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Bible Chat

PREP NOTES: We will see how far we will get based upon the guidance of our opening prayer and your input and contributions. We'll take it one verse at a time, but be prepared to go as far as we can.

Philippians 3:17-21

V17  Paul tells us to “note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern”.  Not only do each of us have the obligation to pattern our behavior after those who walk as Paul commends, but each of us need to strive to be one of “those who so walk” and set a pattern for others.

Question?--How do we do this?  Can you give examples of how we ought to conduct ourselves that we might be a pattern for others?

V17-19 Two types of people are mentioned in verses 17-19 referring to those in the Philippian church?

Question?--- Or those in the Philippian society in general?  What is the application for us in our time and day?

V18 What does it mean to be an enemy of the cross (Gk “staurou”)?

V19 What does Paul mean “whose glory is in their shame”?  Can you think of any parallels today? Anyone who glories in their shame?

Question?---Not only about others who come to mind, but how about us in relationship to 1 Cor. 1:26-31?

V20 What does this word “citizenship” mean?  How does it compare with “citizenship” in this society or this country?

Question?--Why was Paul addressing this to the Philippians in particular?

How would they have understood it in their time from where they were coming from?

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Philippians 4:1-7

V4 When we are told to rejoice, what does that entail?

V5 How does this relate to the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus tells us not to do charitable deeds in order to be seen by men, do not sound a trumpet when you do such deeds, and do not pray to be seen by men?

V5 What is meant by the phrase “the Lord is at hand”?

V6 What does “supplication” mean?

V7 How does the peace of God guard one’s heart and mind”?

Philippians 4:8

Many people cite this as their favorite verse in the entire Bible.  Why?

What are your thoughts and comments on this verse?