BJ and I are trying an experiment. Using the SOAP method mentioned in the previous post we are going to study the book of Philippians starting with chapter 1 for this post. We will read on our own and then post discussion in the comments. Whenever it looks like we are ready we will post to start chapter 2.
Anyone who visits here is welcome to chime in at anytime. Here is a reminder of the method but you can always refer back to the post.
Scripture, Observation, Application and Prayer
Soooo.here begins the online, slightly nerdy, anyone can join in, SOAPy bible study!
Philippians 1
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Philippians Chapter 1 Study
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3 comments:
Sounds great.
Welcome Marc!
These are the things that are hitting me right now:
our fellowship in the gospel
both in Pauls' chains and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel we are partakers with Paul of grace
Paul prays that our love may abound more and more in knowledge and discernment
just thoughts:
we have fellowship with other believers in the gospel - even when we have absolutely nothing else in common
We share Paul's chains - wonder if this means his imprisonment in Rome or his bondsmanship to Christ and how does this apply when talking about the defense and confirmation of the gospel
what kind of love grows with knowledge and discernment?
more later
Some first thoughts:
Paul truly loved this church. They were "always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy" and "For God is my witness, how greatly I long for you all with the affection of Jesus Christ. "
Christ has begun a good work in me. It's not finished yet - He still has a way to go, but I am confident that He will finish it someday. There's that faith thing again.
12 But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel.
This makes me think of Romans 8:28 - God works all things (good and bad) for the good for those who are in Christ (paraphrase). All things - that's comforting to know. God is in control - that's something it's taken me a long time to learn, and even now I still have problems with it. But that faith thing comes into play again here, I think.
21 For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
Sometimes I get tired of this life, and the whole falleness of this world, and I wish sometimes that Jesus would either take me home or come Himself. But Paul here reminds me that to live is Christ - in other words, while we are here, we should be living Christ as an example to others, furthering the Gospel - serving God. That is truly living. And if we die, then we gain even more - so it's a win/win more situation.
These are just some of the things that came to mind as I read this chapter.
-B.J.
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