Third Sunday in Advent

Notes for Dec. 17, 2017
Luke 1:39-56

Biblical Background

  • The Journey – Mary’s trip from Nazareth to the hill country of Judea to see Elizabeth would have taken between 3-5 days. Typically, unless you traveled with a group of people, the trip could be dangerous due to bandits. Think the story of the Good Samaritan. Mary was courageous to make this journey whether she traveled by herself or with a caravan of people.

  • Baby leaps in the womb – The Hebrew people believed that the fetus was a person and able to feel and respond to external stimuli. The baby’s jumping in the womb symbolized the joy of the moment.

  • Elizabeth filled with the Holy Spirit – prior to Pentecost in the NT, very few people were filled with the Holy Spirit – only chosen, special people – this marks the magnitude of this event. Of course the good news is that after Pentecost, the Holy Spirit comes into the heart of every new follower of Jesus.

  • The Magnificat – this song of praise by Mary gets its name from the Latin Vulgate version of the Bible in which the first line of the song is, “Magnificat mea anima” – “My soul doth magnify.” The song uses the poetic style of the Hebrew Scriptures and is resembles very closely the prayer of Hannah who gave birth to Samuel. See 1 Samuel 2:1-10. You may want to compare these two passages of Scripture.

  • The poor and humble lifted up and fed – Notice the paradoxical nature of the kingdom of God. Jesus comes to life up the poor and the humble while the rich and the powerful are sent away empty and are brought down. This reflects the warnings that Jesus Himself gives to people about the dangers of allowing wealth and power to consume you and lead you away from the ultimate blessing of knowing Him.

  • 49-50 – these verses are drawn from Psalm 103:17 which points out God’s fidelity in spite of human weakness, to those who put their trust in Him.

  • God’s faithfulness to Israel – 54-55 emphasize that God is faithful to the promises that He made to Israel – the descendants of Abraham.

  • Mary would have seen John the Baptist’s birth – Since Mary arrived when Elizabeth was about 6 months pregnant and stayed for another 3 months, it is assumed that Mary was present for John the Baptist’s birth, the cousin of Jesus, before returning home to Nazareth.

  • Safe refuge for Mary – Being pregnant out of wedlock was greatly frowned upon and accusations of adultery, fornication, infidelity would have been assumed. If Joseph hadn’t decided to stand by Mary’s side, she would have faced great difficulties as a single mom. Even so, it would still be assumed that she and Joseph had sinned and had sexual intercourse outside of marriage. Having some time away from Nazareth both protected Mary from the accusations and gossip of people in her home town, but also gave her the chance to be mentored by the older and wiser Elizabeth.

Discussion Questions

  1. Following Gabriel’s announcement to Mary that she is going to conceive and give birth to the Messiah, why does Mary “hurry” to the hill country of Judea? Who does she run to? Why does she choose to go to the home of Zechariah and Elizabeth?

  2. Why is it important that the baby within Elizabeth (John the Baptist) leaped in her womb upon the greeting of Mary?

  3. What does it mean that the baby in the womb was “filled with the Holy Spirit?” What are some of the implications of this in thinking about human life in the womb?

  4. How does Elizabeth bless and encourage Mary, who has run to her from Nazareth?

  5. How is Mary’s faith serve as a model to you in your relationship with the Lord?

  6. In Mary’s song, what does she praise God for?

  7. Discuss the contrasts in verses 51-55 of the song. Who are the “rich,” “rulers” and the “proud”? How can we avoid being these kinds of people?

  8. What does this song say about the character and power of God?

  9. How would you describe Mary’s feelings and beliefs about God?

  10. If you were to write a song like Mary’s, what would you include in it? What themes would stand out? Why?

  11. How does Jesus fulfill Mary’s song?

  12. What songs could you sing to God in response to the good news that He has brought to you? Take some time this week to write some music or the lyrics to a song – a poem – or some other creative means of expressing your thanksgiving and joy.

Second Sunday of Advent

Notes for Dec. 10, 2017
Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 1:26-38

Biblical Background

  • Mary’s Faith: In contrast to the older, Zechariah, Mary, the teenager demonstrates the power of simple faith. A parallel passage in the Old Testament contrasts the faith of Hannah with the priest Eli (1 Samuel 1-2). In both cases, a humble and little known servant of God bears a child who brings revival to Israel - of course Jesus does it on an infinitely grander scale than Samuel.

  • Nazareth – was a village of little importance of around 1,500 – 2,000 people. .

  • Gabriel – is one of only two angels mentioned by name in the Old Testament (Daniel 8:16; 9:21) and the New Testament. The other was Michael (Daniel 10:13,21; 12:1).

  • Pledged to be married: In Jewish culture, the engagement was much more binding than it is today. To break an engagement was closer to a modern-day divorce. The only thing difference between an engagement and marriage was that it was after the public marriage ceremony that the couple had sexual intercourse for the first time and consummated the marriage. Prior to that, sexual relations were off limits during the engagement time.

  • Virgin: While in Jewish culture, young women were called “virgins,” it is also clear from Mary’s response to the angel’s announcement that she had never had sexual intercourse with a man and so was a virgin in the purest sense of the word. It is clear from the Nativity passage in Matthew 1:18-25 that Joseph also was convinced that Mary was a virgin. For at first when he heard the news, he was ready to divorce her quietly, assuming that she had sexual relations with another man. However, an angel of Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and told him that Mary’s pregnancy was a fulfillment of the prophecy in Isaiah 7:14; 8:810, that a virgin would conceive and give birth to Immanuel. One argument used against the Bible is that people in that day in age didn’t have access to modern scientific knowledge and so were naïve. However, it is clear that Joseph wasn’t naïve. He knew how babies were made. That is the reason that he at first wanted to divorce Mary. However, he realized that this birth was miraculous, supernatural, something extraordinary that had never happened before. Belief in the virgin birth as recited in the Apostles Creed is biblical and demonstrates confidence in God who can do the impossible.

  • The Greeting – Mary had no rank or social status and yet is greeted with three greetings 1) Hail or Rejoice; 2) Favored one – (unfortunately the Latin translation “full of grace” is not the best translation and has led to the false teaching that Mary can pass on grace to us which has led to the unhealthy, unbiblical veneration of Mary). 3) The Lord is with you.

  • Do Not Fear – angels commonly use this greeting as their presence is overwhelming to human beings.

  • For nothing will be impossible with God – The miraculous conception by the Holy Spirit within Mary and the virgin birth make the entrance of Jesus into the world possible and it also sets Jesus apart from any other person known in history as He is God in human flesh.

  • Mary’s response: Mary’s humility, servant-like nature, and acceptance of God’s call on her life is exemplary. She is a role model to us all in how to respond to the Lord in whatever ways He calls upon us or speaks to us.

Discussion Questions

  1. Gabriel appears to Zechariah in Luke 1:13-17. Compare what he says to Zechariah to what he says to Mary. What are the similarities and differences in what Gabriel says?

  2. How does Mary respond differently than Zechariah to Gabriel’s message?

  3. What attributes or character traits does Mary demonstrate in her response to Gabriel?

  4. Have you ever doubted or questioned God? What did that look like?

  5. How can we develop a Mary response rather than a Zechariah response to God?

  6. Mary states that she is a virgin. What does this mean and why is it important to know in this story?

  7. How does the conception of Jesus in Mary’s womb occur? Why was it necessary for Jesus to be conceived in this way?

  8. Was Mary sinless?

  9. Why do you think God chose Mary for the conception of Jesus?

  10. How was Jesus not born a sinner like the rest of us human beings? (1 Corinthians 15:45-50).

  11. What do we learn about Mary’s future son from the angel?

  12. What expectations are we given as to what Mary’s son will accomplish?

  13. Do you believe that “Everything is possible with God?” What does that mean?

The Scripture in Handel's Messiah

Notes for Dec. 3, 2017

Biblical Background

This week’s study will be structured differently as the Sunday worship service will include an abridged performance of George Frederick Handel’s musical composition, The Messiah, which was performed for the first time in Dublin on April 13, 1742.

Handel was a German composer who was discovered as a child prodigy.  Over the years, he took a circuitous path all over Europe composing operas, oratorios and other pieces for wealthy patrons, kings and queens.

He became quite famous and actually accumulated a fortune over the course of his lifetime as he invested well in the London stock market.  He was very generous with his money toward many philanthropic causes.  In fact, he gave the proceeds from the first performances of The Messiah to a debtor’s prison and hospital in Dublin.

When the piece was first performed in Dublin, it drew record crowds.  Handel was a “rock star” in his day and he had hired a popular celebrity soloist, Susannah Cibber, a contralto, who was going through a scandalous divorce at the time. In order to allow for greater seating capacity in the concert hall, women were requested not to wear hoops in their skirts and men were asked to leave their swords at home.

From the opening lines of the oratorio, the crowd was mesmerized and it’s told that when Cibber began singing the verses, “He was despised and rejected of men…” that the Rev. Patrick Delany was so moved by her solo that he cried out, “Woman, for this, be all thy sins forgiven thee!”

It is a tradition than when the “Hallelujah Chorus” is sung toward the end of The Messiah that people are supposed to stand. This goes back to the first performance in London when it was reported that the King stood out of respect for the King of Kings during the part of the music.  (Whether this is a legend or not, it is still a wonderful tradition and befitting the message of the music).

The “libretto,” the lyrics of The Messiah, is taken from the King James Version of the Holy Bible and the Book of Common Prayer.  The piece is really Scripture put to music. They were compiled by a British aristocrat, Charles Jennens, who collaborated with Handel on a number of oratorios.

Originally, The Messiah was not considered to be a Christmas piece as it tells the complete story of Jesus’ life and is divided into three sections: the birth, the death and the resurrection of Jesus Christ.  Thus, it paints a complete picture of the incarnation, the substitutionary atonement, and the resurrection and victory over sin, death and the devil accomplished by our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ – the Messiah.

The titles given in the piece for the three parts are:

  • PART ONE: The prophesy and realization of God’s plan to redeem mankind by the coming of the Messiah

  • PART TWO: The accomplishment of redemption by the sacrifice of Jesus, mankind’s rejection of God’s offer, and mankind’s utter defeat when trying to oppose the power of the Almighty

  • PART THREE: A Hymn of Thanksgiving for the final overthrow of Death

“Messiah,” is a Hebrew word which means, “the anointed one.”  The Hebrew prophets, inspired by the Holy Spirit, spoke of the one to come, the Messiah, who would bring salvation both to Jews and Gentiles.  The prophet Isaiah is quoted heavily in this musical piece.

The Gospels of the New Testament tell the story of Jesus’ birth, life, death and resurrection and are also quoted extensively in Handel’s work.

Discussion Questions

  1. Read the lyrics a section at a time using the small headings as your guide which are marked with lower case Roman numerals: (i)The prophecy of Salvation; (ii) The prophecy of the coming Messiah; (iii) The prophecy of the Virgin Birth, etc…

  2. Have someone read the solo part in a section and then have everyone read the chorus parts together with a given section.

  3. Stop after the reading of a section and discuss the following questions as appropriate:

    1. What is the primary message being spoken by the prophets? Gospel writers?

    2. What do you think it felt like to hear these words being spoken by the prophets or Gospel writers prior to the coming of the Messiah? After the coming of the Messiah?

    3. How do these words make you feel?

    4. How do these truths impact your life today?

    5. What do these words say about the character of God? the Messiah?

    6. How does it make you feel knowing that God had set a rescue plan human beings in motion immediately after sin and death entered the world and carried it out to completion?

    7. How can I share this good news with others?

  4. Work your way through the score discussing the implications and allowing yourself not to get bogged down in one section – keep the pace moving so that you can read through the score.

  5. Listen to the Hallelujah chorus as recorded here or via some other device and sing along.

  6. End your time in praise and thanksgiving for all that Jesus has done for us!

Christ the King

Notes for Sept. 10, 2017
Romans 16: 24-27

Biblical Background

  • The Son of Man: Daniel 7:13-14 states that “the Son of Man” will come to earth and have dominion over all things. Here Jesus is stating that He is the Son of Man and He will come to judge and rule over all the earth. This is a strong Messianic title.

  • Sheep and Goats: In biblical times sheep and goats would graze together during the day, however, the shepherds would separate the sheep and goats at night since the goats needed to be together to stay warm in an enclosure while the sheep preferred the open air. Sheep were also more valuable than goats as their wool could be harvested as well as their meat and so they were cared for more carefully than goats. Thus the symbolism of the sheep and the goats being separated for judgment would not have been missed by the 1st century audience.

  • Right and Left Side: In the Middle East, the right side is the place of honor at the table. As well, the right place is the side of the righteous and the left for those who are wicked when it comes to judgment. Jesus is always spoken of as sitting or standing on the right hand side of the Father as a sign of honor.

  • Righteous Deeds: The acts of kindness and charity that Jesus describes are all parts of Jewish morality and religious life, although visiting those in prison wasn’t usually included.

  • Brothers and Sisters: In the context of this passage in Matthew – the brothers and sisters are those who are followers of Jesus. Thus there is a blessing that comes from caring for those who are Christians.

  • All Nations Judged: In the Old Testament, God is the judge of all nations, and sometimes nations are judged by the way they treat Israel. In this case, people are judged by the way they treat followers of Jesus, those who make up the Church.

Discussion Questions

  1. Who is the “Son of Man”? What is His role in this story?

  2. What are the six actions that Jesus uses to judge people?

  3. What type of actions are these and for whom are they done?

  4. How do these actions benefit the person being served? The person serving?

  5. How are the people who do the acts of service the same as those who don’t? How are they different?

  6. Who are “the least of these” in this story? Today in our society?

  7. What does this story teach us about our responsibilities as followers of Jesus?

  8. What are the judgments of the Son of Man in this story? Where do people end up?

  9. Why is it important for followers of Jesus to be aware of the judgment of God?

  10. How would you summarize the teaching of Jesus in this passage?

  11. When you were in need – hungry, sick, in prison, etc… - was there anyone who reached out to you? If so, describe how you felt?

  12. Where does out church meet the needs of people in these six areas mentioned by Jesus?

  13. Where do you feel called to serve the needs of others? Are there places that you’ve been avoiding to serve? If so, why?

God's Amazing Family

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Notes for Nov. 19, 2017
Romans 16

Biblical Background

  • The people in Rome when Paul wrote the letter: 80% of inhabitants of Rome the descendants of freed slaves; The Jews had begun returning to Rome after the Emperor Claudius’ death as he had expelled the Jews from Rome.

  • Names in Romans 16 are Greek and Hebrew

  • Paul names 28 individuals: 11 are women; 17 are men

  • Paul commends 6 women and 6 men with special notes: Typically men received more accolades in the culture so Paul’s affirmation of women in this passage is liberating when compared to the culture.

  • Priscilla – interesting that her name comes before her husband’s Aquila. This may mean that she came from a superior class in society as usually a husband’s name would come first.

  • “risked their necks”: this expression is one that we have adopted into English – the idea that they risked their lives to save someone else.

  • House churches: Both Jews and Christians met in homes as they didn’t always have the status or wealth to build church/synagogue buildings. Meeting in a home was also a safe place to meet, worship and fellowship, especially in the midst of persecution.

  • Apostles: Andronicus and Junia, probably husband and wife, are both called apostles here, indicating the both served a role in spreading the Gospel to new places.

  • Both free and slave names: The names in Paul’s list are made up of people from both freed slave, slave and Roman and Hebrew backgrounds.

  • Rufus: See Romans 16:13 and Mark 15:21 – may be the same man.

  • Kisses: This was a common means of showing affection in the early church and was part of the culture. Perhaps like Europeans today who kiss on the cheek to greet one another.

  • Paul’s final exhortations (17-20): This was a common means of ending a letter by philosophers in the day.

  • Verses 19-20: Paul makes allusion to Genesis when Adam and Eve sought to eat from the tree of good and evil; and then clearly points to Genesis 3:15 and the Messianic prophecy that the son of Eve would crush the head of the serpent, Satan.

  • Supplemental greetings: It wasn’t uncommon to add additional greetings at the end of a letter.

  • Church in Corinth: Paul is probably staying with Gaius where the church in Corinth met – a large home.

  • Closing Benediction: the mystery – this idea of God’s mystery is a part of books like Daniel and other apocalyptic literature in Judaism.

  • Prophetic writings pointed to the hidden things that would be revealed in the Gospels: Paul is confirming the authority of the prophetic writings of the Old Testament and the stories of Jesus recorded in the New Testament, all of which point to God’s divine purposes, guidance and inspiration.

Discussion Questions

  1. Make a list of all of Paul’s commendations in this passage. What are the characteristics and qualities that Paul commends in these people?

  2. How do Paul’s commendations compare with the ways in which we commend or compliment people in our culture? What can we learn from Paul?

  3. How would you receive sister, Phoebe, based on Paul’s comments?

  4. How many women are mentioned in this passage? Why is significant in Paul’s day?

  5. What does Paul’s commendation of women say about his view about the value and worth of women in the church? What can we learn from this?

  6. What roles do the various women play in the life of the church according to Paul?

  7. What does Paul know about the church in Rome based on this greeting? How would you describe the Roman church based on his comments?

  8. What are the possible divisions or hindrances is Paul addressing in this passage and warning them about?

  9. How can we avoid such divisions in the local church; national church; global church?

  10. How are the false teachers seeking to undermine Paul’s teaching?

  11. What is the purpose and plan of God throughout history? How should our knowledge of God’s plans for history shape our outlook for the future as Christians?

  12. What does it mean that God is the God of hope and peace?

  13. What does it mean that the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet? What messianic prophecy is this building upon? (See Genesis 3:15 – the 1st prophecy of the Messiah in Scripture).

  14. Knowing that just after the fall of Adam and Eve that God had already put his rescue plan in motion based on the Messianic prophecy of Genesis 3:15, what does this say about God’s character and love for humankind?

  15. In the final greetings, what kind of professions are mentioned? Why would Paul mention the man’s profession? How can God use your profession to serve His purposes?

  16. What was Paul’s view concerning the authority of the Old Testament Scriptures and the New Testament Gospel stories based on verses 25-27?

  17. How will you greet your brothers and sisters in the Lord this week?

Three Constants in Christian Leadership

Notes for Nov. 12, 2017
Romans 15:23-33

Biblical Background

  • Business letters: many ancient letters found from the 1st century would mention travel plans and trips. We do that today, but imagine that a trip from Jerusalem to Athens would take weeks rather than a few hours.

  • “I hope to be helped” or “assisted”: Paul is using a word or phrase that would imply that the Romans would help cover the expenses for his trip. In other words, he is talking about financial help. This would be an expression of hospitality and one that the Roman church probably would have felt to be a great honor. Hospitality was an important part of the culture and still is in the Middle East today. Strangers even will go out of their way to cover the needs and expenses of a traveler.

  • Spain: Paul had a desire to spread the Gospel where no one had heard about Jesus. Thus, Spain, the furthest point West in the Roman empire was in Paul’s sights. One Greek geographer, Strabo, described Spain as “the end of the earth” with India being the end of the earth to the East. As far as we know, Paul never made it to Spain, but eventually the church reached Spain in later generations, probably in the 3rd century AD.

  • “the poor”: In Paul’s day, the pious Jews in Jerusalem were often called, “the poor”, in part because they were. In this case, Paul is calling upon the wealthier Romans to give aid to the believers in need in Jerusalem.

  • Sending money to Jerusalem: In Judaism this was a common practice – to send money to the Jews in the Jewish capital where the temple was located. In this case, Paul is asking Gentile converts and Jewish Christians so send money to Jerusalem to the Christians there who were in need.

  • Churches identified by cities: It’s interesting to note that Paul and other early Christians identified local churches by their city (not their denomination). Thus, our church might be considered to be part of the Church of Washington, DC, for example. This provides a sense of unity and could be a good example to follow even here in divided DC.

  • Corporate Responsibility: In verse 27 we see the early church’s sense of corporate responsibility and the fact that the Gentile Christians “owed” a debt to the Jewish people for passing on the truths of God and eventually bringing the Messiah into the world. The church is one big family and thus the focus is not so much on just our local church but on the church as a whole.

  • Prayer for protection and fruitful ministry: Paul asks the Romans to pray for his ministry in Jerusalem and also for protection from the Jewish religious leaders, Roman leaders and anyone else who may be seeking to harm him and the church in Judea.

Discussion Questions

  1. What does Paul mean that he no longer has room to work in some of these regions? What does this say about Paul’s calling?

  2. What is the calling on your life for sharing the Gospel with others? Who are the unreached people living around you?

  3. Why would Paul have the desire to go to Spain, “the ends of the earth” for the Roman world?

  4. Where might God be giving you a desire to go to share the good news of Christ?

  5. Paul never made it to Spain. Why do you think God gave Paul a desire to go to Spain, but never allowed him to go there?

  6. What is Paul asking the Roman church to do for him? Why would he ask them for financial support?

  7. How are the churches of Macedonia and Achaia an example to the church in Rome? What can we learn from these churches?

  8. Is our giving centered only on local church or are we intentionally seeking to give to the church at-large where there are needs? What percentage of our giving is focused on our own church versus the church at-large?

  9. What ways did the Jewish people bless the Gentile Christians?

  10. How does Paul see the connection between Jewish and Gentile Christians?

  11. Why would Gentiles “owe” their Jewish brethrern?

  12. What is the full measure of blessing in Christ? What does that look like?

  13. What does Paul ask the Romans to do them as he serves the church in Jerusalem? What can we learn about how to pray for others, other churches and for others involved in ministry – in the workplace, church and home?

  14. Examine your own giving and prayer life. Ask the Lord to show you ways that you may change what you are doing?

  15. As a small group, consider asking the Lord if there might be a special project, mission, person-in-need that you could corporately serve and give to financially and pray for.

Godly Ambition

Notes for Nov. 5, 2017
Romans 15:14-22

Biblical Background

  • You are full of goodness, knowledge and able: Paul expresses his confidence in his readers – a common rhetorical device in Greek writing to gain the listeners' attention and favor.

  • Reminders: A reminder is a gentle way of instructing others and was used often in Greek rhetoric.

  • Gentiles & Jews: Jewish prophets spoke of a time when the Gentiles would come to know the one true God (Isaiah 60:11-14). Paul's outreach to the Gentiles may have signaled that this time had come.

  • Racial Reconciliation: The Gospel tore down the barriers between Jew and Gentile and thus was the most effective means of racial reconciliation in the world. This is true today as well as all believers become part of God's family and are thus no longer thought of as being from different ethnic groups, tribes or races.

  • Word and Deed: Paul points to both his words and his actions which reflect the idea that he practices what he preaches. This was expected of philosophers in the Graeco-Roman world. A teacher/philosopher who didn't do what he preached would by a "hypocrite" - someone wearing a false mask.

  • Power of signs and wonders: Paul was using what some have called today, "Power evangelism" as the Holy Spirit did signs and wonders, healings and miracles through Paul and the disciples which pointed people to the power of God and to the Lordship of Jesus Christ.

  • Illyricum: This part of Macedonia (today's Serbia-Croatia) was on the outer edges of Paul's ministry.

  • 21: Paul is quoting from Isaiah 52:15 – a fulfillment of prophecy in his day.

  • Paul's plans to visit Rome: Paul's plans often didn't work as he expected, but instead the Lord used him to share the good news of Christ, even with his persecutors or those who might be delaying his planned trips.

  • Paul's ambition: Paul had a desire to preach the Gospel where none had heard – in other words he was an adventurer for Christ who sought to reach all those who had never heard.

Discussion Questions

  1. Why would Paul tell his readers in Rome that they are full of goodness, knowledge and able to instruct one another?

  2. What can we learn in our dealings with people from Paul's example of complimenting the character of others while at the same time instructing them?

  3. Give examples where you have been encouraged and instructed at the same time.

  4. How does Paul describe his ministry? Where does his motivation come from?

  5. What things inspire Paul? What inspires you to share your faith with others?

  6. How far away is Illyricum (modern-day Serbia/Croatia) from Jerusalem? How far away is Spain from Jerusalem? What do these distances in the ancient world say about Paul's vision for the spread of the Gospel?

  7. Where do you think Paul picked up the idea of taking the Gospel to the far reaches of the Roman world? Where are the distant places God may be encouraging you to dream about spreading the Gospel?

  8. What did Paul use to help him in his Gospel proclamation?

  9. When have you witnessed signs and wonders, healing and miracles from God that have led to people coming to saving faith in Christ? Share examples.

  10. Why is it that in the United States, the sharing of the Gospel is sometimes separated from the prayer for signs and wonders? What are your thoughts on this?

  11. What unreached peoples might God be calling you to pray for and find ways to reach with the Gospel? (Review the attached 10/40 Window Graphic: Consider praying for people living in these unreached areas of the world).

  12. Why do you think Paul was hindered from doing all that he wanted to do?

  13. What can we learn about planning and flexibility from Paul's example?

  14. Take some time to pray as a group and ask the Lord to place His desires, motivations, and passion for sharing the Gospel with others? Then pray and ask Him where He would like you to go and spread the Gospel.

fishbowl

fishbowl

The Encouragement of God

Notes for Oct. 29, 2017
Romans 15:1-13

Biblical Background

  • “The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me”: This quote from Psalm 69:9 is applied to a righteous sufferer – and Paul makes it clear that this applies specifically to Jesus the Messiah who was without sin and yet suffered on our behalf.

  • Christ is our model: We are to imitate Christ who sought to build up his neighbor, not please himself – this is an extension and part of the Golden Rule and the command to love our neighbor as ourself.

  • Scriptures written for our instruction: Jesus believed that the Hebrew Scriptures were God’s word and thus it is God’s instruction book for life for all of us. One of the most important arguments for the idea that the Bible is without error and is God’s Word is that is what Jesus believed and taught. If you are a follower of Jesus Christ and choose not to believe parts of the Bible, then how can you be faithfully be a disciple of Jesus and reject parts of the Bible?

  • Being of one mind – living in harmony: This is an idiom which signifies the unity of believers. It doesn’t mean that we will agree on everything, but will be united in our identity as followers of Jesus Christ.

  • Glorifying God as one voice: This is another picture of the unity in the body of Christ as we praise God together.

  • Jews and Gentiles part of God’s plan and people: Paul makes it clear that God’s plan for the Jews (the circumcised) was to point the way to the Messiah so that both Jew and Gentile could become part of God’s kingdom and people.

  • Paul’s quotes from the Hebrew Scriptures: Paul puts together a series of biblical citations to confirm his point that the Gentiles all along were to eventually become a part of God’s people along with the Jews. These include: 2 Samuel 22:50; Psalm 18:49; Deuteronomy 12:43; Psalm 117:1; Isaiah 11:10.

  • Prayers at the end of a letter – v. 13: Verse 13 is an example of a common way writers would wrap up a letter with a prayer for the person or people that they are writing to.

Discussion Questions

  1. Who are the strong in this passage? The weak?

  2. When have you been the strong person? The weak? Share examples.

  3. Who is the best example to show us what it means to please our neighbor and build them up? How can we imitate this model?

  4. When have you experienced insults or ridicule for your faith? Share examples.

  5. How did it make you feel to be ridiculed for your belief in Jesus?

  6. What is it that gives us the ability to endure and stand strong in faith in the midst of pain, persecution, ridicule, and other difficult experiences?

  7. Define hope.

  8. What was Jesus’ view of the Hebrew Scriptures (our Old Testament)?

  9. Why is unity important for us to have in the body of Christ? What are some examples of unity in the church that have been encouraging to you?

  10. What does it look like when Christians are not united? Give examples.

  11. How does the example of Jesus promote unity among followers of Jesus?

  12. How can you and I welcome others as Christ welcomed people? Give examples.

  13. What should the relationship between Jews and Gentiles be in the church? Describe this relationship through biblical history through today.

  14. Knowing that Jesus wants a relationship with people from all nations, cultures, etc… how does that change the way you view the world and the people around you?

  15. Pray the prayer in verse 15 together. Then pray it one-on-one for each other.

  16. How are we able to live out unity of faith in Christ? Give examples.

The Acceptance and Judgment of God

Notes for Oct. 22, 2017
Romans 14

Biblical Background

  • Jewish vs. Gentile Christians: The church in Rome had Christians from both Jewish and Gentile backgrounds. This created cultural divides and differences that threatened the unity of the church. One of the biggest areas of difference was in diet as the Jewish people followed Kosher Laws from the Hebrew Scriptures which forbade the eating of “unclean” animals. Gentiles would eat nearly anything.

  • Special Days Observed/Holidays: The Jewish Christians celebrated the Sabbath as a day to rest and worship God. Many Gentiles ridiculed Jewish people saying that they just were lazy and wanted a day off from work. The Jewish Sabbath created a divide between Jews and Gentiles. Of course, the Gentiles had their own holidays which the Jews did not observe.

  • “Judgment seats”: The idea of a judgment seat in which a Roman official would make judgments on the law was a common image. The Jews likewise thought of God on the judgment seat or throne making His judgments. The image even of Jesus in heaven is “sitting at the right hand of God the Father,” the idea of sitting in a seat of authority.

  • “Stumbling block”: this was a common Greek metaphor found in ancient texts.

  • “Brother”: Paul reinforces the idea that one’s identity is as a family member of the body of Christ first so that “in Christ there is no Jew or Gentile.”

  • Roman butcher shops: The pagan temples were the place where meat was butchered, sacrificed, and sold. The pagan temple priests received food and income from the animals sacrificed to appease or gain favor from the gods. Thus, much of the meat eaten in Rome had come from animals offered up to pagan gods. This disturbed the conscience of some Christians who didn’t want to promote the pagan cults.

  • Meat – good or evil: Paul is stating that the meat itself is neither good nor evil. The problem has to do with one’s conscience and the exercise of one’s freewill to eat meat in a way that may offend a brother or sister who is offended by meat that had been part of a ritual sacrifice to pagan idols.

  • People over food: Paul is saying that we may be free to practice certain customs or eat whatever we want, however, if that particular action offends the conscience of another Christian or causes that person to abuse something and sin, we must consider the possibility of avoiding that action when we are with that particular brother or sister. An example would be a dinner in which you were eating with a friend whom you know struggles with alcoholism. Even though you may like a glass of wine, the kind and loving thing may be to drink water instead so that you don’t tempt your friend and perhaps even tempt him/her unintentionally to stumble and drink.

Discussion Questions

  1. What does it mean to not “quarrel over opinions”?

  2. When was the last time that you quarreled with another believer over “an opinion”? Give an example.

  3. Are “quarrels over opinions” good for our relationships? Why or why not?

  4. What is causing division in Paul’s day in the church in Rome?

  5. In Paul’s day there was division over eating meat that had come from pagan sacrificial rituals in pagan temples. What kinds of things divide us as Christians that may not be of primary or fundamental importance doctrinally?

  6. What attitudes or approaches to disagreement over non-essential matters does Paul recommend in this passage?

  7. Share examples of ways that you have seen Christians handle disagreements respectfully.

  8. Share examples of ways that Christians have handled disagreements over non-essentials in a way that led to division.

  9. What are the principles laid out here by Paul for handling quarrels over issues that do not violate a moral law?

  10. What does it mean to cause another brother or sister to stumble? To be a stumbling block?

  11. Give examples of ways that you have seen Christians be a stumbling block for one another and caused heartache and grief.

  12. What is the essential motive for putting others’ first in our actions?

  13. What should the church look like when we are made up of people from diverse cultural, family, and historical backgrounds? How are we to behave? Give examples of the ideal.

  14. When have you been the “weaker” brother or sister? The “stronger” brother or sister?

  15. Ask God to show you if you need to change your behavior so as not to offend or be a stumbling block to another believer.

Awakened by God

Notes for Oct. 11, 2017
Romans 13:8-14

Biblical Background

  • Debt: In the Old Testament, there were clear laws governing loans and debts. People were required to pay their debts according to agreements made. As well, God instituted years of jubilee when all debts were forgiven – a foreshadowing of His mercy and grace. Christians, out of their gratitude to God and as a reflection of His grace are called to pay all of their debts.

  • The debt of love – In a play on words, Paul is stating the one thing we must always “owe” others is love.

  • Love fulfills the Law: Paul is quoting His Lord as Jesus makes this statement in Matthew 22:36-40

  • The commandments – Paul is referring to the 10 Commandments which are the core of the Law of the Old Testament. These 10 commandments are elaborated on by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:17-48). Jesus gets to the heart of the commandments which stem out of a love for God and neighbor. While the action of murdering someone is sinful, so is the thought or heart attitude of hate toward another person. The act of adultery is sinful, but so is the thought or fantasy of adultery or lust.

  • Love does no harm: Love only builds up others and does not hurt or harm them. It is not passive, however, just not doing harm, but is active in seeking the well-being of another.

  • Wake up: Paul is making it clear that we can’t put off living for Christ and loving God and neighbor. Every hour and day counts.

  • Put aside deeds of darkness: We are called as Christians to love and obey God. This means we stop sinning and getting caught up in sex outside of marriage, the abuse of alcohol and drugs, jealousy, and all things that are contrary to loving God and neighbor.

  • Live as in the daytime: Paul knows the human heart’s tendency toward sin and our attempts to hide it from others and God. Why do you think that many sins and crime take place at night and in hidden places? However, God sees all.

  • Don’t think about how to gratify sinful desires: Paul knows that your sinful desires can be fed or starved by how much time and energy you focus on them. Don’t focus on your sinful desires, but instead, clothe yourself with Christ – focus on loving others rather than satisfying yourself.

  • Clothe yourself with Christ: Put on the armor of God – all of the fruits of the Spirit and truth of God. (See Ephesians 6:10-18)

Discussion Questions

  1. 1) What kind of financial advice is Paul giving in this passage? (See Romans 13:6-7 for context). 1) What kind of financial advice is Paul giving in this passage? (See Romans 13:6-7 for context).

  2. How can we apply this practical financial advice in our world today? What are the dangers of not paying off our debts?

  3. What is the “debt of love”? Why is it on ongoing debt?

  4. How can we fulfill all of the laws of God? How does love fulfill the law?

  5. Who else in Scripture stated that to love your neighbor as yourself was the means of fulfilling the commandments dealing with human beings? Why does Paul repeat this teaching?

  6. What does it look like to “do no harm to your neighbor”?

  7. What does Paul tell us that we can do today to be intentional about loving our neighbor?

  8. What does Paul mean when he states that it’s time to wake up? That our salvation is even nearer than when we first believed? What do these statements spark in you?

  9. What does the night/darkness symbolize here? Why do people tend to sin in the dark, behind closed doors, outside of watchful eyes?

  10. What sins does Paul list here as sins of darkness? Why is dissension and jealousy in a list with orgies and drunkenness?

  11. How can we clothe ourselves with Christ?

  12. How can we stop thinking about ways to gratify our sinful nature? List some practical ways to do this and to help one another do this?

  13. What are some practical changes that I can make today, this week, to put on the armor of light, behave decently, do no harm to my neighbor (family, colleagues, friends, enemies) and love them?

  14. What are some “take-aways” from this week’s Scripture passage?

God’s Servants in Government

Notes for Oct. 8, 2017
Romans 13:1-7

Biblical Background

  • Loyalty to the State: Roman/Greek culture preached the importance of being loyal to the ruling power and to the state. In fact, Socrates is said to have stated that he would rather be executed unfairly than to undermine the credibility of the state.

  • Jews & Christians in Paul’s day: The Jews and Christians (who were considered to be a sect of Judaism) in Roman times were often accused of not being loyal to the state as they would not bow down to the king. Knowing this, it is clear that Paul is not telling believers to worship the state or Caesar or do anything that would compromise one’s first and primary loyalty to God.

  • Nero: The tyrannical Roman Caesar, Nero was ruling during the letter to the Romans, however, the persecution of Christians had not been stoked up yet.

  • The sword: The sword was the standard method of execution used in Roman times. It was used on Roman citizens (beheading) as this was seen as a more humane way of taking a life than crucifixion, which was reserved for foreigners.

  • List of exhortations: Paul continues to use Greek stylized writing with lists of things to do or not to do.

  • Rome’s taxes: Rome levied a tax of 1% on all property across the empire and also a head tax – tax/person. Taxes were used for public infrastructure like roads, bridges, and to run the armies and government.

Discussion Questions

  1. In light of Paul’s teaching on the freedom we have in Christ, how does this idea that we must submit to authority fit?

  2. What does it mean to submit to governing authorities? What does this look like when you have a good governing authority? A bad governing authority?

  3. What is the ultimate origin of a government’s right to govern? Is it power?

  4. What is the relationship between God and government?

  5. How is God’s action as a ruler different from early governments?

  6. Read Acts 5:27-32. How does this passage fit with Romans 13:1-7?

  7. What are the key principles for Christians who are also citizens of the United States or any country for that matter? List them and discuss.

  8. Have you ever received a traffic ticket? If so, what was your attitude toward the state trooper or police officer?

  9. How would you advise a Christian to act in a country in which there are great injustices being done by the government?

  10. How would you practice your faith in a country that banned Christianity?

  11. How can you live out in new ways this week, the command to submit to government authorities? What does this look like?

  12. What are some appropriate ways to act when we disagree with our government?

The Unexpected Strategy of God

Notes for Oct. 1, 2017
Romans 12:3-21

Biblical Background

  • Paranesis: A Greek writing technique, the “paranesis” is a string of moral exhortations strung together. They don’t need to follow one particular theme yet they all follow the same core principles. Paul uses this ancient stylistic technique to make his points.

  • Honor: In Roman culture, your personal honor was paramount and so you did all that you could to protect and defend it. In this case, Paul is saying that rather than be concerned about your personal honor, instead seek to honor others. Thus the eyes are taken off of self and put on others.

  • Contribute to the needs of the saints: The idea of caring for the poor and needy is a Judeo-Christian concept – coming out of the Old Testament and one that Christ taught. The pagan religions were not concerned about the poor or needy as they had brought it upon themselves or the gods had cursed them. Thus, true humanitarianism actually comes out of the Christian worldview – it was Christians who opened the first orphanages, hospitals, schools, etc… and is one of the reasons the West which was influenced by this worldview developed so many humanitarian organizations.

  • Verse 14 and the Sermon on the Mount: Paul is repeating some of the teaching of Jesus as found in the Sermon in the Mount in this passage. This shows where Paul received his instruction.

  • Weeping: In Jewish culture, when someone died there was public weeping in sorrow. Thus, it was important to express one’s sorrow through tears in public. Jesus called us to come alongside people who are suffering and share in their sorrow – a sign that you truly care.

  • Humility: Humility was not a Greek virtue, but was emphasized in Judaism. Christian writers, including Paul in Philippians 2 use this attribute to summarize the character of Jesus Christ.

  • Not repaying evil with evil: Again we have Paul quoting from Jesus. This approach was and is still counter-culture in confronting evil behavior.

  • Vengeance is Mine, says the Lord: Paul quotes from Deuteronomy 32:35. Some stoic philosophers opposed vengeance since they believed “fate” would take care of things.

Discussion Questions

  1. How does Paul in these verses describe his main point in Romans 12:1-2?

  2. What does sincere love look like? Describe

  3. How do we “hate” evil?

  4. Does God hate evil? If so, how does He hate evil?

  5. What does it mean to “cling” to what is good? How can we practice clinging on to good? What causes us to lose our grip on good things?

  6. How can we have godly relationships with one another?

  7. What relational disciplines can we try this week to better love one another?

  8. How can we show others honor? Describe

  9. How can we share with others in new ways?

  10. How can we be hospitable to others? Even if we don’t have a place to invite people to?

  11. How can we live by the principles of Jesus found in the Sermon on the Mount and repeated here by Paul?

  12. How do we let go and trust God to take care of vengeance – giving evil people their just desserts?

  13. How are we to treat our enemies? Give some practical examples from the realm of politics? Sports? War? Relationships?

  14. How can you more effectively love your family, friends, colleagues and strangers this week?

  15. Do you have any grudges against anyone? If so, how are you going to begin treating them like a friend rather than an enemy?

  16. Which of these commands are the most difficult for you? The easiest?

The Way God Works Through Us

Notes for Sept. 24, 2017
Romans 12:1-8

Biblical Background

  • Living Sacrifice: Paul’s readers, whether Jew or Gentile, witnessed the sacrifice of animals in the Jewish temple or in the temples honoring the gods of Rome. The shedding of blood, representing the death of an animal as a means of atoning for our sins or gaining favor from the gods was the norm. Paul catches his reader off guard by suggesting that they become a “living” sacrifice. No longer does the follower of Jesus Christ need to shed the blood of animals, for Jesus has shed His blood on our behalf to atone for our sin. However, our response to the grace and love of God should be one of gratitude and a desire to love and serve Him. We do that by surrendering our lives totally to Him and to His service – it is the least that we can do. Thus, we are called to become “living” sacrifices, daily offering our body, mind and spirit to the Lord for His purposes.

  • This world: the disciple of Jesus Christ faces three enemies, the devil, our own sinful nature and “the world.” The world is the culture, forces of darkness, evil systems, ways of thinking that are in conflict with God’s truth and will. We live in this “world”, but we are ultimately not of it. Thus, we must be on guard and become aware of the influences in this world that are trying to conform us to its image and desires rather than God’s.

  • Conformed: J.B. Philips puts it this way in his paraphrase, “Don’t let the world around you squeeze you into its own mould, but let God re-mould your minds from within.” This is the image of a candle mold in which wax is poured in and shaped to fit the wishes of the craftsman, or a potter who may be shaping a jar as he desires. The world is trying to squeeze us, make us conform to its wishes. Instead, we are to let God “squeeze” us and conform us to His image.

  • Renewal of your mind: We are able to live out God’s will for our lives when we allow Him to renew our mind, our thinking, thoughts, and desires. What we put into our mind daily will influence how we live our lives. This is why the daily reading and meditation upon Scripture is so important for the Christian. We are bombarded daily with thousands of messages that are contrary to God’s will. By soaking our minds in God’s Word, we will then better be able to discern what is true and what is false. The best way to know a counterfeit dollar bill is to be so familiar with the smell, feel and look of an authentic dollar bill that the counterfeit is easily spotted. In the same way, we are to allow God to renew our minds through the His Word, so that we can then know what is right and wrong.

  • One body, many members: Roman culture was a class-oriented culture in which each person had his/her role. The Romans were well organized and as a result conquered the world and influenced many different cultures as they were able to put people into different roles for the well-being of the empire. Their culture, however, was often cruel and degrading. Paul is exhorting Christians to see the church as one body that needs all of the different parts working in harmony to be effective. In humility we are called to exercise our gifts and at the same time encourage others to share their gifts with the church.

Discussion Questions

  1. What is true spiritual worship? Describe what it looks like and when it takes place in the believer’s life.

  2. What is “the world”? Describe what it looks, feels and smells like?

  3. How does “the world” try and conform us to its image? Give examples

  4. What temptations from the world are the most difficult for you to resist or fight against? Why?

  5. How can we be transformed as disciples of Jesus Christ?

  6. Why is our mind so important to our Christian faith? How are our minds renewed? What does this mean?

  7. How can I know God’s will?

  8. What does it mean to “test and approve what God’s will is”? How do we do that?

  9. How are we to view other brothers and sisters in the church? How can we do this on a practical, daily level and live this out?

  10. How can we think of ourselves with “sober judgment”? Give examples.

  11. The church in Rome was very diverse with Jews, Gentiles and people from different cultures. Why does Paul write about the many different graces/gifts offered by each believer and the need for interdependence?

  12. How are the gifts of God exercised in our church? What do we do well? Where can we improve in becoming one body?

  13. What adverbs does Paul use when describing how our various gifts are to be used? How does this inform the attitudes and ways that we share our gifts with others?

  14. Meditate on Romans 12:1-2 again this week and ask God to continue to renew your mind and enable you to worship Him in ways that are pleasing and holy to God.

The Mercy of God

Notes for Sept. 17, 2017
Romans 1-11; 12:1

An Outline of Romans

A. What to Believe (1:1 – 11:36)

  1. Sinfulness of mankind

  2. Forgiveness of sin through Christ

  3. Freedom from sin’s grasp

  4. Israel’s past, present, and future

B. How to Believe (12:1 – 16:27)

  1. Personal Responsibility

  2. Personal Notes

(from the Life Application Bible)

Biblical Background on Romans 12:1

  • “Appeal” The Greek word translated as “appeal” is not as strong as a command, but rather is a very strong admonition, exhortation that carries with it the weight of fervent emotion.

  • “therefore” – When you see this word, you must ask, what is it “there for?” In this case, it is signaling that the previous 11 chapters have spoken of “the mercies of God.” Our understanding of God’s mercy should then bring out a response to this amazing gift from God.

  • “Mercies” - Someone once said, “Justice is getting what you deserve. Mercy is not getting what you deserve.” God in his mercy has taken upon Himself what we deserved, the punishment of death for our sin. Christ became sin for us so that we might become the righteousness of God. That is mercy.

  • “Present your bodies” – Many of the ancient religions including Judaism, as well as many religions today require you to offer a sacrifice to the gods or God to make atonement with God. In the time of Paul, the Greeks would sacrifice animals and at the temples of the gods – these animals would be “presented” to the gods. In the Jewish temple, the people of Israel would present animals to be sacrificed on their behalf. The clear difference here is that God is asking us to present our bodies, rather than an animal’s body to be presented on the altar.

  • “Living Sacrifice” – The good news is that we are to be a “living” sacrifice. In other words, since Jesus already presented his body as the ultimate sacrifice on the cross for our sins, we do not have to die for our sins. We are exhorted, however, to present our bodies (our whole being – body, mind and spirit) before God as a “living sacrifice.” In other words, all that we are, have and will be should be given to God.

  • L. Moody quote: “The problem with a living sacrifice is that it keeps crawling off of the altar.”

  • John Calvin observes, “By bodies, he does not mean only our skin and bones, but the totality of which we are composed . . . for the members of our bodies are the instruments by which we perform our actions.” Calvin’s Commentary on Romans

  • Spiritual Worship: We tend to equate worship only with singing praise and worship songs in church. Paul is stating that worship is much more than that – it involves surrendering all to the Lord and offering up your total self to God – all that you are, do, say and want to be.

  • C.S. Lewis quote from Mere Christianity, “Fallen man is not simply an imperfect creature who needs improvement: he is a rebel who must lay down his arms. Laying down your arms, surrendering, saying you are sorry, realising that you have been on the wrong track and getting ready to start life over again from the ground floor—that is the only way out of our ‘hole.’ This process of surrender—this movement full speed astern—is what Christians call repentance.”

Discussion Questions

  1. Watch the 3-minute video summary of Romans.

  2. What do you know about the apostle Paul? Share his life story.

  3. What do you know about the church in Rome – the church Paul is writing to in Romans?

  4. Romans 1–11 describes “the mercies of God.” What are the “mercies of God”?

  5. What does it mean to present your body to God?

  6. What does it mean to be a “living sacrifice”?

  7. What is holy and pleasing to God? How does this play out in everyday life? Give examples.

  8. What is spiritual worship? Define it and give examples.

  9. How does Paul’s definition of worship differ from what is commonly called worship in the church?

  10. Take time to memorize Romans 12:1-2. Write it out and put it around your house, office, and in your car. Then chew on it, reflect on it, meditate on it slowly and allow the Lord to make these two powerful verses something that you know not only in your mind, but also begin to grasp in your heart.

The Good Work God Has for Us to Complete

Notes for Sept. 10, 2017
Philippians 1:3-11

Biblical Background

  • Paul: the Apostle Paul first visited Philippi on his 1st Missionary journey when in a vision he saw a “man from Macedonia” calling him to come in Acts 16. Thus, he knew the people there and had a close relationship with them. He is writing from prison – we’re not sure which prison as he was imprisoned on several occasions.

  • Philippi: We read in Acts 16 that Philippi is a Roman Colony and a leading city in Macedonia – at a crossroads between Asia and Europe. Today it is located in Northeastern Greece. Philippi was a wealthy town in Paul’s day as there were gold and silver mines nearby. Many retired Roman soldiers lived there. Philippi is named after “Philip” the father of Alexander the Great (Philip the Second).

  • First Baptism in Europe: Philippi was the site of the first Christian baptisms in Europe (Acts 16) and so is really the beginning of the church on the European continent.

  • Lydia: this now famous business woman who sold purple dyed cloth in Philippi was a financial supporter of Paul’s ministry and one of the first European converts to Christianity. Her business was well placed to take advantage of the wealth of the area by making a luxury item – the beautiful purple cloth.

  • Letter writing: Paul follows the letter writing conventions of his day in this epistle.

  • Grace & Peace: Grace is the Greek greeting and Peace (Shalom) the Hebrew greeting and so Paul often combines these two powerful words and thus unites Jew and Gentile in the Christian church.

  • Timothy: He is Paul’s “son in the faith” and while not writing the letter, is with Paul serving as a “servant of Christ Jesus.”

  • Overseers and deacons: Two of the leadership designations given in the early church were that of Overseer (Elder) and Deacon (one who serves). The overseers were given authority to govern and teach in the early church. The deacons were given authority to serve and care for the physical and spiritual welfare of those in the local church.

  • Thanksgiving: Paul expresses his thanksgiving to God for the Philippians. A common part of ancient letters.

  • Remembrances: This was another term for prayer in Jewish worship. Paul is thanking the Lord for the Philippians and remembering before God all of the ways that they had blessed and encouraged him.

  • Partnership in the Gospel from the first day until now: Paul saw the Philippian Christians as partners in the spread of the good news of Jesus. They had been there from the first day of his ministry in Europe and had remained faithful through the years to the mission. This was high praise coming from the apostle Paul and also shows that Paul didn’t consider himself superior, but rather a fellow servant of Jesus Christ.

  • Financial supporters of Paul: Partnership also connotes the sharing of time, talent and treasure (financial gifts) in the work of the mission. The word for partnership is a business term and Paul certainly was blessed by the financial help of the Philippian church.

  • Day of Christ: Throughout the New Testament, this refers to the Day of the Lord when Jesus will return to judge the living and the dead.

  • Assurance that God will complete His work: Paul encouraged the Philippian believers by letting them know that God will not be stopped in completing the good work that He had begun in them. This is a word of hope! Paul has confidence that God will enable them to persevere in the faith as He already has over the years.

Discussion Questions

  1. What do you know about Paul? Timothy?

  2. Why does Paul call himself and Timothy, “servants of Christ Jesus”?

  3. How does Paul’s view of a servant compare to the popular view of a servant today?

  4. Do you consider yourself a servant of Christ Jesus? Why or why not?

  5. Who are the “overseers” and “deacons” in our church? What are their roles? Have you ever been served or helped by the “overseers” and “deacons” in our church? Share examples.

  6. How does Paul’s greeting, “Grace and Peace,” reflect the message of the Gospel?

  7. How can we communicate the grace and peace of Christ to others?

  8. What would be the opposite of grace and peace? How do Christians sometimes exhibit these negative traits instead of allowing the grace and peace of the Lord to be the forces that bring about change?

  9. What can you tell from this passage about Paul’s relationship with the Christians at Philippi? When have you felt that depth of relationship in the Lord with others? Share examples.

  10. Why is it important to remember people in our prayers and thank God for them?

  11. What does it mean for Paul to call the Philippian Christians “partners in the Gospel”?

  12. How can we better partner with others to share the good news of Jesus?

  13. How does Paul encourage the Christians in Philippi? What kind of leader is Paul?

  14. What does it mean that God will complete the good work that He has done in your life?

  15. What is the “day of Christ Jesus”? Why would that be the day of final completion in our lives?

  16. Write a letter to some other follower of Jesus using language similar to Paul to encourage them and let them know that you are praying for them.