SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES 16-06-2019

RECAP OF OUR LAST STUDY “David Flees to Gath”: God can allow unpleasant situations to come our way to test our faith and faithfulness, but it ultimately is to bring glory to His name. At these times of distress, however, we should not resort to self- management but rather be courageous, watchful, prayerful and patient. We should also seek the Spirit’s counsel in all our decisions and look only to Christ, our Model. God as the overall Moderator, will balance everything for us - let’s walk with, and faithfully serve Him.

TODAY’S STUDY: LESSON 746: EXHORTATION TO STEADFAST CHRISTIAN LIVING MEMORY VERSE: …… “Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel” (Philippians 1:27). TEXT: Philippians 1:1-30.

INTRODUCTION Our study introduces us to the letter of Paul to the brethren in Philippi, a major city in Macedonia. Paul, though, a prisoner for the gospel in Rome; did not stop thinking about the welfare of the church in Philippi. Having been involved in starting the church, he now urged them to be joyful and steadfast in the face of the hardships they suffered for their faith in Christ. Citing his example, he maintained that inward strength comes from Jesus Christ alone. QUESTION 1: What is the central theme of Paul’s epistle to the Philippians? – Philippians 1:27-29.

CHRIST-LIKE JOY AND AFFECTION FOR SAINTS Philippians 1:1-8 Paul was happy about the believers in Philippi because they obeyed the gospel. He noted that serving Christ is a privilege, and all are called to serve faithfully. Also, that Christians are saints, because their sins have been forgiven and their lives transformed by Christ. Those who are not saints when alive cannot become one at death. QUESTION 2: Why did Paul address himself as a servant of Christ? – Philippians 1:1; Romans 6:16; Acts 26:15-19. QUESTION 3: Why did Paul give thanks to God for the Philippian believers? – Philippians 1:5-7; Acts 16:12-15,40; Romans 15:25-26.

INTERCESSION FOR SPIRITUAL GROWTH OF BELIEVERS Philippians 1:9-11 As his practice, Paul prayed for the Philippians believers’ spiritual growth rather than mundane benefits. He prayed that their love should grow increasingly, they approve things that are excellent (make right choices), live as honest and inoffensive people, remain blameless till the end, and bring forth the fruit of righteousness. QUESTION 4: What definite requests did Paul make for the Philippians, and what can we learn from him? – Philippians 1:9-11.

CHRISTIANS’ TRIUMPH IN SUFFERING FOR THE GOSPEL Philippians 1:12-19 Paul also wrote about his suffering for the gospel from enemies of the faith and false friends (those who preached the gospel with wrong motives). Satan uses these opposers to hinder the salvation of men and discourage believers from preaching the gospel. We should therefore not allow the opposition we face in preaching deter us. Instead, we should see it as an opportunity to advance the course of the gospel. QUESTION 5: What should a believer’s disposition be in the face of opposition? – Philippians 1:12-14, Acts 8:4, 2 Timothy 2:8-13.

CHRISTIANS’ CONSECRATION AND STEADFASTNESS Philippians 1:20-30 Paul finally urged the Philippians to be steadfast in their consecration and Christian living. As an example, his devotion was that Christ would be magnified in and through him both in life and in death. So also, it is expected that every born-again Christian be as consecrated and heaven-conscious as Paul. We should lay all on the altar and become fully committed to God and the progress of the gospel.

CONCLUSION Every believer is called to be a servant of Jesus and a saint in Christ. Therefore, our sufferings and persecution on account of our faith should not make us withdraw our consecration. Neither should it hinder, but rather hasten the spread of the gospel. Believers are not expected to change their conviction because of opposition from men or the advances of the devil; we should strive together for the faith of the gospel. We are admonished to stand fast.