Monthly Manna                                                           Philippians 4 Lesson

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   At Dew4Him we want you to learn to Abide and Abound in the Word of God so that you can Know Him and Grow in His Grace and Knowledge.  

  

                                                                                         Philippians 3 Lesson

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                                                                                         Philippians 2 Lesson

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                                                                                       Philippians 1 Lesson

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Philippians Chapter 1

Did you Know?

 

o        The church at Philippi was established as a result of a women’s prayer group meeting at the riverside   Acts 16:13  There were not 10 Jewish families in the city so there was no synagogue for Paul to preach in so he met with the audience God gave him.

 

o        The Lord opened Lydia s heart to receive and she most likely started the first church in her home

 

o        Paul was imprisoned with Silas at Philippi for casting a spirit of divination demon out of a servant girl and ruining the profit she brought to her masters.  This was the place where the earthquake opened the prison doors and as a result of Paul and Silas remaining in prison even though the doors were open, the jailer receiving salvation.

 

o        All of this took place on Paul’s 2nd Missionary trip in approximately 61 AD.

 

o        Paul was writing to the Philippians from a Roman prison.  They were close and cordial to Paul having helped him financially and sending Epaphroditis to assist him.

 Have you thought about?

 

o        A prison can be anything that constrains you so you feel limited and trapped.  You can be in the prison of

o        Poor health

o        The workplace

o        Small children

o        Limited resources

o        A painful marriage

o        Age

 Can you think of other prisons that limit people and seem to suppress the gospel when it could be the platform to share Jesus?


Attributes of God

o        Sovereign - He allowed Paul to be in Prison and write to the Philippians.  He was in control even though circumstances would say other wise.

o        A Good Master – verse 1 Paul calls himself a bond servant (Bond servants choose to permanently bind themselves with their master because He is so good to them)

o        Grace and Peace giver – verse 2

o        Starter and Finisher, Perfector, Completor – verse 6

o        Worthy – verse 27

 

 

Absorb the Word

These are some of the words we focused on. 

Any word can be looked up to dig deeper into the Word of God.

 

Bond-servant (verse 1)

A willing slave who deliberately chooses to be bound to His master

 

Excellent (verse 10)

the best quality; exceptionally good

 

Progress (verse 12)

to advance to a higher goal: steady improvement  

Suffering (Verse 28)                                                                                                       a feeling of pain or distress; sustaining an injury; loss or damage; to be affected

Analyze and Apply the Word  

Analyze the Word

Apply the Word

Verses 1-11

Big Picture:  The word “all” is mentioned 7 times in the first 11 verses.  Other words “including”, v.6 “perfect” (complete); v.7 “partakers”; v.11 “filled”

God is an all inclusive God who doesn’t want anyone to be forgotten, desires our participation and wants us all to be unified.

When have I excluded others, not participated in sharing the gospel or been divisive?

Verse 6

Our confidence should be in God & His faithfulness—He completes what He begins.

Where does my confidence lie—in God or in myself or in man or in works?  Do I believe God is good & works in good ways?  Do I believe He will complete what He begins?  

Verses 9-11

We should pray God’s character & truth for others—not their circumstances.  We should pray that their lives be evidence of righteous living that God be praised & glorified.

What am I praying for others?  Do I pray earthly circumstances or Christ-like character? 

Verse 12

We need to speak with boldness about our challenges, and struggles so others will not be afraid and they will gain from our hardship.

Am I willing to share what Christ has allowed for my good and His glory? Why or why not?

Verse 14

People can gain courage and conviction to speak for Jesus from our display of courage and strength as well as our joy in trials.  My trials and troubles can cause others to trust the Lord.

Whose trials and troubles have given me the strength to speak out for Jesus?  Have I thanked them for suffering for the cause of Christ that I might be changed?  How has my life been affected by those who have suffered for Christ?

Fear must be present for courage to be activated! (because courage is the act of doing it scared)

In what situation do I need to embrace my fear and move forward in courage?

Verse 21

A desire to die is self-centered (I get to be with Jesus) but a desire to live is others-centered! (I get to lead others to Christ)

Are my desires self-centered or others-centered? Do I put more value on self or others?

Verse 22

Life on earth should mean fruitful labor.  Life on earth is necessary for others to gain Christ.

What is my perspective on what life on earth is about?  Fruitful labor or satisfying my flesh?

Verse 27

Our actions are the only thing some people see of Jesus.

How well do my actions/conduct reflect Jesus?

 

Walking worthy involves both a capacity to stand firm (waiting in faith) and strive together (working for faith)!

Which area is my weakness the standing firm when God has said wait or the striving together when God has said work?

Verse 28 -29

We should be prepared for opposition and suffering.

How am I prepared and prayed up for opposition and suffering? What is my perspective on suffering?

Align your Will and Act on the Word

Align your Will:

o        I am not prepared for circumstances like Paul …But they are often necessary for the furtherance of the Gospel.  I need to change my perspective and get prepared. 

o        Suffering is necessary and good. I need to share more about the hardships God has allowed so others will gain strength and courage to trust the Lord.

 More Align your Will:

v. 1-11                         Commit to excellence

v 12-20            Trust God to use MY PAIN for HIS GAIN!

v.20                 Talk more about Jesus than about self

v.14                 Speak Word without fear, more boldness

v.18                 Make Jesus’ name famous in the land – share what God is doing in my life

v 21-26            Increase my capacity for other-centeredness!

v.27                 Improve my conduct

v. 27-30           Walk Worthy - standing firm and striving together!

 Act on the Word:

Share the struggles so others can know God be strong and take action.