Philippians

Date Written: 60-62 AD

Author: Paul

Setting: Paul and his companions began the church at Philippi on his 2^nd missionary journey. This was the first church established on the European continent. The Philippian church had sent a gift with one of their members to Paul. Paul was in a Roman prison at the time. He wrote this letter to thank them for their gift and to encourage them in their faith.

Key People: Paul, Timothy, Epaphroditus, Euodia, Syntyche

Purpose: To thank the Philippians for the gift they had sent Paul and to strengthen these believers by showing them that the true joy comes from Jesus Christ alone.

Key Verses: Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe. 2:14-15

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 4:4

Chapter Outline:

1 Joy in Suffering

2 Joy in Serving

3 Joy in Believing

4 Joy in Giving

Importance of reading Philippians:

What we read: Paul was writing from prison, and he was writing about having joy. The secret of his joy was found in his relationship with Jesus. He didn’t sit around moaning about his problems and hardships. If anyone had plenty of reasons to feel discouraged, depressed, or defeated, it would have been Paul. Yet he had joy! What we can learn: True joy isn’t found in our circumstances. It is found in a relationship with Jesus. Our joy must be rooted in our eternal salvation and relationship with Jesus, which no one can take from us.

What we read: Paul knew his calling. He knew God had called him to preach the gospel. His purpose didn’t change when his enemies put him in prison. His purpose was still his purpose, regardless of where he was. He was chained to a prison guard, so he preached the Gospel to his captive audience. What we can learn: So many times we use our circumstances as excuses as to why we can’t do what we know God has told us to do. We must obey the Lord no matter what.

What we read: Paul suffered hunger, beatings, betrayal, stoning, imprisonment, a shipwreck, a snake bite, and more, but he knew how to be content in every situation. What we can learn: Many people look for a house, clothes, cars, relationships, etc. to give them contentment, but Jesus is the only One that can give us true contentment.

What we read: Paul urges them to center their lives on Jesus. They are to let their lives be guided by the example of Jesus— humility, obedience, and love. What we can learn: In good times and in bad times, respond as Jesus would. He is our example.

What we read: Chapter 3:7-11, Paul had his priorities right. He knew what really mattered. What we can learn: Don’t put the temporal before the eternal. Everything in this world will fade away. Our days on this earth will pass quickly. Be prepared for the eternal.

What we read: Paul tells them to take control of their thoughts. What we can learn: How does your thoughts line up with this list that Paul gave them? We must learn to discipline our mind and control our thoughts.

What we read: Paul encouraged them to get along, agree with one another, stop complaining, and work together. What we can learn: Christians should be in unity and come against our common enemy, Satan, and what he is doing in the world, not against each other. When we are unified in love, Christ works through us, and we can make a difference for Him.  

Things to think about as you read Philippians:

• What have you learned about suffering as a Christian? How is it going to affect the way you respond to suffering?
• Can you say with Paul, “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain”? If you can’t, think about what has replaced Jesus’ rightful place in your life.
• What have you learned from Jesus’ example that you can apply to your own life? Do you have the attitude of Christ in respect to God and others? Do you regard others as more important than yourself?
• Do you allow your circumstances to affect your peace? What is keeping you from His peace? After reading chapter 4, do you see any way to handle life’s anxieties?
• What have you learned about your own needs and sharing with others in need?

Colossians

Date Written: 60-62 AD

Author: Paul

Setting: Paul had never visited Colosse. This church had been founded by converts from Paul’s missionary travels. Some of the people in the church were trying to combine elements of paganism and other secular philosophy with Christian doctrine. These false teachers were destroying faith in Christ by undermining Christs humanity and divinity.  Paul confronts these false teachings.

Key People: Paul, Timothy, Tychicus, Onesimus, Aristarchus, Mark, Epaphras

Purpose: To combat false teaching in the church and to show that believers have everything they need in Christ.

Key Verses: For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority. 2:9-10

Chapter Outline:

1-2 What Christ Has Done

3-4 What Christians Should Do

Importance of reading Colossians:

What we read: Chapter 1:9-12, Paul prays these 7 things for the Colossians: 1) be filled with the knowledge of God’s will, 2) walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, 3) bear fruit in every good work, 4) increase in the knowledge of God, 5) be strengthened, 6) attain steadfastness, and 7) attain patience. What we can learn: This is a wonderful prayer that we should pray for each other and ourselves.

What we read: Paul warns them not to be deceived into believing false teachers. What we can learn: We must be careful that we aren’t led astray by false teachers. Ask yourself these questions: What scripture is the person basing what they are saying on? What other scriptures besides that one support (or doesn’t support) what they are saying? When taking in the whole counsel of God’s Word and His character, is what they are saying true and lining up with the Bible? Many times false teachers will pull one verse out of context and build their lies on that one verse.

What we read: Chapter 3:1-2 Paul says to set your mind and heart on things above. What we can learn: Since Paul said to set your mind on things above, that means you can decide where your mind will go and where it won’t. You can make a conscious decision about the way you think. Romans 8:5-8 Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace; the sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God.

Things to think about as you read Colossians:  

• Examine your lifestyle. What are you pursuing? Does it have eternal value? Is it drawing you closer to God or keeping you from time alone with God in prayer and in studying the Word? Are you seeking things above or earthly things?
• Examine your beliefs. Are you being bombarded with modern day philosophies or traditions which contradict the Word or aren’t in the Word? Any legalistic rules which are not clearly taught in the NT? Any mystical teachings or prophecies that can’t be supported in the Word of God or that have a tendency to add something which isn’t there?
• The enemy will do all he can to keep you from knowing God and His Word intimately, for truth is your major defense and offense in spiritual warfare. Are you going to make it a priority to study the Bible and spend time in prayer?
• Are you proclaiming the Lord Jesus Christ and holding firmly to all He is and all that you have in Him as He is presented in Colossians?
• As you studied Colossians, did you see any areas in your life in which you are falling short or simply walking in disobedience to God’s Word? What steps are you going to take to correct these?

Video Link:https://youtu.be/vorzbSH1HXE?si=9Jfds7mJdZSQbJ3c

Blessings,

Nichole Henson

Fullness of Joy Ministry