The Journey Continues

Ephesians Chapter 4

1) What does it take to get along with the people around you?  What qualities need to be developed in your life to maximize your relationships?

2) What does a mature Christ-follower look like?  What are the characteristics of someone who is mature in their faith?

3) How would you tell a child treat others?  What words of instruction would you give them?

As Chapter 4 begins, Paul moves from spiritual issues to practical issues.  Verse 1 provides the transition – “live a life worthy of the calling you have received.”  And the first practical issue he deals with has to do with how we get along with others.  Verse 2 says, “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.”  It’s time for us to take all that we’ve learned about who we are in Christ and live it out before those around us.

Beginning in verse 11, Paul speaks of an incredible progression about God’s work among His people.  This work culminates in our becoming mature (4:13).  But what does this maturity look like?  According to verse 14, maturity results in our ability to stand firm in the midst of the false teaching and deceitful scheming of men.  That is, we will know God’s truth and walk securely in that truth in the midst of a world that is void of truth.

Paul concludes Chapter 4 much like he began it.  He deals very practically with the nature of how we relate to others.  And in a manner that almost sounds childish, Paul teaches us to be kind to others.  He also calls us to be compassionate and forgiving.  And though these sound pretty basic, we must be very intentional in living out these qualities in our relationships.  Relating well with others is not child’s play.

Ephesians Chapter 5

1) What’s the standard of behavior that you live by?  What do you use as your guide when choosing how to live?

2) How much time do you have available to serve God?  How well do you do with using the time you’ve been given?

3) What is the biggest issue that gets in the way of relationships?  What about you causes the most trouble?

As Paul continues his practical discussion on how followers of Christ are to live, he makes the standard clear.  Our goal shouldn’t be just to live better than others around us; our lives should imitate God (5:1).  This standard is so high that there is no room for us to deviate from God’s ways (5:3-4).  We live this way not to be made right with God; that has already happened because of what Jesus did on the cross.  Instead, we live this way so that what God has done in us becomes evident through us.

We often think that we have all the time in the world to do the things God has for us.  Sometimes we put off what we should do; other times we get distracted.  But Paul instructs us to be wise and make the most of every opportunity we get (5:15-16).  To do this we must be intentional about what we have been tasked to do.  We must also be aware of opportunities that come along the way.

Selfishness is the root of most of our issues with others.  We want what we want and get frustrated, or worse, with anyone that gets in the way.  Paul has the remedy for selfishness: submission (5:21).  Submitting to one another is the cornerstone of strong relationships.  Paul goes on to address husbands and wives, children and parents, and slaves and masters.  And the common solution for each of these relationships is a willingness to submit to one another.

Ephesians Chapter 6

1) It’s a war out there!  So what do you rely on to be successful in battle?  How do you properly equip yourself in your fight with the enemy?

2) When do you pray?  What do you pray about?  Who do you pray for?

3) Fearless.  What does that mean to you?  What would it take for you to be fearless?

As Paul begins this familiar and final passage of Ephesians, he makes sure we understand the context.  He is about to explain how we should prepare ourselves to battle against the enemy.  But his opening statement must be understood throughout.  Our strength does not come from our armor.  Our strength does not come from our weapons.  Our strength does not come from our prayers.  Rather, our strength comes from our God (6:10).  Be prepared?  Yes!  Be alert?  Yes!  Rely on yourself?  No!  Our strength comes from God.

Paul concludes his discussion of the armor of God with an all-encompassing statement about prayer (6:18).  All occasions.  All kinds.  All the saints.  Right after we gear up for battle, we should drop to our knees to pray.  In fact, we can see Paul’s instructions about prayer as the culmination of our preparation.

After speaking to the issue of prayer, Paul asks that the church pray for him, as well.  His request?  That he be fearless in sharing the gospel (6:19-20).  Fearless in the face of opposition.  Fearless in the face of difficulty.  Fearless in the face of prison.  After discussing the reality of the battle, Paul asks above all that he fearlessly speak the truth.

Philippians Chapter 1

1) What will the completed work of God in your life look like?  When will this happen?  What about in the meantime?

2) What are some great ways that the message of Christ is shared?  What are some not so great ways?

3) If heaven is our goal, then what are we to do while we wait on earth?  What are you doing to make your life count each day?

At the beginning of Philippians, Paul expresses confidence that, “he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”  We indeed will be like Him one day (1 John 3:2).  But in the meantime, God is working to conform us to the likeness of Jesus (Romans 8:29).  This is the day-by-day, item-by-item process of growth and maturity in our lives.  God has the resources of the entire universe at His disposal to bring about this work.  Don’t fight against His plan; rather join Him as He works to complete what He started in you.

Ours is a faith that is to be shared.  The good news of Christ is a message to be preached.  And though there may be all different ways and different occasions to share the message, the bottom line is that it is shared.  Paul experienced those that preached for all sorts of reasons; some good, some bad (1:15-17).  How did he respond?  “What does it matter?  The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached.”

“For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.”  Beginning in 1:21, Paul expresses what it means to have a heart for heaven while being about the Father’s business.  He desired to receive the prize of his faith (Philippians 3:14), but knew that it was not yet time for that.  Instead, he was called to a fruitful labor for the Kingdom (1:22).  We have been given gifts, talents and abilities to use to honor God and advance His work in this world.  Keep your eye on the sky and your feet on the ground.

 

 

Philippians Chapter 2

1) How would you define or describe humility?  Why is it so hard for us to truly be humble?

2) What do you think about when you see a star shining brightly against the dark sky?  What would it be like for your life to shine in this way?

3) What motivates you to serve others?  What causes you to give your life away?

Relationships are key and being prideful is one sure way to destroy the connection between people.  So Paul opens Chapter 2 discussing the issue of humility culminating his words by pointing to the example of Christ (2:5-8).  So how do we live humble lives?  In verse 3 Paul says, “Consider others better than yourselves.”  What would it take for you to make this happen today?

In verses 14-16, Paul speaks of the opportunity we have for our lives to make a difference.  He starts basic enough – don’t complain; don’t argue.  But this all heads somewhere.  We do this to become those that are blameless and pure against a backdrop of the crooked and depraved generation around us.  Living this way will allow us to truly make a difference.  So live differently and shine brightly. 

Look out for number one!  We are in a culture that teaches that it’s necessary to look out for yourself.  That is, you must be sure to keep your agenda at the front so you don’t get left behind.  But the Bible doesn’t know of this kind of life.  In fact, Paul points to Timothy as an example of one who lived truly concerned about others (2:19-21).  Even as we serve we must be careful to check our motivation as we interact with others.  Timothy was one who took a “genuine interest” in others.

 

Philippians Chapter 3

1) What are some of the accomplishments of your life so far?  What can you point to as the successes you’ve achieved?

2) What does it mean to know Christ?  How well would you say you know Him?

3) Have you received all you have been striving for?  What do you do while you are on the journey toward your goals?

Paul was no stranger to success.  In fact, he had strong credentials back in the day (3:5-6).  However, not only did he minimize his successes, he considered them a loss (3:7).  How can that be?  How can all you’ve accomplished be considered, according to Paul, rubbish (3:8)?  The answer is found in understanding the determined focus with which Paul lived.  “I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things.”  Keep the proper perspective in all you do.  Keep your focus on Christ.

“I want to know Christ (3:10).”  Seems like a pretty basic goal.  In fact, many would say they already know Christ.  So what was Paul getting at?  Earlier he stated that everything else was trashed compared to knowing Christ (3:8).  Now he speaks about wanting to know the height of Christ’s power and the depth of His suffering (3:10).  Do you think you know Christ?  Allow God to continue to share with you His fullness as you journey with Him.

Paul knew where he was going; he was on his way to heaven (3:14).  But he also knew he wasn’t there yet (3:12).  So what was his plan to fill in the gap?  “Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead.”  He speaks about pressing on to obtain that which has been promised to him.  We must continue to strive for what God has for us.  Will there be challenges along the way?  Absolutely!  But we can proceed with confidence in God’s ability to bring this to pass.

 

Philippians Chapter 4

1) What is the best deal you’ve ever gotten?  Think of specials, coupons and “today only” events.  What’s the best bargain out there?

2) What things of the world vie for your attention?  What aspects of our culture try to capture your interest?

3) What limitations are there on the gospel of Christ?  What are some places or situations where our ability to share the good news is restricted?

In 4:6-7, Paul tells us about an incredible deal that God is willing to make with us.  In fact, it’s an exchange of something we have and would like to get rid of for something He has and would like to share.  What does He have for us?  Peace.  What do we exchange for it?  Anxiety.  Paul tells us to bring our anxiousness to God and He will give us peace.  What are you anxious about?  Your health?  Your family?  Your finances?  Bring it to God in prayer and leave with His peace.  What a great deal!

We live in a noisy, busy, complex world.  We are constantly inundated with information, images and just plain noise.  Unfortunately, most of what the culture brings before us is distracting to those who are trying to live as followers of Christ.  In 4:8, Paul teaches us how to sort through all that we are presented with to find those things that are worthy of our attention.  Things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent or praiseworthy should capture our mind.  What are things like these?

Tucked in at the very end of Paul’s letter to the Philippians is an incredible statement about God’s grace and Paul’s faithfulness.  Paul had always longed to visit Rome to share the good news of Christ there.  And although Paul ended up there as a prisoner, God used him to effectively share the message of the gospel.  How do we know this?  Look at verse 22.  “All the saints send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar’s household.”  There were saints, those who had been saved by God’s grace, that were part of the Roman king’s household!  There is nothing that can get in the way of the powerful, life-changed message of the cross.

1 Timothy Chapter 1

1) What are relationships like among those following Christ?  What degree of closeness is available to people who apart from Christ are total strangers?

2) What is needed for us to live a life of love?  Apart from the presence of God’s love in us, what do we need to have to make love possible?

3) How patient are you?  How well do you do with waiting for something to happen?

Blood relationships should be at the top of the list when it comes to closeness, commitment and connection.  But there a bond that is even closer.  In the opening verses of 1 Timothy, Paul refers to Timothy as a true son in the faith (1:2).  Because of a shared faith in Christ, there is an instant and deep connection among followers of Jesus.

Living a life of love doesn’t just happen; it takes work, commitment and focus.  And even as we depend upon God to show His love through us, there must be certain characteristics in our life to make love possible.  In 1 Timothy 1:5, Paul lists three of these characteristics – “pure heart, good conscience, sincere faith.”  What do these look like?  What needs to happen in your life to fully develop these resulting in a life of love?

Paul clearly states the reason Jesus came into the world in verse 15 – “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.”  He then refers to himself as the worst sinner of all.  And then he points to the amazing truth that he was saved by Jesus as an indication of how incredibly patient God is in waiting for sinners to repent – even a sinner like Paul.  “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”  2 Peter 3:9

 

1 Timothy Chapter 2

1) What do you pray about for our governmental leaders?  How would you like to see God involved in their lives?

2) What is a mediator?  What skills are necessary for one to bring two disconnected parties together?

3) What’s the best way for others to see the real you?  How can people see your faith?

Paul begins Chapter 2 calling us to pray for everyone (2:1), but then focuses his attention on those in authority over us (2:2).  The goal of his prayer seems a little self-serving – “that we may live peaceful and quiet lives.”  Understand that Paul knew much more than we do about how the life of a Christ follower can be made very difficult by interfering leaders, so this desire is understandable.  But the real heart behind Paul’s prayer is found in the verses that follow (2:3-4).  Paul prayed that those in authority would be saved.  He prayed this because he knew this is what God wanted for them.

In verses 5-6, Paul provides a great summary of the gospel.  There is God, there is man, and there is only One Who is able to go between the two; the man Christ Jesus.  The gap could not be crossed from our side; it was necessary for God to come to us.  Jesus was the perfect mediator totally understanding both sides since He was fully God and fully man.

Paul deals with some specifics regarding men and women at the end of Chapter 2.  Some of this is a bit confusing and requires more study than this time together.  But one thing we can understand is what Paul says about the way women should dress.  This is not an attempt to hinder fashion, but rather an encouragement to women to let their faith in God be evidenced by how they live their lives.  Our culture makes living this out very challenging, but the opportunity to allow the real you to show through is worth it.