“Do
Something” Philippians 2:1-11
Paul
is writing from jail - talking about suffering for the sake of the
gospel.
He
is urging the believers to have unity and love for each other, and
especially with God. He is encouraging them to accept suffering and
humble circumstances in this life, and to “do nothing out of
selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility to consider others
better than yourselves.” (verse 2:3)
In
chapter 1, Paul has explained to them that nothing matters in this life
more than the gospel of Jesus Christ being made known, and for that
sake, it is worthy of enduring anything to know it and have it
preached (verse 1:18). He acknowledges that fellowship with Christ
is fellowship in His suffering.
Paul
points to Jesus Christ as the ultimate example of endurance in the
face of suffering. “He humbled himself and became obedient to death
– even death on a cross!” (verse 2:8) “Therefor God exalted him
to the highest place” in heaven. (verse 2:9)
*Who
is it about? Us or God? (Biblical teaching should always be about God -His
glory,etc.- not us.)
*What
is the gospel? (That Jesus Christ, the son of God, took our sins
upon himself on the cross as the atonement to satisfy the wrath of
God for those who would believe in Him.)
*Why
is the most important thing to have the gospel made known?
*What
did Felix Baumgartner's “leap of faith” accomplish? What will its
results be in eternity? For God's glory?
1
Peter 1:24 “All men are like grass, and all their glory is like
the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fail, but
the word of the Lord stands forever.”
*What
should Christians strive after (this world's glory or God's glory)?
John
6:28-29
Jesus
told them, "This is what God wants you to do: Believe in the one
he has sent."
*Why
would professing Christians tend to not be excited about Heaven? Do
you look forward to the glory of Heaven, or do you tend to look to
this world to satisfy?
Bible study credits: Terri Stellrecht http://howmysaviorleadsme.blogspot.com/
