the words of Paul make you think about when it comes to praying for unity in Active Christians Today?
How do the values of ACT compare with those listed by the apostle Paul?
Share any other prayer requests, and close by thanking God for his comfort and promise to be with us.
What do the words of Paul make you think about when it comes to praying for unity in Active Christians Today?
How do the values of ACT compare with those listed by the apostle Paul?
Share any other prayer requests, and close by thanking God for his comfort and promise to be with us.
Do you want to continue this study and continue to see what God might be trying to tell you? Inductive studies are one of the best way to dig deeper.
The Essential Inductive Questions:
1. What does this passage say?
2. What does this passage mean?
3. What is God telling me?
4. How am I encouraged and strengthened?
5. Is there sin in my life for which confession and repentance is needed?
6. How can I be changed, so I can learn and grow?
7. What is in the way of these precepts affecting me? What is in the way of my listening to God?
8. How does this apply to me? What will I do about it?
9. What can I model and teach?
10. What does God want me to share with someone?
The Essential Inductive Questions:
1. What does this passage say?
2. What does this passage mean?
3. What is God telling me?
4. How am I encouraged and strengthened?
5. Is there sin in my life for which confession and repentance is needed?
6. How can I be changed, so I can learn and grow?
7. What is in the way of these precepts affecting me? What is in the way of my listening to God?
8. How does this apply to me? What will I do about it?
9. What can I model and teach?
10. What does God want me to share with someone?