Setting the example Jesus left for us to follow
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Be Anxious for Nothing; Be United, Joyful, and in Prayer; Meditate on These Things; Philippian Generosity; Greeting and Blessing
February, 2021
Our Weekly Bible Study begins with us reading the assigned scripture ahead of time and preparing our hearts for study and discussion. When we meet (virtually or in person) we first read the scripture as a group, and then take turns sharing and discussing what impacted us the most, and our general interpretation of what we read.
Making Notes as we go through Bible Study is always encouraged, as it helps to increase our understanding of what we have read, and also allows us to become more comfortable and familiar with the Bible.
To make participation easier and more memorable for our younger children, we will include a link to Storybook Bible images of the readings whenever these are available.
This week’s virtual Bible Study focused on Philippians 4, the fourth and final chapter in our study on the Book of Philippians. After praying and reading through the chapters, we discussed the verses at length, and shared our personal views on what we had read.
This book is filled with encouragement, profound truth and amazing promises, and it also appeals to sincerity.
Verse 1: Paul expresses great friendship, fellowship and endearment in this verse. “Stand fast”- the Word Paul delivers is for mature Christians, someone who is striving for maturity in the Lord.
Verse 2: Paul implores Euodia and Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. He is addressing a situation before it goes any further.
Verse 3: “True companion”-Paul is speaking to (apparently) one person, and appealing to him or her to help these two women who are involved in some type of contention. They have a spirit that is disrupting the unity that exists within the brethren.
Verse 4: “Rejoice in the Lord always”- This is an intentional choice that we all have to make regardless of how dire our situations may be. If we can change our worry to worship it will mark more maturity in us. Pray more, worry less. This takes maturity. Worship confuses the enemy greatly because he expects us to sink into despair when troubles come.
Verse 5: The Lord is at hand-He is watching, present, right there ready to give support as long as we make the right choice.
Verse 6: “Be anxious for nothing”- There are so many things that can create anxiety in us , the world system is set up to create anxiety and worry. We must replace this with worship, prayer and supplication. God alone can do this, no Government or person can resolve all that worries us. We should give God thanks in the same prayer that we send up in our times of need. We must give thanks as we give Him our requests, thank Him for hearing our requests. If we do not follow this pattern, we will have anxiety.
Verse 7: After we have done these things, the peace of God will guard our hearts and our minds through Christ Jesus. Paul was able to say this confidently because he was living in suffering,and in imprisonment, but still had God’s peace. (Ref. also Psalm 119:165-“Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them”). This peace comes only when we know and obey the Lord.
Verse 8: This is the scale for Kingdom citizens. If our minds become centered for any length of time on the negative, we must ask ourselves, even if these things are true, are they noble, are they of good report? If not, do not spend time planning around or thinking of these things.
Verse 9: Paul asks them to remember things that they have seen in him and heard from him, and the God of peace will be with them.
Verse 10: Because of the great fellowship he had with them, he knew that they wanted to do more for him than they were able to do.
Verse 11:He reminds us of the need to be content in whatever state we are in. This is another intentional choice, another sign of Christian maturity.
Verse 12: He knew how to be without and how to live in contentment without even basic privacy, although he also had known what it was to live in abundance.
Verse 13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” To be able to say this with depth is our goal- there will come a time where we can all relate to this deeply, and not just as a verse we say.
Verse 16: The Philippians had assisted him greatly in meeting the necessities of life more so than any other church.
Verse 17 : Paul seeks the fruit that abounds to their account, so we should give not just because someone has or doesn’t have, but must understand also the blessing/fruit associated with our giving.
Verse 18: They received the blessing because of the gift.
Verse 19: The word “therefore” can be thought of here instead of the word “and”. We often run with this verse, but we have not planted and are only looking to reap. We must realize that it is because of sowing and reaping that God shall supply all our needs.
*Maturity in Christ brings contentment in peace. This is the only place we will find it.
As you read through this week’s Bible passage, ask yourself:
What are MY thoughts on what I am reading?
How can I apply this to MY life?
Blessings!
Philippians 4:13
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