So What? Now What?
For the last couple of weeks, we have focused on Sunday morning on Paul’s call for us to be fully devoted. Over the next two weeks, the sermons will focus on what a redeemed life looks like. We will be looking at how a mind transformed by the Lord should function. This study will help you dig a little deeper into that topic on your own.
1. Read Philippians 4:2-3. Two ladies (Euodia & Syntyche are feminine names) are fighting so publicly it is doing harm to the church. What do we know about these women? Why doesn’t Paul take a side in the conflict? What does it mean to “agree in the Lord”? On the subject of Christians in conflict, the gold-standard text is Matthew 18:15-20. How does Jesus suggest you deal with conflict? 90% of conflicts would go away if we just obeyed verse 15! Why don’t we? What kind of power does he promise to those who agree?
2. Read Philippians 4:4-5. How can you be commanded to rejoice? Isn’t happiness sort of out of your control? Why does Paul mention that the Lord is near? How would that affect your joy? Read John 15:10-11. What does following commands have to do with joy? Read Romans 12:12. How do all these things work together: joyful-hope-patient-faithful? Consider James 1:2-3. How do you choose joy in the middle of trouble?
3. Read Philippians 4:6-7. One of my favorite verses! What is Paul’s prescription for stress/anxiety? Compare it to what you hear from culture. How does thanksgiving give power to getting through anxiety? What do you think the peace of God feels like? What should someone expect here? How did Jesus exhibit God’s peace no matter what he was going through?
