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1 For by grace you are saved through faith, and 4EXPLORE>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>THE>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>BIBLE$ this is not from yourselves; it is God s gift Adult Learner Guide large print spring 2011 not from works, so that no one can boast. Philippians, Colossians, Philemon Move Forward, Please

2 4EXPLORE>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>THE>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>BIBLE$ Meet the Writer William Andy Chambers wrote these lessons based on Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon. He is the vice-president for student development and an associate professor of Bible at Missouri Baptist University in Saint Louis. A selfdescribed product of Southern Baptist churches and educational institutions, Andy loves the Lord and delights in preaching, teaching, and writing about God s Word. Andy is an active church leader and adult Bible study leader at West County Community Church in Wildwood, Missouri. He also is a veteran writer for LifeWay, having written materials previously for Biblical Illustrator and Advanced Bible Study Commentary, and now for Explore the Bible Series curriculum. Explore the Bible: Adult Learner Guide (Large Print) (ISSN ) is published quarterly by LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention, One LifeWay Plaza, Nashville, TN 37234, Thom S. Rainer, President. Copyright 2010 LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention. For ordering or inquiries visit or write LifeWay Church Resources Customer Service, One LifeWay Plaza, Nashville, TN For subscriptions or subscription address changes, subscribe@lifeway.com, fax , or write to the above address. For bulk shipments mailed quarterly to one address, orderentry@ lifeway.com, fax , or write to the above address. We believe that the Bible has God for its author; salvation for its end; and truth, without any mixture of error, for its matter and that all Scripture is totally true and trustworthy. The 2000 statement of The Baptist Faith and Message is our doctrinal guideline. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holman Christian Standard Bible, Copyright 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Holman Standard Christian Bible, Holman CSB, and HCSB are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers. The suggestions for pronouncing Bible names are from That s Easy for You to Say: Your Quick Guide to Pronouncing Bible Names by W. Murray Severance, Copyright 1997 by Broadman & Holman Publishers. Used by permission. A d u lt LEARNER GUIDE This periodical is designed for adults using the Explore the Bible Series. V o lu m e 4, Number 3 Spring 2011 PRODUCTION & MINISTRY TEAM Janice Meier Content Editor Pat Phillips Production Editor Dawn Rodgers Wyse Graphic Designer Brent Bruce Graphic Design Specialist Alan Raughton Lead Adult Ministry Specialist David Apple Adult Ministry Specialist Dwayne McCrary Editorial Project Leader Send questions/comments to Editor, Explore the Bible: Adult Learner Guide One LifeWay Plaza Nashville, TN Or make comments on the Web at MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL Bret Robbe, Director Leadership and Adult Publishing Ken Braddy, Ron Keck Managing Directors Leadership and Adult Publishing David Francis, Director Sunday School Bill Craig, Director Leadership and Adult Ministry Gary H. Hauk, Director Publishing, LifeWay Church Resources Printed in the United States of America 4 Explore the Bible: Adult Learner Guide

3 Table of Contents spring 2011 Adult learner guide How to Become a Christian: Faith Daily Bible Readings Introduction to Philippians, Colossians, Philemon Unit Overviews Unit 1: Advance the Gospel (Phil. 1:1 4:23) March 6 Link Up with Others Philippians 1: March 13 Lift Up the Gospel Philippians 1: March 20 Live Up to the Gospel Philippians 1:27 2: March 27 Light Up the World Philippians 2: April 3 Look Up to Heaven Philippians 3: April 10 Never Let Up Philippians 4: Unit 2: Advance in christian truth (Col. 1:1 2:23) April 17 Knowing the Truth Colossians 1: April 24 Believing the Truth John 20:1-18 (Easter Evangelistic Lesson) May 1 Expressing the Truth Colossians 1:21 2: May 8 Keeping the Truth Colossians 2: Unit 3: Advance in Christian Living (Col. 3:1 4:18; Philem. 1-25) May 15 Be Focused Colossians 3: May 22 Be Faithful Colossians 3:18 4: May 29 Be Forgiving Philemon about the cover: Columns from the ruins at ancient Philippi, Greece. Paul Fisher, for istockphoto, LC Explore the Bible: Adult Learner Guide 5

4 Unit 1 We can never expect the world to come to us; we must go to it. Roy J. Fish and J. E. Conant in Every Member Evangelism for Today ADVANCE THE GOSPEL Join other Christians in evangelistic efforts. (Mar. 6) Call attention to the gospel amid all situations. (Mar. 13) Live in ways that are true to the gospel. (Mar. 20) Be a shining example of Christian living. (Mar. 27) Follow the highest possible goals for your life. (Apr. 3) Be consistently Christian in your behavior. (Apr. 10) istockphoto, LC UNIT 2 istockphoto, LC The Bible presents Jesus as both fully divine and fully human, and our ways of explaining the biblical material are simply human attempts to grasp the unexplainable. ADVANCE in Christian Truth Roy T. Edgemon in The Doctrines Baptists Believe Demonstrate your grasp of significant truths about Jesus Christ. (Apr. 17) Tell others about your belief in Jesus resurrection. (Apr. 24) Express the truth about Christ. (May 1) Maintain your commitment to the truth about Jesus Christ. (May 8) 10 Unit Overviews

5 UNIT 3 istockphoto, LC The Christian life is not primarily a theory about life but rather it is a way of life, and a distinct way. T. B. Maston in Why Live the Christian Life? ADVANCE in Christian Living Live in accordance with new life in Christ. (May 15) Be faithful to God on a daily basis. (May 22) Forgive fellow Christians. (May 29) CONNECT GROW SERVE GO A Commitment to Balanced Spiritual Health GO CONNECT SERVE GROW CONNECT highlights the importance of worship, prayer, and fellowship. It s about connecting with God and with others in positive, longlasting relationships. GROW is about knowing God s Word, growing as a disciple, and seeing His Word come alive in your life daily. SERVE focuses on finding your place of service in the Lord s church and exercising your spiritual gifts as the Holy Spirit empowers and guides you. GO moves you outside the church walls into every part of your community and the world. It s about taking the good news of Jesus with you wherever you go. Throughout Explore the Bible Series materials, look for ideas and resources identified by the icons above. These icons indicate the idea s/resource s major emphasis relating to balanced spiritual health. Unit Overviews 11

6 Week of March 6 Link Up with Others Background Passage: Philippians 1:1-11 Lesson Passage: Philippians 1:1-11 Biblical Truth We can work with other Christians to spread the gospel. LIFE goal To help you join other Christians in evangelistic efforts PRONUNCIATION AID Philippi [FIH lih pigh] GETTY IMAGES Some people mistakenly believe that missionary work can only be done by certain Christians who have received a special calling from God. Yet Jesus mandate that we know as the Great Commission was intended to apply to all His followers, not just to a special group of people (see Matt. 28:19-20). Certainly some are called to go as career missionaries. However, God wants every follower of Christ to assume the responsibility and privilege of spreading the gospel and making disciples. You may already be involved in spreading the gospel and not realize it. For example, a portion of tithes and offerings given in Southern Baptist churches goes to provide financial support, supplies, and equipment to missionaries all over the world. There are many ways you can join others in spreading the gospel in your community as well as to the ends of the earth. 12 Link Up with Others

7 Study Questions 1. How did Paul identify the believers in Philippi? (1:1) 2. Why was Paul thankful for the Philippian believers? (1:5) 3. How did the believers in Philippi assist Paul? (1:7) 4. What was Paul s goal for the believers in Philippi as he prayed for them? (1:9-10) Verses 1-11 of Philippians 1 introduce an amazing church in first-century Philippi. That church obeyed Jesus command to disciple the nations. Not only did its members reach their families and friends for Christ, they also assisted Paul in his missionary work. As you study this passage, ask God to show you how you can be involved in spreading the gospel too. BACKGROUND PASSAGE OVERVIEW Get Started (1:1-2) Paul started the church in Philippi during his second missionary journey (see Acts 16:11-40). He had helped the believers in Philippi get started following Jesus. Years later Paul wrote this letter to the Philippian believers, whom he identified as saints. Be Involved Now (1:3-6) Paul loved these Christians dearly. He consistently thanked God for them. He was grateful for their involvement in his ministry from the beginning of their existence as a church. The apostle was convinced God would complete the work He had begun in these believers at the time they had entered into a personal relationship with Christ. Assist in Various Ways (1:7-8) Paul expressed deep affection for the Philippians. They were in his heart even when he could not be present with them. Strong emotional ties existed between the apostle and these believers. Why would they not be in Paul s heart? The Philippians had assisted him in various ways in his gospel ministry and during his imprisonment. Paul greatly missed the fellowship he had enjoyed with them. Stay with It (1:9-11) Even though Paul could not be with his friends in Philippi, he could pray for them. Paul prayed that their love would keep growing in knowledge and discernment. As a result of this maturity they would know what was most important and thus be prepared for the day of Christ. Paul wanted the Philippians to stay with it, so they would be filled with the fruit of righteousness on that day. Week of March 6 13

8 HCSB 1 Paul and Timothy, slaves of Christ Jesus: To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, including the overseers and deacons. 2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Get Started (Phil. 1:1-2) KJV 1 Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons: 2 Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. Do you view yourself as a slave of Christ and as set apart for God s purpose? Why or why not? (1:1) Verse 1. Paul began in a manner typical of letters written in the first century. He first identified himself as the writer. The name Timothy appears along with Paul s name, but Timothy should be viewed as Paul s coworker in ministry rather than as a cowriter of the letter (see Phil. 2:19). Both Paul and Timothy considered themselves slaves of Christ Jesus. Paul most likely used the designation as a title of humility. The apostle was literally in chains because of his commitment to Christ (1:13). Yet in his heart Paul had long been a slave of Christ and lived to serve Him. Paul wrote this letter to all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, including the church s leadership (See Study Question 1.) The word saint carries the idea of being holy or set apart. The term appears in Paul s greeting to the Philippians where the word churches or church appears in other of his letters (see Gal. 1:2; 1 Thess. 1:1; 2 Thess. 1:1). The term conveys the idea of belonging to God or of God s ownership of His people. These believers began following Jesus because of Paul s efforts to spread the gospel in their city. In Christ, God had set them apart for the same purpose. Verse 2. Paul addressed a blessing to the church with the words, grace to you and peace from God. God s grace saves us and gives us His peace (see Eph. 2:8; Rom. 5:1). Grace and peace change us from the inside out and motivate us to get started serving God. If you could go back in time and attend the church in Philippi in the first century, you would encounter an amazing group of 14 Link Up with Others

9 people. Their founding pastor viewed himself as Christ s slave. He identified his readers as belonging to God and as set apart for God to use to reach others for Christ. The First Church of Philippi would have been an exciting fellowship to join. In Philippians 1:1-2 Paul identified himself, Timothy, and his readers and extended a typical first-century greeting to the Philippians. As Christians, we are servants of the Lord Jesus, are saints, and are in Christ; and as such, we have opportunities to link up with others in spreading the gospel. Be Involved Now (Phil. 1:3-6) HCSB 3 I give thanks to my God for every remembrance of you, 4 always praying with joy for all of you in my every prayer, 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. 6 I am sure of this, that He who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. KJV 3 I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, 4 Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, 5 For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now; 6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: Verses 3-4. Paul s words beginning in verse 3 surely must have encouraged the church in Philippi. The apostle gave thanks and was always praying with joy for them. Paul loved all the churches with whom he worked, but it seems the believers in Philippi had a special place in his heart. Verse 5. Why was Paul thankful for the Philippian believers? He was thankful for their partnership in the gospel. (See Study Question 2.) Their partnership began when Paul first planted the church. The conversions of Lydia and of the Philippian jailer recorded in Acts 16 formed the beginning of this partnership. After Lydia believed, she became instrumental in leading her entire household to Christ. Furthermore, this dealer in purple cloth invited Paul and his companions to stay in her home while they ministered in Philippi. Apparently she also How would you characterize your current involvement in spreading the gospel? Are you very involved, somewhat involved, or needing to get involved? (1:5) Week of March 6 15

10 opened her home as a meeting place for the new church (Acts 16:14-15,40). Likewise, when the Philippian jailer believed, he right away helped lead his entire family to Jesus (16:31-34). These new believers did not experience salvation and then do nothing. They got involved right away in spreading the gospel to others. The partnership between Paul and the church in Philippi did not end when he left the city. The members of that church remained involved in Paul s ministry by sending Paul gifts on various occasions (Phil. 4:15-16). Verse 6. The seriousness of the Philippian believers commitment to Christ and the extent of their involvement in Paul s ministry impressed him. Their actions made clear to the apostle that God who had started a good work in them would carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus or until Jesus returned again. God is both the Source and also the Perfecter of our faith (Heb. 12:2). One of the best ways to experience spiritual growth is to get involved in spreading the gospel to others. Early involvement is best, but getting involved is the point regardless of where we are in our spiritual journey with Christ. We can get involved directly, and we can also help others who are working to spread the gospel. The important thing to understand is that if we are following Jesus, God has a place for us in His plan to reach people for Him. Assist in Various Ways (Phil. 1:7-8) HCSB 7 It is right for me to think this way about all of you, because I have you in my heart, and you are all partners with me in grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and establishment of the gospel. 8 For God is my witness, how deeply I miss all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus. KJV 7 Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace. 8 For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ. 16 Link Up with Others

11 Verse 7. Paul expressed his deep affection for these friends openly. His expression I have you in my heart conveyed the strong emotional ties he felt with these believers. When you love someone, that person tends to get inside of you. Your heart blends with that person s heart. There is something about the bond friends in Christ share that remains strong even when time and distance separate them. Paul also shared with these believers that they were all partners with him in grace. Even at a great distance, the Philippians were partners in spreading the gospel. The church could have assisted Paul in a variety of ways, but the apostle was probably referring especially to the financial or material support they had sent him (See Study Question 3 and Phil. 4:10-16.) The Philippian believers support helped Paul in his imprisonment in Rome and in his work for the defense and establishment of the gospel. As a Roman citizen who had not been convicted of a crime, Paul was permitted some measure of freedom. He was allowed to rent quarters while he waited for his appeal to be heard. The apostle lived in Rome under house arrest for two years and taught everyone who came to see him (see Acts 28:16,23,30-31). During this time the apostle could not continue traveling to the mission field in his chains so God brought the mission field to Paul. God works in those kinds of ways. His work was not hindered by the fact that Paul was chained to a Roman guard. I can almost imagine a revolving door in Paul s rented quarters as guests, friends, inquirers, church leaders, new guards, and maybe even officials in the Roman government (Phil. 4:22) came and went and were blessed by Paul s teaching. The church in Philippi participated in Paul s ministry in Rome because of the assistance they provided. Verse 8. Paul could not be present with the Philippian believers to express to them in person how he felt. Therefore he called God as his witness that he missed them deeply with the affection of Christ Jesus. Paul felt a deep love for the Philippian Christians, in part because of how they assisted him while in prison and in his ministry of taking the gospel to the Gentiles. We can assist others who spread the gospel by meeting their personal needs and by supporting their ministries. What are some ways you can assist others who are working to spread the gospel? (1:7) Week of March 6 17

12 Stay with It (Phil. 1:9-11) HCSB 9 And I pray this: that your love will keep on growing in knowledge and every kind of discernment, 10 so that you can approve the things that are superior and can be pure and blameless in the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ to the glory and praise of God. KJV 9 And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; 10 That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ; 11 Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God. On a scale of 1-10, with 10 expressing the greatest degree of determination, how determined are you to stay focused on what really matters until you meet the Lord? (1:10) R Read Compelled by Love by Philip Nation and Ed Stetzer. This resource is available at com. Verses Paul s goal in his prayer for the Philippian church was that their love would keep on growing, especially in knowledge and discernment. The apostle wanted to see these believers grow to maturity in Christ. His prayer was not a selfish and subtle request for more help. The Philippians had already met his needs (4:18). Paul was more concerned with their readiness to meet the Lord. He wanted them to have wisdom from God to be able to approve the things that are superior so that they would be pure and blameless in the day of Christ. (See Study Question 4.) The day of Christ here refers to the final judgment when each person will stand before God and give an account of his or her life. Verse 11. Paul knew that if the believers in Philippi focused on the things that are superior (1:10) or what really mattered and stayed with it, they would be ready to meet the Lord. The apostle wanted the Philippians to be filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God. In other words he wanted them to display the Christian character and moral qualities that glorify God. Paul had this goal in view as he prayed. His earnest desire was to see the Philippians stay with their commitment to serve God so they could hear Jesus say on the day of Christ, Well done, good and faithful slave! (Matt. 25:21). 18 Link Up with Others

13 We can assume that believers having the fruit of righteousness would result in their continuing to participate in spreading the gospel which is the focus of this Lesson Passage. Paul certainly wanted this participation to continue, regardless of whether it was with him, with someone else, or on their own. Paul prayed for the Philippians love to grow continually so they could be and do all that God wanted. As we grow more mature spiritually, we will be motivated to continue participating in spreading the gospel. Life is filled with choices related to using the time, opportunities, and resources God has given us. We need God s help to stay focused on what is most important so that our lives will be filled with the fruit of God s righteousness at the end of the journey. Our participation in spreading the gospel directly and through supporting others will help us prepare for that day of judgment when we will be called to give an account of how we have used our God-given opportunities. WHAT ABOUT YOU? We have been confronted with some vital truths about spreading the gospel in this lesson. Those truths challenge us to join other Christians in evangelism efforts. The Bible calls Christians saints, which means God sets us apart to help spread the gospel to others. As saints, we have opportunities to link up with others in spreading the gospel. God calls us to get involved any way we can to spread the gospel. We can be involved in spreading the gospel directly or in helping others who are spreading it. We can assist others in their efforts to spread the gospel by meeting their personal needs and by supporting their ministries. As we grow more mature spiritually, we will be motivated to continue participating in spreading the gospel. God calls us to stick with our commitment so that our lives will be filled with the fruit of righteousness on the day of judgment. A n s w e r s t o Study Questions 1. Paul identified the believers in Philippi as saints. 2. Paul was thankful for the Philippians partnership with him in the gospel. 3. The Philippian believers assisted Paul by sending financial or material support. 4. Paul s goal was that the Philippian believers would grow to maturity in Christ so that they would be pure and blameless in the day of Christ (1:10). Week of March 6 19