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Philippians Bible Study – Week 2 – Recap

August 19, 2016 by Darlene Schacht 10 Comments

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Phil2_recap

 

As I sat down to watch the olympics last night, I couldn’t help but be reminded of Paul’s letter to the Philippians. Usain Bolt flew across the finish line with one thing on his mind–winning the race. Like Paul, he didn’t slow down, lose focus, or give up. His steps were steady and sure, but most importantly his mind was on the race.

Philippians is a wake up call to every Christian that’s distracted by the things of this world.  Through Paul’s example we learn that those things yet to come far outweigh the circumstances of our present life.

Paul was a true optimist in that he was hopeful regardless of his circumstance. Whether he was rich or poor, imprisoned or free, sick or healthy, he found a reason to rejoice.

The origin of the word “rejoice” means “to enjoy the possession of.” So we can look at it this way–rejoicing is more than just being content, it’s embracing our situation with a heightened sense of joy.

I can rejoice because I’m saved. I can rejoice because this world isn’t my home. I can rejoice because I have a God who loves me deeply. I can rejoice because He gives me strength for today. I can rejoice because I’m never alone. I can rejoice because His promises don’t fail. I can rejoice because God provides for me. I can rejoice because He’s guiding my steps. I can rejoice because I’m right where He wants me to be…

You are loved by an almighty God,

Darlene Schacht
The Time-Warp Wife

P.S. Don’t forget to grab a copy of the coloring page below. 🙂

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Paul’s Visit to Philippi

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Philippians: The Joy of Christian Living – Bible Study Journal (affil link)

Acts 16:11-40 – “Paul’s Visit to Philippi”

Regardless of where I am or what my circumstances might be, I can praise God at all times. I saw how Paul and Silas effected the people around them because of their unwavering faith.

This teaches me that my attitude is a powerful force, that can either draw others to Christ or turn them away. My attitude—perhaps even more than my words—reflect what I truly believe.

Joy is an extension of my faith. It’s not something I put on, or pretend that I have. It’s the very thing I hold on to when everything else is stripped from my life.

The guard was eager to have what Paul and Silas had because it was rare. They weren’t conformed to this world—they were conformed to their faith.

According to Relevant Magazine, 50 countries are persecuting Christians because of their faith.

Millions of people including children are being imprisoned, beaten and killed.

We need to be in prayer for these people as much as the early church was. Persecution every bit as much a reality now as it was then.

 

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Philippians 1:1-11

Phil2_2

Philippians: The Joy of Christian Living – Bible Study Journal (affil link)

Philippians 1:1-11

Paul says, You are partakers of my grace. This part is key to understanding His ministry.

It was Paul’s mission to speak to the Greeks – that is the Gentiles who were brought into the new covenant through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

“If some of the branches have been broken off, and you through a wild olive shoot, have been grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing sap from the olive root.” Romans 11:17

We can compare this verse with understanding:

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.” Romans 1:16

Here Paul is offering the grace of God to all believers at Philippi without exception.

Because God took a Pharisee and transformed his life completely, Paul could see his former self in non-believers, and felt affection for them.

Once Christ showed Paul the truth. He saw just how lost he once was. He had a heart for the Gentiles but some of the Jews in those days weren’t ready to accept the fact that the gospel of Jesus Christ was for all men. Paul knew differently and had a passion to reach them with the gospel.

His passion stemmed from a deep love and devotion to God.

Everything we do should stem from a deep love for the Father and mankind. Our knowledge and understanding is nothing without an intimate relationship with Christ.

It’s with that knowledge that we are then able to discern right from wrong. And likewise choose right from wrong.

Too often I do things because it either makes me look good or I get a good feeling from doing it. There’s a payback of some kind…

I look to others for my reward, which can be discouraging at times. If we love our enemies, they may not react the way we want them to, but if we love them because God loves us we find our reward in Him.

For example:
We often hear people say things like… I give and I give and I give to this person, and they never give back. Or… I witness to this person and I never see results… Or… I’m always the one to say sorry first. I’m always the one to step up and be the bigger person. I give more than I get…

Those statements show that you look for reward in the wrong place.
Like Jesus, Paul lived his life in such a way that brought glory to God. When we live this way, we are just as serving in private as we are in public. They suffered much to deliver the gospel. Will I?

Righteousness is the quality of being morally right or justified. The only way we can truly be righteous is through the righteousness of Christ who is perfect in every way.

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Philippians 1:12-30

Phil2_3

Philippians: The Joy of Christian Living – Bible Study Journal (affil link)

Paul was more focused on  spreading the gospel than he was on his trials. He was able to look past them because he was focused on the prize ahead. He saw his trials as an opportunity to strengthen believers and further the gospel.

When I sharpen my focus I begin to see Christ as Paul did. I can look past my problems knowing that there’s more to this life than today.

Paul was a true optimist in that he was hopeful regardless of his circumstance. Whether he was rich or poor, imprisoned or free, sick or healthy, he found a reason to rejoice.

The origin of the word “rejoice” means “to enjoy the possession of.” So we can look at it this way–rejoicing is more than just being content, it’s embracing our situation with a heightened sense of joy.

I can rejoice because I’m saved. I can rejoice because this world isn’t my home. I can rejoice because I have a God who loves me deeply. I can rejoice because He gives me strength for today and hope for tomorrow. I can rejoice because I’m never alone. I can rejoice because His promises don’t fail. I can rejoice because God provides for me. I can rejoice because He’s guiding my steps. I can rejoice because I’m right where He wants me to be…

Every day that God gives us is yet another day to win souls for eternity. Our focus should always be that of doing the will of the Father rather than living for our own gratification.

There is so much to be done for the furtherance of the gospel. All we have to do is be ready and willing to follow His lead.

In this chapter we also saw that Paul was warning the church to stand firm against those who oppose the gospel. Many believers are discouraged by this, but there’s encouragement in knowing that our reward is great in heaven. Believers will suffer for their faith, but so many Christians have forgotten this truth.

Those who walk in faith choose the wisdom of God over their own which means that it won’t be the most comfortable path, nor will it be the most popular.

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This Week’s Coloring Page

click here to download and print this page

Week2ColorSmall

 

Filed Under: Uncategorized

« Bible Study – Philippians – Week 2 – Part 1
Bible Study – Philippians – Week 3 – Part 1 »

Comments

  1. Evelyn says

    August 19, 2016 at 9:39 am

    I am a week behind, I waited to start until I finished my last study, but I am really enjoying it! I purchased the journal, it’s great! Thanks for all that you put into it!

    Reply
  2. Rosario Kowalski says

    August 19, 2016 at 10:12 am

    You are such a blessing to me, Mrs. Darlene. Praying that God will continue to give you His wisdom and insight to continue to open His word to others, especially younger women (like my 30 something daughters)! May He greatly increase your understanding of Scripture along with your already brilliant writing skills even more, to His glory. Love you!

    Reply
  3. April Endicott says

    August 19, 2016 at 12:32 pm

    I just started to read your study It is really good . I needed to hear it again .

    Reply
    • Darlene Schacht says

      August 22, 2016 at 2:21 am

      Awesome! Glad you are here!

      Reply
  4. Elizabeth Ndofirepi says

    August 20, 2016 at 2:02 am

    You are an angel Darleen. Your work for the Lord empowers me. I find strength, yes spiritual strength when I read you postings. Actually, I am growing spiritually and I witness God working wonders in my life. I was empty and poor in spirit before. May God continue to use you to win lost souls.

    Reply
    • Darlene Schacht says

      August 22, 2016 at 2:21 am

      Thank you for your kind encouragement Elizabeth. It comes at a good time. God is good!

      Reply
  5. Faith says

    August 21, 2016 at 8:49 pm

    I just love this:

    I can rejoice because I’m saved. I can rejoice because this world isn’t my home. I can rejoice because I have a God who loves me deeply. I can rejoice because He gives me strength for today and hope for tomorrow. I can rejoice because I’m never alone. I can rejoice because His promises don’t fail. I can rejoice because God provides for me. I can rejoice because He’s guiding my steps. I can rejoice because I’m right where He wants me to be…

    How true this is and a good reminder when I’m drowning in pity or sorrow for myself. Thank you for sharing!

    Reply
    • Darlene Schacht says

      August 22, 2016 at 2:20 am

      Amen!!

      Reply
  6. Hayley says

    September 22, 2016 at 6:00 am

    Just started this study a week ago. I love it and it has helped me dig deeper! Love the cute birds too

    Reply
  7. Lynda says

    March 3, 2017 at 10:19 pm

    My first study and I love it!!! Learned so much about Jesus but myself too!!
    May God bless you and your family and continue to give u wisdom to make more studies…
    Thanks

    Reply

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