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Philippians 1: Prayer for the Philippians
To what extent do you think Timothy was involved in writing to the Philippians?
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Philippians 1:1 Paul and Timothy, willing slaves of Jesus Christ, are writing to Jesus’ followers in Philippi, especially the chief authorities and ministers there.
King James
Philippians 1:1 Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:
Why would Paul be most interested in reaching church leaders?
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Philippians 1:1 Paul and Timothy, willing slaves of Jesus Christ, are writing to Jesus’ followers in Philippi, especially the chief authorities and ministers there.
King James
Philippians 1:1 Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:
Of what benefit was Paul’s courteous greeting?
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Philippians 1:2 May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ favor you with peace and contentment.
King James
Philippians 1:2 Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
When remembering the Philippians, what was Paul thanking God for?
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Philippians 1:3 I give thanks to God every time I think about you.
King James
Philippians 1:3 I thank my God upon every remembrance of you,
What can make one prayer more delightful than another?
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Philippians 1:3 I give thanks to God every time I think about you.
King James
Philippians 1:3 I thank my God upon every remembrance of you,
In what ways might the Philippians have supported the message of Jesus Christ?
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Philippians 1:3–5 I give thanks to God every time I think about you. Praying for you is a great delight because of your support of the message about Jesus, from the first day you heard it until now.
King James
Philippians 1:3–5 I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now;
Conditions change. Tragedies happen. Why should we think God is at work for our good during the difficult times in our lives?
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Jeremiah 29:11 The Lord says, “I have fully drawn up the plans I have for your lives. The details are laid out to complete something very good, not to harm you at all, but to give you hope for what comes in the end.”
Romans 8:28 All those who love God and are working to fulfill his purpose should know that all things will work together for good.
2 Corinthians 3:18 Like someone looking into a mirror, when we see the Lord in the glory of the new contract, we become more like him, being changed from glory to greater glory by the work of his Spirit.
Philippians 1:6 I’m confident that God who began the good work in you will keep doing that work until the Lord returns.
King James
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.
Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
2 Corinthians 3:18 But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.
Philippians 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:
How might the Philippians have shared Paul’s bondage and freedom?
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Philippians 1:7 As I think of you in this way, which I should, I realize how much you are a part of both my bondage and freedom in spreading the good news, so I know you will also share with me God’s unmerited favor.
King James
Philippians 1:7 Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace.
How deep do you think Paul’s love really was?
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Philippians 1:8 God knows the depth of my love, that I care for you with the same compassion as Jesus Christ.
King James
Philippians 1:8 For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ.
What does knowledge and wisdom have to do with immeasurable love?
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Philippians 1:9–10 I pray that your love for others will be immeasurable, and your knowledge and wisdom will keep growing so you can discern what is most important between now and when the Lord returns.
King James
Philippians 1:9–10 And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ;
When do you think the Lord will return?
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Philippians 1:9–10 I pray that your love for others will be immeasurable, and your knowledge and wisdom will keep growing so you can discern what is most important between now and when the Lord returns.
King James
Philippians 1:9–10 And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ;
What makes our relationship with Jesus Christ most obvious?
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Matthew 5:43–44 “People usually say, ‘Love your neighbor, and hate your enemy,’ but I say you should show kindness to your enemies, doing good to those who persecute you.”
John 13:35 “If you love one another, people will know you are my disciples.”
Romans 12:19–21 Fellow believers, don’t seek vengeance when people mistreat you. If needed, God will handle punishment better than you can, for he says in Scripture, Vengeance is mine, and I’ll see justice done. If your enemy is hungry, prepare a feast for him. If he is thirsty, give him your best wine. Your generosity will amaze him—as much a shock as coals of fire being poured upon his head—and God will reward you. Don’t let their evil change you, but use your love to overcome their evil.
Philippians 1:11 May your relationship with Jesus Christ be obvious in your actions, always glorifying God.
King James
Matthew 5:43–44 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
John 13:35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
Romans 12:19–21 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.
Philippians 1:11 Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.
How could Paul’s suffering have had a positive effect in spreading the Gospel?
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Philippians 1:12–13 My friends, I want you to know that everything I’ve been through has contributed to spreading the good news about Jesus. From the palace to the pasture, everyone knows that I am in chains because I serve Christ.
King James
Philippians 1:12–13 But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel; So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places;
What about Paul’s imprisonment might have encouraged others to be more bold?
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Philippians 1:14 Because of my imprisonment, many believers have become more confident, fearlessly speaking the word of the Lord with great boldness.
King James
Philippians 1:14 And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.
Why do some say that one should never talk about religion or politics?
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Philippians 1:15 Yes, some have been argumentative, stirring up strife, but some are preaching Christ with pure motives.
King James
Philippians 1:15 Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will:
What effect does arguing typically have?
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Philippians 1:15 Yes, some have been argumentative, stirring up strife, but some are preaching Christ with pure motives.
King James
Philippians 1:15 Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will:
What characteristics best describe a person with “pure motives”?
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Philippians 1:15 Yes, some have been argumentative, stirring up strife, but some are preaching Christ with pure motives.
King James
Philippians 1:15 Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will:
How much do we need support for our beliefs and actions?
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Philippians 1:16–17 Those who have self-serving interests in speaking of Christ are not the servants they present themselves to be. My desire to be free and confront them adds weight to my chains. Others proclaim the true message, knowing that I am fully committed to defend the good news of Jesus Christ.
King James
Philippians 1:16–17 The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds: But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel.
How could impure motives produce positive results?
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Philippians 1:18 What’s the bottom line? Even if the motives aren’t right, the news about Christ is spreading. Yes, for that, I am grateful and rejoice.
King James
Philippians 1:18 What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.
What should we do when our expectations are not met and we lose hope?
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Philippians 1:19–20 Through your prayers and the might of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, I know these things will bring deliverance according to my hope and expectations. I’ll not be ashamed, but will boldly praise the Lord as I live for him and will die for him.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 No matter what the circumstances are, be thankful, because this is the attitude God wants you to have in Jesus Christ.
King James
Philippians 1:19–20 For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
Why might living for Christ be harder than dying for him?
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Philippians 1:21 For as long I’m here, I will live for Christ. Dying will be even better, for I will be with him.
King James
Philippians 1:21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
What might we do in Heaven that would be more important than what we do on Earth?
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Philippians 1:22 On Earth I can be fruitful in the Lord’s work, but I don’t know if that’s better.
King James
Philippians 1:22 But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not.
Why do you think Paul longed to be with Christ in Heaven?
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2 Corinthians 12:2–4 More than fourteen years ago, I was caught up into Heaven. Only God knows whether I was there physically or only spiritually. It seemed like I was there in my physical body, but I might have been having an out-of-body experience. God knows which it was. I was caught away to paradise, where I heard and saw things far more wonderful than words can describe.
Philippians 1:23–24 I’m caught between two desires: do I want to live for the betterment of others or to die and be with Christ? The latter would be much better for me, but for your sake, I need to remain.
King James
2 Corinthians 12:2–4 I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven. And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.
Philippians 1:23–24 For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you.
What might Paul have expected to accomplish while he was imprisoned?
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Philippians 1:25 I’m confident that I will live for as long as God needs me here to strengthen and encourage you.
King James
Philippians 1:25 And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith;
Why was Paul looking forward to visiting Philippi again?
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Philippians 1:26–27 You’ll rejoice even more if I come to you again, but if not, let everything you say agree with the message of Jesus Christ. Whether I’m present with you or absent, I want to hear good news about you, that with one purpose you stand together, keeping the faith, always following the direction of the Holy Spirit.
King James
Philippians 1:26–27 That your rejoicing may be more abundant in Jesus Christ for me by my coming to you again. Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;
How can we keep from fearing our enemies?
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Philippians 1:28 Have no fear of your enemies who seem intent upon your destruction, knowing that God is your deliverer.
King James
Philippians 1:28 And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God.
If we are not suffering for Christ, what might we wonder about our relationship with him?
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Philippians 1:29 Your relationship with Christ involves more than believing, for you will have to suffer for him.
King James
Philippians 1:29 For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;
When involved in a conflict, how do we determine the nature reason for the strife, whether from our self-serving desires, the direction of the Holy Spirit, social prejudices, or evil spirits?
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Philippians 1:30 We are engaged in this struggle together, so don’t be surprised when you face conflicts like what you have heard about me.
King James
Philippians 1:30 Having the same conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear to be in me.