PASTOR CECIL A. THOMPSON TUMWATER CHAPEL MESSAGE OF THE WEEK PHILIPPIANS 1: THE BIRTH OF THE CHURCH 09.25.2016

PHILIPPIANS ONE

THE BIRTH OF THE CHURCH   09.25.2016

⁹ And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, ¹⁰ that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, ¹¹ being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.

1. What things does Paul pray for the church at Philippi?
2. Is there something that can be added to love?
3. What things does Paul want the church to approve?
4. What are the fruits of righteousness?

Are they the same as the fruit of the Spirit? Galatians 5:22 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³ gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.”

What is the ultimate purpose of the fruits of righteousness?

¹² But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel, ¹³ so that it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ; ¹⁴ and most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.

¹⁵ Some indeed preach Christ even from envy and strife, and some also from goodwill: ¹⁶ The former^[b] preach Christ from selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my chains; ¹⁷ but the latter out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel. ¹⁸ What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is preached; and in this I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice.

1. What does Paul want the church to know about his being in prison?
2. How should we look at the calamities in our own life?
3. How does the entire palace guard feel about Paul’s confinement?
4. What effect has his being in prison had on most of the brethren in the Lord?
5. Are there some who pervert the preaching of Christ?
6. What effect do they suppose inflict on Paul?
7. Are there some who preach the gospel from goodwill?
8. What do those who preach out of love know about Paul?
9. What is Paul’s conclusion about the matter?

19 For I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayer and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, 20 according to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death. 21 For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22 But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I cannot tell. 23 For[c] I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. 24 Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you. 25 And being confident of this, I know that I shall remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy of faith, 26 that your rejoicing for me may be more abundant in Jesus Christ by my coming to you again.

1. What confidence does Paul express in verse 19?
2. What part does the church play in his deliverance?
3. In what way can we be involved in the ministry of others today?
4. Does Paul have a concern about his witness?
5. In what way does Paul express his feelings about life and death?
6. What does life or death hold for Paul?
7. Which does Paul prefer?
8. What confidence does Paul express in verse 25?
9. How would you define progress and joy of faith? Do you have it?
10. What does Paul desire that the church pray for him?
11. Does Paul anticipate seeing the church again?