Study Questions - Series in Philippians [13]

Date: October 9, 2005
Passage: Philippians 4:2-9
Message: The Bottom Line
Series in Philippians [13]

Imagine being in the congregation when this letter was read for the first time.
Read v2-3 How do you think Euodia and Syntyche felt having their dirty laundry aired publicly?
How would you react to this? Why?

“One of the things I love about the Bible is that it never seeks to cover up what seems to contradict it!
We have the sins of all the saints in clear view.
We have the failures, doubts, impetuousness, fear, ignorance of the people of God on full display!”
Give examples.
Why is the Bible so transparent?

What are the underlying causes of conflict?
What is happening inside of us when we get into some form of conflict?
Share the way you normally deal with conflict.

Max Lucado in his book In The Eye Of The Storm tells the story of a fishing trip he took that went sour because of foul weather. Instead of fishing he and the others had to sit around inside waiting for the weather to clear. After a couple of days they are getting on each other’s nerves. He made the profound statement that, “when those who are called to fish, don’t fish; they fight.”
Discuss.

Eugene Peterson points out the fact that glory and earthiness dwell side by side in the ministry of Jesus.
Ref. Luke 9
We have Jesus Transfiguration in the presence of Peter, James and John.
At the foot of the Mountain we have the inability of the other disciples to help a man and his demon possessed boy.]
Then an argument among all the disciples as to who would be the greatest in the Kingdom of God!
Give other examples of glory and earthy being side by side.
Can you give examples in your own life?

“In short Paul’s advice is to sort out this mess, but his longer solution encompasses a broad and glorious vision of the Christian life!
He reminds them the Lord is near. [v5]
He calls then to courageous faith that drives us to pray. [v6]
He reminds us of a peace that comes only from Jesus. [v7]
Then his heart wells up, and in one big rambling sentence in the original Greek, Paul urges to them look at life and others with a wide-eyed wonder and see that which is….

…..true… noble…right…pure…lovely…admirable, excellent…praiseworthy” [v8-10]

How does this big picture of the Christian life affect the nitty gritty world of our relationships?

Why is it so incompatible to be reconciled to God and un-reconciled to another Christian?