Inductive Bible Study
In class:
-Finish sharing observations for 7.2-7.17 -Go over questions/answers for 7.2-7.17 -Prayer -Listen while I read out loud the rest of the the letter of Philippians - discuss/share - what stood out to you? Homework: Look back through the whole book/letter and all the Main Truths we've come up with for different sections. Then, write one Main Truth for the whole of Philippians - what was Paul's point/purpose in writing? (You can do another sentence or so than the norm for this one.)
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In class:
-Share 5.9-7.2 Main Truths -Discuss 5.9-7.2 Application Questions in your small groups -Tear up "resumes" of OUR own accomplishments - Christ's are far greater -10 minutes observations 7.2-7.17 -Begin sharing observations Homework: Answer 7.2-7.17 Questions in your journals 1. What themes do we see repeated in this section that we have seen before? 2. Why does Paul say the Lord is near? (twice) 3. Who are these women/people and how does Paul have the authority to say their names are in the book of life? 4. How does this section fit with the previous? 5. What is Paul’s perspective on Euodia’s and Synthyche’s conflict? 6. How do we know what is true, noble, right…? 7. What have they learned/heard/received/seen from Paul? 5.9-7.2 Main Truths -(Rose): We can be sure that there will be trouble in life, but as believers, we should seek to protect and encourage our brothers and sisters, and to live for Christ rather than the world. -(Jose): We need to stand strong against evil-doers, and not fall into their ways, but instead live like Christ. -(Tyler): All believers can have faith in God to do the things he calls us to do even when we think we can't. -(Jake): We are called to worship God and follow his path, so we can then teach others to worship and not fall to earthly paths. -(Miss Zattlin): The gospel and knowing Christ FAR outweighs any of our own accomplishments, and knowing Christ is worth so much more than anything we could do on our own. Paul understood this and had the proper perspective...everything we are and have done is NOTHING and garbage compared to the gospel and knowing Christ. In class:
-Prayer: Ben, Zach, Lindi -In groups, answer 1 more Interpretation Question -Share answers for all Interpretation Questions Homework: Write Main Truth for 5.9-7.2 5.9-7.2 Interpretation Questions 1. 5.11-13 - What does Paul mean? Why does he have reasons for such confidence? -He had lots of accomplishments, was the pinnacle of what a Hebrew should be - he was so accomplished, so powerful, so religious, that he had no fault according to Hebrew law, had "checked off" every box on the check list - so he had no reason to not be confident 2. 5.14-17 Why is Paul bringing in this Old Testament language? -Paul wanted to emphasize to the Jews that he had been successful according to their standards, and even those standards were worthless next to knowing Christ 3. What are the contrasts? Why are they important to Paul's point/What is Paul's point for each? -destroyed (evil) vs. citizenship in heaven -accomplished vs. loss (greatness of knowing Christ) -accomplishments before do not matter when Christ becomes the central focus of our lives -righteousness of self (law) vs. righteousness through faith in Christ -tension of already but not yet -salvation has been given, but work it out -Christ has taken hold of Paul, but working to take hold of this salvation -we know the beginning, the climax (resurrection), and the end of the story, but still living in the world vs our home in heaven (where our citizenship is) 4. How does Paul feel about the different groups of people he mentions? Why? (Incl. view of himself) -unrighteous - watch out, they will be destroyed, dogs, evil, mutilators -Philippians - friends, protect them, guide them -himself - feels good (not because of his own works) because of Christ, not perfect but working to it -we/us - Paul and Philippains - confident of end game, what they already have 5. What are the distinguishing marks of those who are the true circumcision? -Circumcision was an act that God commanded the Hebrews to do as a marker that they were different, that they were set apart -This circumcision was a part of the Law, and we already discussed, righteousness via Law is not enough -The true circumcision then deals with righteousness via faith in Christ - those whom Christ has taken hold of have been set apart, their faith is a marker that they are different 6. What did Paul lose? What did he gain? -Lost: status, position, relationships/friendships, safety, security, health, comfort} -Gained: the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ, salvation, citizenship in heaven 7. Who are the "dogs"? Literal or figurative? -figurative - the people who do evil, who lead believers astray -Why does Paul warn the Philippians about these people? -sometimes if we keep company too much with bad/evil people, it affects us, gets into our heads, changes how we think, speak, and act 3.3, 5.17-18 Paul warns that the fate of the opposers, evil-doers is destruction - he does not want the Philippians to be led astray, to meet this same fate 8. (6.7-9) What is being taken hold of? -Acting like Christ, imitating his humility, -citizenship in heaven, salvation 9. Why does Paul refer to them as brothers? (6.8,15) -brothers in Christ, considers them family 10. (6.11-12) What things? Why take this view? -To look to heaven, strive to be like Christ - for believers to come to know Christ more, and be an example to other believers and non-believers 11. What does it mean "their god is their stomachs"? -they only think of themselves, selfish ambitions, mind is on earthly things -satisfy their earthly desires over the heavely/eternal 12. What does it mean "our citizenship is in heaven"? -direct contrast to "god is their stomachs" - heaven is our prize, and everything we do should be looking forward to that - from the moment we are saved we are assured a place in heaven -heavenly/eternal over earthly/selfish/temporal In class:
-Write your resume - Brag about yourselves! -Share some resumes -Finish sharing observations for 5.9-7.2 -Ask/share questions Homework: Answer Interpretation Questions Rows 1-2 #1-3 ; Rows 3-4 #4-6 In class:
-Share in small groups the list of things Paul is looking for in a helper -10 minutes - quiet time/reflection with Application Questions for 3.6-4.11 1. What would it look like to humble yourself in obedience? 2. Are there spaces in your life where God may be calling you to greater humility? 3. What are some concrete action steps that you can take in that direction? -Begin observations 5.9-7.2 -Begin sharing observations as a class Homework: Write 4 questions for 5.9-7.2 In class:
-Discuss Interpretation Questions for 3.6-4.11 (next in the post) -Write and share Main Truths for 3.6-4.11 (end of the post) -Separate next section 4.11-5.9 Homework: Read 4.11-5.9, write down 5 things Paul is looking for in a helper Interpretation Questions 3.6-4.11 1. What does it mean to be "like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit, and of one mind"? having fellowship, having the same goal and mindset and purpose -spread the gospel, work out salvation -be blameless and pure, children of God (be like Jesus, follow his example) 2. What was Jesus' attitude toward the humiliation and suffering He endured? What does it tell us about what Jesus considers valuable? -He was humble and obedient, continued to be forgiving (obedient to death on a cross) -He considers us valuable, worth suffering for, worth the cross 3. If we are to be like Jesus described here, what happens to our wants, interests, and needs? (Attitude being the same as Christ Jesus? -change from what we want, to be the desires of God - His above ours, ours become His 4. In 3.9-11, What is the general human attitude/thought towards this idea? What is God's? -We don't like to give up our rights/freedom/comfort/choice/self interests -humanity generally against it -God sees from a different perspective, knows His plan, knows it is the best, everything will work out for His glory 5. How do you humble yourself to be obedient to death? -Ask Jesus to help us, be in fellowship with Jesus and other believers (constantly working out #1-4) -We know we're going to heaven - for believers death means we get to go to heaven and be with Jesus, which is better 6. In 3.13-14, How does it work for Jesus to be God, but to not consider himself equal with God? -Jesus made Himself like a servant - chose this, humble, humility to know God and his plan are higher even though they are equal 7. 4.2-3 What does it mean to work out salvation? Why do it with fear and trembling? -God will work out your salvation if you fear him - key to salvation (respect, awe, humility) -work out by being obedient and faithful, learning and growing in what it means that Jesus has saved 8. What is "vain conceit"? Dictionary definition and what does it look like? -being full of yourself, thinking you're the best or so great -Paul's priorities are God first, others second, self last - vain conceit is the opposite priorities 9. 4.5 "Arguing" What does it mean by arguing? Is it different than arguing for faith? -arguing - different views on what Paul wanted them to do, patience with others, believers arguing among themselves -believers arguing with non-believers - don't argue in hear/anger, don't force, don't be arrogant, make sure your heart in right place -our goal should not to be to "win" arguments, but to show compassion so we can gracefully defend the faith and share Christ's love 10. How do we do everything without complaining or arguing so that we can be blameless and pure? -find things in common, establish necessities/corner stones of faith, the saving work of Jesus Christ as common ground, look for positives, don't focus on negatives -be humble, know we are not perfect either, ask Jesus to give us grace and to help us to be graceful, and help us to give to others 11. What is a drink offering? Why does Paul compare himself to it? -The drink offering, usually consisting of wine poured out on the alter, speaks not of the work or death of Christ (although it is symbolic of the blood of Jesus being poured out), but the joy of God in the completed work. Under levitical law a drink offering could not be offered alone, but only in conjunction with a burnt offering a meal (grain) offering, or peace offering, but never with a sin or guilt offering (because there is no joy in Christ's suffering in taking our sin). "He [Paul] was not only willing to lay down his life for his Lord, but to do so in such a way that he would be exemplifying the teaching of the drink offering, for his work would be finished and he would enter into his rest were there would be only joy, for he would 'be with Christ; which is far better" (Phil.1:23) (biblecentre.org) 12. What does Paul mean by boasting in 4.8? -Boasting - things that benefit/glorify Christ and His completed work, seeing others come to know Jesus and grow in Jesus, the completed work of Christ being lived out in the Church Main Truths: -(Allison) We all need to be brothers and sisters in Christ and obey God because He sacrificed a lot for us. -(Emily) It is okay to be afraid and not perfect, but when we find Him that all changes because of who He is in us. -(Bekah) Jesus' humility led Him to die on the cross, and we need to imitate that humility to be obedient to what God wants us to do. We are given steps to follow so that through our lifetime of sanctification we become more like Christ. -(Rose) Paul is telling us to not stay in one place, but to go out and act upon our faith, and be obedient to Christ. -(Miss Zattlin) We are called to imitate Jesus' humility by valuing others first, putting our own desires aside, to walk in unity with other believers and obedience to the gospel, for the glory of God (because we value the gospel and want others to hear it). In class:
-Finish sharing observations -Share questions -Begin working on answering questions in your groups Homework: finish answering your group's questions Group 1: Emmalee, Meghan, Jake, Jose, Ryanne 1. What does it mean to be "like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit, and of one mind"? 2. What was Jesus' attitude toward the humiliation and suffering He endured? What does it tell us about what Jesus considers valuable? 9. 4.5 "Arguing" What does it mean by arguing? Is it different than arguing for faith? Group 2: Allison, Logan, Bekah, Andrea, Nick R. 8. What is "vain conceit"? Dictionary definition and what does it look like? 11. What is a drink offering? Why does Paul compare himself to it? (Only exception - you may look online) 12. What does Paul mean by boasting in 4.8? Group 3: Emily, Zach, McKayla, Lindi, Nick T., Kyra 5. How do you humble yourself to be obedient to death? 6. In 3.13-14, How does it work for Jesus to be God, but to not consider himself equal with God? 7. 4.2-3 What does it mean to work out salvation? Why do it with fear and trembling? Group 4: Tyler, Ben, Ethan, Rose, Gabrielle 3. If we are to be like Jesus described here, what happens to our wants, interests, and needs? (Attitude being the same as Christ Jesus? 4. In 3.9-11, What is the general human attitude/thought towards this idea? What is God's?4 10. How do we do everything without complaining or arguing so that we can be blameless and pure? In class:
-Write Main Truth for 1.20-3.6 (remember: A "Main Truth" is a truth about Who God Is, or What God Does/Has Done, and how it relates to us/what we can take from it) -Discuss 1.20-3.6 Application Questions Together -Continue briefly observations on 3.6-4.11 (see separate post with observations) Homework: Write 4 questions on 3.6-4.11 1.20-3.6 Main Truths -(Ben) We can have confidence that God wants the best for us, and He will use even the worst circumstances to help better us and bring Himself glory. -(Rose) The best encouragement that we can find is in Christ. -(Lindi) God protects us and has the ultimate plan for us, which is greater than ours. We can trust in His plans. -(Jose) God protects us and always has the best plans for us, even if it may seem like its not in our best interests it always is. -(Miss Zattlin) As believers, our priorities should be Christ, our fellow believers, and then our own selves. Our goals should be to humbly preach Christ without trying to further our own agenda, to encourage fellow believers and live as an example of Christ, in a manner worthy of the gospel, using even suffering as a means of proclaiming Christ and seeing others come to Him. continuity: 3.6 united with Christ - 3.8-9 like-minded, same love, one in spirit and purpose
3.10 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit - 4.3-5 Do everything without complaining or arguing 3.13-16 not consider equality with God, made himself nothing, servant, made in human likeness, appearance as man, humbled himself, obedient contrast - humility (2.13-16) vs. glory (3.17-20) Repetitions of Christ, Spirit, God - all other places Jesus is referenced (him, etc) Repetitions of "you", "your", "yourselves", "all of you" Mini-sections within this one, summary of their content -Emotions words -Similes - shine like stars, poured out like a drink offering In class:
-Prayer: Nick T -Finish discussing Interpretation Questions for 1.20-3.6 -Divide manuscript for next section: 3.6-4.11 -Read section out loud in groups, then do observations on your own -Begin sharing observations Homework: Application Questions for 1.20-3.6 (Handout, write answers in your journal) 1.20-3.6 Interpretation Questions: 1. What are the contrasts and what are they used to show To live is Christ v. To die is gain be ashamed v. courage Rivalry v. good will, false motives v. true motives destroyed v. saved Fruitful labor v. depart to be with Christ Show: difference between the people preaching the gospel - and the punishment/reward that awaits as a result Paul's inner struggles and why he is debating these options 2. Why would Paul include the living and dying section - what would it say to readers? Let them know that he is ok - he's not scared of dying because he has faith in Christ Give the Philippians some hope - show them his care and concern for them outweighs his desire to not be in this struggle 3. What does it mean to boast in Christ? speak about Him boldly and proudly, be excited about Him when speaking to others Boasting about Christ and what He is doing vs boasting about ourselves and our own abilities or accomplishments 4. Who is central to the gospel? And what is the gospel all about? Why does he mention it so many times? Jesus is central to the gospel: (2.5) "Christ is preached" is the most important thing, (2.7) help given by the Spirit of Christ Jesus, (2.10) Christ exalted, (2.11) To live is Christ, (2.17) joy in Christ, (2.18) worthy of the gospel of Christ) The gospel is all about: the foundation of our faith - changes the way we live 5. Where does Paul place his priorities? 1. Christ, His work, the gospel, preaching, etc 2. The church 3. Himself and his own desires 6. 1.20 Why do some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry? Trying to cause trouble for Paul and get glory for themselves (2.2-3) 7. 2.5-6 Why does Paul rejoice even for "false motives"? Christ is still being talked about and preached - even if peoples' motives aren't true, God can still use it to impact others 8. 2.10-11 What does it mean that "to live is Christ" and "to die is gain"? Why does Paul prefer death? living gives a chance to live like Christ and spread His Word but dying he gets to go be with God/Christ - prefers death for this reason - heaven is better than prison/chains/persecution/opposition 9. 2.11-12 What does the "Fruitful labor" line mean? Fruitful labor is anything Christ can do to advance the gospel (2.12) (2.16-17) progress and joy in the faith for the church, joy in Christ Jesus will overflow 10. How is Paul faithful when he faces this opposition? How does he remain faithful even in prison? Where does he find the courage? He still trusted and longed for Christ (2.10-15) Believed that God had a plan and he was part of it so he finds courage in Christ (2.7-8) Holy Spirit helped him (2.7-8) 11. What does it mean that "to believe" and "to suffer" have been "granted" to them? (2.3-4) granted to believe: Spirit led the gospel to them and worked in peoples' lives to bring them closer to Christ (Pre-course) granted to suffer: makes them stronger, grows faith: (3.3) you will be saved, what has happened will turn out for deliverance (2.8) |
1st Quarter Sophomore bibleWelcome to Inductive Bible Study! This quarter we will be learning how to study the Bible using the Inductive Method, with the book of Philippians as our main study. Archives |