For Sunday, April 10, 2011

Bible Study preparation for April 10, 2011.

1) Philippians 4:1-3 If Paul was writing verse 1 to you, how would it make you feel? What problem in the church does Paul reveal in verse 2? What does he remind them of in verse 3? How would remembering that help them? Philippians 4:4-7 When is it hard to rejoice? Why did Paul emphasize it so much? What does it mean to have a gentle or gracious spirit? What are you tempted to be anxious about? What does Paul suggest you substitute that response with? When in your life have you experienced the peace of God? How would you describe it to someone who hasn't experienced it?

2) Philippians 4:8-9 Make of a list the descriptor words Paul used for the kinds of things we should be thinking about. Which of the words stand out to you? Why? How does this list compare to the thoughts that usually fill your mind? Why does it matter? How are the instructions of verse 8 related to the instructions of verse 9? And how are both -- the thinking and the doing -- related to experiencing the peace of God?

3) Philippians 4:10-14 What was Paul's secret to contentedness? What does it mean to be content? How does it feel? What is the challenge of being content in humble circumstances? in prosperous circumstances? Where did Paul get his strength? In what area of your life is it difficult to feel content? What is God telling you about it in this passage? Matthew 6:19-21 How does the Jesus' lesson in this passage impact your approach to contentedness?

4) Philippians 4:15-23 What did Paul want them to know about their gift to him? Why was he reluctant to receive gifts from the churches? Re-read verse 19. How does this relate to Paul's teaching about contentedness? How many of your needs will God supply? What kinds of needs will He supply for? To what measure will He supply for your needs? Re-read and rest in this verse today. Pray the truth of verse 19 for someone else.