Komstad Evangelical Covenant Church

Philippians 1:12-30

Bible Study for the Sermon on February 19, 2006

Sunday morning comes so quickly. Scripture deserves a bit more attention than we can give it in a sermon. For those who would like to do some studying on their own, this page will offer a quick Bible study for either the week ahead or the week after.

The passage is offered in paraphrase, which means I re-wrote it in my own words. You can open your Bible and read along, or try your own paraphrase. And there is a question here, or two, to help you think about what the scripture means to you. Give it a try.

Day One

You heard about what happened to me. It may not seem like a good thing, but it has caused the gospel to spread. All the guards who serve here at the palace understand that I am in chains because of my obedience to Christ, and everyone else knows as well. As a result, many of those who serve God with me are speaking the word of God more boldly to others.

Philippians 1:12-14

Reading between the lines, it seems that Paul writes this letter to the Philippian church while he is in prison, locked away for preaching the gospel. What kinds of things have happened because of his imprisonment? Who has been affected by the gospel?

Day Two

Some have odd motives. They preach because they are jealous of my ministry. But others preach because they want to help, knowing that I am here because of the gospel. Some preach because they want to be greater than me, so they think they can stir up trouble for me while I am in prison. But who cares? Even if the motives are sometimes wrong, people are preaching about Christ more than ever before. So I will be happy about that.

Philippians 1:15-18

Others are apparently preaching the gospel because of Paul's imprisonment. Why are they doing it? Paul actually offers two motives, of very different type.

Day Three

All this will lead to my deliverance, through the help that comes from your prayers and from the Spirit of Jesus Christ. I have the hope and confidence that I can continue, bold and unashamed, so that Christ will be praised because of what is happening to me, whether I live or die. Either way it is the same for me. To live is to gain Christ, and to die is to gain life.

Philippians 1:19-21

Paul feels that he will be delivered, but what two ways might that happen? One of the possibilities is rather scary. But Paul is not scared. Why not?

Day Four

If I live this life, I have work to do. But I am torn between this life and the next. I want to leave here and be with Christ, which is much better. But there are reasons why I should stay here, to help you. I’m sure that I will stay here with you, to see your joy as you grow in your faith. I want to see you again, to see your joy overflow in Christ Jesus, in part because of what has happened to me.

Philippians 1:22-26

He is torn between the desire to be with Christ and the need to remain here and work. If Paul stays alive, what does he want to see from the church members at Philippi?

Day Five

Whatever happens, live a life that is worthy of the gospel of Christ Jesus. If I come to see you or must remain here, I know that you will stand together, faithful and united, working as one person for the faith of the gospel.

Philippians 1:27

There is some advice here for the church at Philippi. What does Paul ask them to do?

Day Six

Don’t be frightened about those who oppose you. They simply give notice that their lives will be destroyed. But not you. God will save you. But for those of you who believe, understand that God has given you the honor of suffering for Christ, just as I suffer.

Philippians 1:28-30

What does Paul say about the subject of suffering?

[BF]

Open my eyes so that I might see great and wonderful things in your word.
Psalm 119:18

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