Rod Beenleigh

To have a knowledge of Christ goes beyond head knowledge it requires forming a relationship which will become more intimate over time and maturity. We put our our faith in Christ then our relationship begins. No, personal relationship and faith goes hand in hand. Have not progressed as much as I would like. I have to learn to talk to Christ more often and surrender to Him.

Righteousness obtained by law observance required an unobtainable standard of sinlessness where as righteousness by faith,belief,trust is the core of the Christian way. Jesus Christ died for our sins so we could become of 'right standing" with God through faith, belief, trust. The concept of justification by faith is difficult to understand because we find it so incredible that someone, let alone God, would take our sins upon Himself. To take our punishment.

His credentials are based on man's standards, so are empty, not satisfying the deep yearnings of the heart, I want to know Christ!! So Paul wanted to discard anything that stood in the way.To know Christ is worth giving up everything. Many years ago I was duped by a religious sect/cult and am now sensitive about the introduction and acceptance of pagan tradition in the church.

There are a few who are "empire building" together with some who try to introduce religious practises from their former denominations. Yes, witnessing from door to door, trying to do this in my own strength. Of course I failed '

The Philippians have not yet taken on the full role of Christian followers. They are immature. They haven't grasped the full significance of ' humility of mind,' regard one another as more important than themselves.

" Absolute surrender"which covers, I think, the Greek word 'douleous' what a goal!! Where do we find someone with those traits? to act or conduct as one in total service to another, perform the duties of a slave, serve and obey. What a wonderful character credit Paul was giving Timothy. Serving Him as a preference? This individual is acting out his/her service under their own strength and will falter and despair eventually. My quality of service needs to be vastly improved.

I had the privilege of being taught and encouraged by a retired minister. The potential leaders in our church are being mentored by the deacons.

Timothy had that rare quality of being genuinely concerned with others welfare. Timothy was a "kindred spirit" in that his focus was the same as Paul's i.e .thoughts, feelings, and spirit for the church. My flaws are still surfacing.

To depart/ be out of the body is to be with Christ/ at home with the Lord. This comforts me in asmuch that there will be no waiting for the second coming but to be with Jesus straight away. This removes the fear of death and afterlife from me.

God is in control in all situations and the result will always be a victory. This fact gives us the ability to rejoice.

When one has experienced struggles, stress and problems, one can relate first hand of the emotions, thoughts, actions and results. Paul's witness was so powerful because of the experiences he had had,visitations, blindness, floggings, shipwrecks, accusations, threats of life and limb together with personal strife with Judaisers and disgruntled followers. What personal struggles? I feel i am in the early stages of dementia. How to handle life situations that this condition will bring, but that being "in Christ" is all that I will need.

Because of their loving generousity they would become prey to 'wolves in sheep's clothing'. Expressive love guarded with truth. Selfishness feds the "me" and inward looking distorts the ability to determine genuiousness. We should use God's measure of importance not what we are comfortable with.

Because of their loving generousity they would become prey to 'wolves in sheep's clothing'. Expressive love guarded with truth. Selfishness feds the "me" and inward looking distorts the ability to determine genuiousness. We should use God's measure of importance not what we are comfortable with.

God began a good work in the Philippians and will carry it on toward completion. Our salvation and eternal destiny depends on God Himself. Once God has begun a work in man , the latter by no means remains passive. God never does anything by halves.

When we give financial support to church or missionary we become sharers in that activity Other kinds of support may include encouragement to the Pastor, elders, deacons and all the support teams (behind the scene) contributing to the needs of others. Volunteering for cleaning, gardening, building maintenance, even singing in the choir.

Basic idea of 'slave' that he is bound to his master, this slave is in a relationship to his master that only death can break. Root idea of 'saint' is ' to set apart', therefore saints are believing sinners set apart from sin in holiness Saying the same thing? As servants or slaves/saints of Jesus Christ we are in a bonded relationship never to be broken.

Whom does Paul curse in this verse? Anyone who doesn't love the Lord. Whom does he invite to come quickly? "Come, Lord Jesus" Why, do you think, Paul looks forward so much to Christ's coming? Paul had so many plans, to re-visit his church plantings, to re-unite with his fellow workers, to help the poor, to strengthen the weak. to sort out false teachings and disputes.not forgetting his disabilities," his thorn in the side" He possibly thought that all these events would be ongoing and the only solution would be when Christ returns and his struggles be finally over, May Christ's return be soon.

What does it take to continue to minister in the face of opposition? It takes faith; it will require a closer relationship to God to draw on His strength to keep the opposition at bay. Why does opposition nearly always accompany success? Satan hates to see any gain and uses any means at his disposal to bring about failure. In what way does this require spiritual warfare? 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh, for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds.

What does Paul's wording, "if the Lord permits" teach us about making plans? This study has certainly taught me a lot, I have a lot of growing to do, to be aware of what God requires. As Paul states in 1 Cor. 15:4-8 " If it seems advisable" & "if the Lord permits" 1 Cor. 4:9 " if the Lord is willing" Romans 1:10 "by God's will" Hebrews 6:3 " God permitting" he (Paul) shows his willingness to be obedient to God's will in all things including travel. Why is planning without this mindset actually arrogant? It is an indication that we still want to be in control.

What does this teach about regular giving? Should be set aside to be available for any necessary requirement. About proportional giving? Our income should be an indicator of our ability to donate. About planned giving, rather than last minute giving? I had not given this idea much thought, it is not until the problem is announced that monies are called for. Yes it would be better to put money aside for such occasions.

Why do we sometimes get discouraged serving the Lord? When we take our eyes off Jesus, become concerned with worldly affairs, depressed with the sorrows that are everywhere.The petty arguments within the congregation, where oh where is the harmony? When we cannot use our particular gift in helping What does this exhortation contain to encourage and motivate us? The words of Paul reminding us that we belong to Christ's family, be sure of your faith, be focused,doing all that you can be in the Lord.

What does this passage teach us about Christ's coming? In a flash, no warning just as the days of Noah, quickly, as fast as the twinkling of an eye( aren't the words so beautiful in imagery ) the last trumpet sounds, the dead will be raised and all will be changed. In what ways does it encourage us? To see Jesus, our loved ones who have gone ahead, to suffer no more pain, to see the new heavens and the new earth. Encourages us to stay faithful and true.

What does this passage teach us about the subordination of the Son to the Father? Equal in person but subordinate in His present role. How can that be consistent with the doctrine of the Trinity? Each member of the Trinity has a role to play in the unfolding plan that when complete everything will be perfect again.

What is the core of the gospel according to this verse? Christ died for our sins,was buried, was raised on the third day and appeared to numerous witnesses. Paraphrase it in your own words based on this passage? As trustworthy witnesses have received and passed on that all occurred in accord with Scripture that Christ died for our sins, He was buried and was raised from the dead three days later, was seen by Cephas, the Twelve,500 brethren (some still living) James, all the apostles then Paul.

In what sense is our salvation dependant upon us continuing in faith? In the sense that we are to adhere to the teachings of Jesus and Paul. The whole Bible in fact. Why is the doctrine of the Perseverance of the Saints important for us to understand? Matthew 7:26 "But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practise is like a foolish man who built his house on sand". John 8:31 "If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciple and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free". 2 John 1:9 "Anyone who was ahead and does not continue in the teaching of Christ does not know God; whoever continues in the teaching has both the Father and the Son".