emcclinton

Paul calls Peter out publicly bc Paul knows that the gospel is built on faith and not the law. Peter hypocrisy is the human nature to be a people pleaser. Peter went back to his old ways when a certain group came around and we to must be mindful of old sinful habits when we're in old environments in Christ we are a new creation and old things are passed away. Paul had to address the issue b/c there would have been continued prejudice and division amongst the saints. All ground is level at that cross. There is no room for division in Christ.

Abraham believed God and for us to come into right relationship with God we to must believe God. Believe, trust, and obey all go together.

Legalism always glorifies the flesh. Putting any trust or faith in self will always prohibit us from being Christlike. Pride has prompted me to live up to the name and character the world wants to see.

Ananias is human and the 1st response was to think on Saul's reputation and cruel acts toward the saints. It takes courage to obey b/c God ways are not our ways we simply can't see around the corner like He can. Ananias obeys God. God is calling me now to minister to someone in particular. It's not easy but must be done!

God typically works on two groups or people at the same time. Ex. While hearing the cries of the children of Israel in Egypt he was preparing Moses in the mountains. Point being God sent Ananias so that he could see the power and grace of our Lord. I also believe that Paul could use a right hand of fellowship into the Kingdom.

The church is one body but many members and Christ is the head of the body. When Christians are persecuted Christ is attacked as well. When it comes to goads used by Christ on me. I know that God was speaking to me at a very early age that is trying to get my attention. In my 30's I survived 3 strokes with no defects. After the 3rd one God spoke to me through His word while walking through the Tony Evans series "Kingdom Man". I gave God my whole heart from that moment.

Q4. (2:17) You have gone through struggles and obstacles to your faith. If you were to look at your sufferings as a "drink offering" poured out before God, how does that honor God? How does that bring value to your struggles? The struggles I had were strongholds! God gave me the power to turn from those wicked ways & honor Him in the presence of the same people I once ran with so that others may be drawn to Christ.

Q3. (2:16) In what sense are we Christians to "hold fast" the Word of Life? In what sense are we to "hold forth" this Word of Life? How does this relate to the purpose of the church? The purpose of the church is to meet the needs of mankind and mankind's deepest need is to be reconciled with Jesus Christ. The word of God is unchanging and unmovable. We must adhere to the foundation of the gospel and let the word of God do the changing.

Q2. (2:14-15) How does ceasing complaining and arguing enable a church to shine as stars in a dark sky? What does this shining as stars signify? Have complaining and arguing compromised your church's witness as a God-place? If so, what can you do to change this? In the Holy Trinity harmony has always existed. Complaining and arguments contradicts the oneness of God. When we unite it is like a world class orchestra, sweet music. The dark sky represents the sin of this world followers of Christ signify shining stars.

(2:12-13). In this passage, what does it mean to "work out your own salvation"? Is this referring to salvation from sin? If not, what kind of salvation is it referring to? Sanctification is a process of walking with Christ that purges sin from our lives. Work out your own salvation seems to speak to the whole body & individuals to be sanctified daily.

(2:9-11) We know we're supposed to humble ourselves like Jesus did. But how can we know whether or not God will exalt us? Why do we get impatient with this? What does our impatience sometimes lead to? The word of God can not lie. The exalting is on God's timing. I simply take HIM at his word. Secondly I know what it's like to cocky, arrogant & HUMBLED.... I also know what it's like to be humble and be exalted. Impatience leads to taking matters in your own hands which means the individual is not being led by the Holy Spirit which = to DANGER

Was Jesus really a human being or only pretending to be one? What do these verses teach? What difference does it really make whether or not Jesus was human? Jesus was 100% man & 100% God. What I like most about this is that he knows our temptations, he knows our pain, he knows our hurts and he endured them all to provide us a fleshly example of how to overcome. It makes all the difference that he became human b/c their had to be an atonement for sin and bulls, goats, and doves blood would not do. ONLY THE BLOOD OF OUR LORD & SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST!

Was Jesus really a human being or only pretending to be one? What do these verses teach? What difference does it really make whether or not Jesus was human? Jesus was 100% man & 100% God. What I like most about this is that he knows our temptations, he knows our pain, he knows our hurts and he endured them all to provide us a fleshly example of how to overcome. It makes all the difference that he became human b/c their had to be an atonement for sin and bulls, goats, and doves blood would not do. ONLY THE BLOOD OF OUR LORD & SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST!

Posted 21 March 2005 - 12:55 AM Q2. (2:6) In your own words, what does it mean that Christ didn't cling to his equality with God? How specifically does this passage teach that Jesus is divine? Jesus Christ chose to humble himself to the father and put on flesh out of humility and love for me and you. Secondly he had equal power. There has always been total harmony in the trinity. The scripture clearly states that Jesus was equal with God which makes him divine.

Q2. (2:6) In your own words, what does it mean that Christ didn't cling to his equality with God? How specifically does this passage teach that Jesus is divine? Jesus had the power to do as he pleased but he displayed humility to the father & took on the role of son so that we might have a flesh example of how we ought to walk & live. Humble ourselves before a thrice God.

Q1. (2:1-4). To achieve unity in your congregation, why is humility necessary? Can you give an example of how lack of humility caused a division in your church? What are you doing to bring unity in your church? Humility is the example that Jesus himself set. We are to be Christ-like in every area of our lives. I was new to my church & the Pastor had known me for years & asked me to be the Men's ministry leader. The Deacons & other men did not like it. I fought back at first 7 then God's word began to shape me. I kept my head in the word & the brothers noticed a change of humility in me & the confrontations ended. Saints of God we are 1. I need you & you need me therefore we must work together.

Q1. (2:1-4). To achieve unity in your congregation, why is humility necessary? Can you give an example of how lack of humility caused a division in your church? What are you doing to bring unity in your church? Humility is the example that Jesus himself set. We are to be Christ-like in every area of our lives. I was new to my church & the Pastor had known me for years & asked me to be the Men's ministry leader. The Deacons & other men did not like it. I fought back at first 7 then God's word began to shape me. I kept my head in the word & the brothers noticed a change of humility in me & the confrontations ended. Saints of God we are 1. I need you & you need me therefore we must work together.

Q2. (1:18b-19) Why is our ability to rejoice so dependent upon our faith that God is in control, working even in the midst of difficulty? What must you believe in order to be able to rejoice in the midst of problems? What is your basis for believing that? We must put our trust & hope solely in our Lord & Savior b/c He is faithful, trustworthy & unmovable. These trues are why we can rejoice in the midst of a storm. I've tried HIM for myself & the Lord has delivered me time & time again in-spite of my short comings. I once was a foolish young man with strongholds & desires that had a hold on me. I rejoice b/c He delivered me & He decided to still use me in His Kingdom. The Lord is so Merciful Saints. I'm sold out for Christ regardless of what the world does.

Q1. (1:12-14) From the standpoint of witness to others, you are much more credible when you are undergoing personal struggles, stress, and problems. Why is this so? Why was Paul's witness so powerful? What personal struggle are you going through that could enhance your testimony if you handled it right? Suffering & struggles have & will always capture human attention. It's fascinating to see someone overcome or work through what looks impossible. Paul was in chains & encouraged.... (that's good news to me ) I was blessed by God to survive 3 strokes & my testimony always get's others full attention to share the power of God. David said " It was good that I was afflicted that I may learn your statues" Affliction strengthens our testimony. Thank God for our High Priest in Jesus Christ.

Q4. (1:9-11) Why does Paul ask God to give the Philippian Christians discernment? What will be the result of discernment in their lives? How does selfishness cloud discernment? How is the good the enemy of the best in our lives? Paul desires for the Philippians to thoroughly examine what is best for their lives. This discernment will prove that God is the true desire their hearts. Selfishness always takes focus off God & therefore puts you on a wrong path. I've been so guilty of doing good but not the best. Purpose is only fulfilled when we are doing which is best & not simply good.

Q3. (1:6) What does Paul expect God to do for the Philippian believers? Why does he expect God to do this? What is the basis of Paul's confidence? On what basis can we expect God to do this for us? Paul is putting all his weight on God. He expects God to finish what He started in Philippi. Paul knows God's track record. He is faithful & he can never fail. Both Peter & Jonah learned that salvation is open to all who believes in God. We are joint heirs in Christ & his promises are extended to the Jew first but also to the Greek & Gentile.

Partnership to me refers to traveling in the same direction. Amos 3:3 how can two walk together unless they have agreed to do so. When a team wins all members of the team win. Partnership contributions include: emotional support, prayers, advice, a listening ear, help when needed. Simply knowing that a brother or sister cares means a lot. This is actually what my church & many others are missing. We speak on Sunday's & Wednesday's & that's it. A two day a week marriage probably wouldn't last that long. Partnership is a mutual desire for the well being of another & your actions will line up with your heart.

Slave has to deal with a matter of who you belong to. Your master is your master there are no if ands or buts about it. Being a slave of Christ goes hand in hand with being his servant. Saint pertains to the righteousness that has been declared on all believers in Christ. It's a term that followers of Christ are referred to. How are they connected. Christ said that if you love me you'll obey me. The saints are slaves of Christ. We are his workmanship and it's a privilege and a honor.

Hello co-laborers in Christ. My name is Eric M. and I'm a man who wants to fulfill God's purpose in my life. I live in the U.S. in Arlington TN. May we all be blessed through the word of God.