Inductive Bible Studies from Word Within » Phillippians

Attaining to the Resurrection from the Dead: Your Personal Bible Study

admin — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 16:16:25 +0000

Paul uses the word “resurrection” twice in the rather long sentence that begins in Philippians 3:8 and runs through the end of verse 11. The first use of the word clearly refers to the resurrection of Jesus following His death on the cross and subsequent burial of His human form in the grave.

_ Read Philippians 3:8-11. Record what it sounds like to you that the second use of “resurrection” might refer to.

_ Read 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17. What does these verses tell you about resurrection?

_ Read 1 Corinthians 15:42-44 and record what you learn about resurrection from the passage.

_ Now Read Philippians 3:10-11. What four things must a person know in order to attain to the resurrection from the dead?

_ Read Philippians 3:12-14. What does the pronoun “it” (NASB) or “all this” (NIV) refer to when Paul says “Not that I have already obtained it…”

_ Still in Phil 3:12-14, what does the statement “Lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus” mean?

_ In Philippians 3:14, what is the goal and what is the prize that Paul mentions he is pressing on towards?

_ What do you think Paul means by “the upward call of God in Christ Jesus?

After reading the cross-references and examining the passage thoroughly, what (in your opinion) are all the possible meanings of the word “resurrection” as Paul uses it in Philippians 3:8-14?

How Much Do You Love Me?

admin — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 15:24:20 +0000

Paul’s letter to the Philippians is beautiful on many levels. He has such love for the believers in Philippi that he “longs for them all with the affection of Christ.” How many of us have that same kind of love for the believers we know?

He was also thankful that they had “participated in the gospel” with him. Do we even think about such things today? How thankful are we for those we know at home and abroad who are participating in spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ? Are we so focused on our own lives that we don’t even think about the hard work and self-sacrifice they are enduring for the Lord?

In his letter to the Philippians, Paul rejoices in his imprisonment because he knows it’s going to turn out for his deliverance (This man knew Christ so well that he knew he was going to be delivered!) He goes on to say, “for to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” Such a lofty way of thinking could only come from someone who really knew Christ.

In the third chapter of his letter, Paul expounds on the subject of knowing Christ. “But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ. More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things…that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings…” Paul desired to know Christ so much that he gave up everything. But for Paul that wasn’t nearly enough. He wanted to know Him as well through the fellowship of His sufferings.

Not many of us can comprehend the single-mindedness Paul had for knowing Christ. But by studying his teachings, we soon realize that our goal should be the same as his. Only by growing in our knowledge of Christ day-by-day will we be able to love others with the love of Christ and then accomplish the good works that He created before time for us to do.

You Still Have Time to Sign Up

admin — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 20:43:12 +0000

Gail will begin teaching a new study on Tuesday nights beginning March 2. Through the pen of His servant Paul, God has given us the standard for walking in the footsteps of Jesus, which He outlines in a letter to the church at Philippi. In this ten-week course, you will not only be aided in your personal walk with Christ through practical reminders from the Apostle Paul, but you’ll be improving your study skills at the same time. A section has been added to the course workbook that outlines simplified instructions on how to study the Bible inductively.

Preparation for each class involves one to two hours of outside study, which is laid out for you in your personal workbook. Classes involv interactive lectures that allow for asking questions and discussion. The aim of this course, as it is with all Word Within Easy-to-Learn Inductive Bible Studies, is to be able to apply the Word of God to our everyday lives. We believe that it doesn’t matter how much you know about the Bible, but how much you apply the Bible to your daily walk.

If you would like to join us in this exciting new study, call 918-492-0945 to tell us you plan to attend. It is helpful if we know how many participants to prepare for.