September 18 Care Group

Thanks to Pat for the great snacks!  We met at the DeVivos' home and continued our study of Philippians.  We read Phil 1: 12-30 in three parts.

Part 1:  verses 12-18 - Guiding Questions - What was Paul so passionate about?  Do you share in it?  Do you face any challenges?

The gospel was Paul's passion, preached in any way, because he longed for God to get glory.
We "adorn" the gospel when we live a life worthy of the gospel, bearing fruit that gives Him glory.
It's tough to compare ourselves to Paul.  We can have the same passion but not have the same kind of ministry.
Matt 5:16 - Let your light so shine before men so that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
God has us where we are for a reason so that we can be used for His purpose.
We cannot compare ourselves to each other.  We have each been given a measure of grace.  We need to surrender our hearts to Him, relax and live for Him.  Like the prodigal son, we can just turn  to Him, let Him fill us and bear His fruit through us.
Even in times of suffering God uses us to relate to the broken vulnerability of the lost.  God uses us in all seasons, in all times of trial and blessing.  Trust Him!
God moves when we obey Him and do what He wants.

Part 2:  verses 19-26 - Guiding Questions - What does Paul mean by v. 21?  How can we relate this to our lives?

Since we're still here on earth and not in heaven, it means fruitful labor.  God brings us the work we are to do for Him.
Dying = gain for me
Living = work for others for their good
Paul died to self at a deep level.  He walked in the power of the resurrection and he suffered greatly for Jesus' name.
We should be eager to lose everything for His name's sake.

Part 3:  verses 27-30

Let your life be worthy of the gospel of Christ.  Stand firm in one spirit.  In our suffering we still have grace and the presence of God with us because Jesus took the painful isolation of torment in suffering for us.

September 4 Care Group

Philippians Bible Study

We began our evening with some great snacks brought by Debbie, then we sang our hearts out.  When we gathered at the table we read Acts 16:6-40 where Luke recounts the birth of the Philippian Church.  We agreed that there are many, many wonderful sections in this passage to comment on; miracles, demons, the gospel, time issues, the jailer's conversion, Lydia, etc.

The gospel can penetrate any one's heart and reveal Himself.  It's always miraculous when it happens, no matter the circumstances.

The Holy Spirit redirected Paul and Silas toward Philippi.  The entire journey was framed by the supernatural.  God caused tremendous fruit to come forth by His power and grace.

God's providence sent them such a great distance for Lydia.  We must trust God even when it's difficult to see the wisdom behind His direction.

We pray regularly "Lord, open this door!" and yet sometimes what we really need is a closed door!  We shared personal stories about how God told us "no" in certain circumstances and it was a blessing indeed.  "No" is a comforting answer from a loving father.

Paul and his companions were beaten over and over and suffered so much for the gospel - such opposition.  Like today in areas like Afghanistan and North Korea where there is daily great persecution and threat to believers.  Yet God sends his people there who are ready to face suffering and death because they know it's God's will.  We need to pray for our brethren in dangerous places in the world!

Philippians 1:1-11

Paul obviously had such a deep affection for this group of people.  He hadn't seen them in many years and yet his heart longing remained for their welfare.  The Philippians sent someone to care for Paul's needs.  And at the same time Paul sent them a letter to care for them.  He encouraged them with amazing words that ring loudly in our hearts today!  We can imagine them reading his letter with tears and full hearts!