grace

How does "confidence in the flesh" show up in your congregation?Have you struggled with it? Confidence in the flesh shows up in congregations when people allow pride gossip, and other worldly things to be part of their walk with God. Also, a desire for one to edify themselves above others, putting themselves first, instead of a willingness to serve others. Yes, and I would say that ALL of God's people at some time or another have had to deal with this problem. The Spirit indeed is willing , but the flesh is weak. Have no confidence, I say, in the flesh.

From what you have read in Phil. so far, what seems to be the Phillipians' church's main problem?How does Paul's description of Timothy's character speak to this problem?How does Paul' call to honour men like Epaphroditus speak to this problem? It appears that Paul had reason to be concerned about the spiritual welfare of the Phillipian church, possibly some disputings in the body, not giving the individual members the honour due to them. Paul was concerned that the work he started there, would not be in vain. He was concerned about those who would try to enter into the fellowship and entice some away from the faith. Finally, he wants them to contend for the faith, to be rooted and grounded in what they believe, and to hold fast to the faith, knowing that the prize was at hand. Paul's description of Timothy's character speaks to this problem, in that he assures the Phillipian church, that Timothy will have the same godly desires for them as he did. He assures them that Timothy will be as concerned about their spiritual welfare as he would be , if he were there. Paul's call to honour men like Epaphroditis speaks to the problem, because Epaphroditis had a heart for God, even to the point that he became sick for his zeal in the Lord's work and his strong desire to strenghten the Phillipian church.

What is the significance of serving Jesus as a "Slave" as opposed to serving Him as a preference? What does it say about the quality of our service?Of our committment?What is wrong with leaders who serve out of preference? Serving Jesus as a slave is to serve Him in gratitute of what He has done for me , not as an act of bondage, but a willingness of the heart. The quality of my service should be one of greater love and committment to serve Him the rest of my life, having no regrets. Leaders who serve out of preference are not committed to the work or to their master. The service could also be inadequate and not done with the best motivation

Who has come alongside you to teach you?What potential leader in your church needs someone to come alongside them?Do you have a person or two that you are mentoring? This very ministry (Joyful Heart) is a mentor to me, helping me to search God's word so that I may contribute to the forum. Two new board members need people to come alongside them. I did have the opportunity to teach a new believer's class to be a mentor to them.

Why was Timothy's selfless concern so rare among church Leaders?Rather than pointing your fingers at others in the church, consider yourself?What things has Jesus had to deal with in your lifethat has helped you to become genuinely selfless and showing as concern for others?How has He refined you.? Paul was an excellent teacher to have brought up Timothy in the faith,to have more concern for the body of Christ than for himself. Paul knew that sending Timothy was the same as if he was there, and Timothy was like-minded with a genuine concern for the brethern. Before we look upon the faults of others, we must first examine ourselves and our consistency or lack thereof in our own christian walk. We are all children in the faith, depending upon the Father to direct our daily walk in the faith. INstead of seeing faults in others, we should see how we might strenghten the body. Gal. 6:1 says, Brethern, if any man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness: considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. God continues to refine me by placing persons in my life that seem to be like sandpaper, to refine my rough edges and remove the dross.

If you were to look at your struggles as a drink offering to God , how would that honour God?How does that bring value to your struggles? I believe that if we looked at our struggles as a drink offering to God , we would with more perserverence and boldness take up our cross , daily, and follow him , instead of complaining in the midst of them. This would bring value to my struggles, because I would not be going through these trials in vain, but know that the trying of my faith worketh patience. Hebrews says, " Cast not away your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward".

IN what sense are we christians to hold fast the Word of Life?In what sense are we to "hold forth" the word of life?How does this relate to the purpose of the church? We are to hold fast the word of life in the sense that we are to STAND FAST in the liberty , wherewith God has set us free and not be entangled in the affairs of this life, to be brought under bondage again. We are to 'HOLD FORTH' the word of life in the sense that we are to let our light so shine that others may see our good works and glorify our Father which is in heaven. Also, to be ready to give an answer to every man that asketh us of the reason of the hope that is in us with meekness and fear. The church is to HOLD FAST & HOLD FORTH the word of life and to be a light- house in the community to shine out to a dark world, to be a place of refuge to give shelter to those who are in the storms of life

How does ceasing murmuring and complaining help us to shine as stars in a dark sky?What does this shining as stars signify?Have complaining and arguing compromises your church's witness as a God-place? By ceasing murmuring and complaining, we can shine as stars in a dark sky because we are able to give a witness, especiallly in times of trial, that we have placed our life and trust in the God who we serve. Shining as stars signify that we will not compromise our faith in God, and we will take a strong stand for what we believe, even when everything seems to be going against us. The world may critizize what we believe and stand for, but our separation from the wickedness of the world should at least make them wonder what is different about us.

wHAT DOES IT MEAN TO WORK OUT OUR OWN SALVATION? Is this referring to salvation from sin?If not, then what kind of salvation is it referring to? I believe Paul is telling the phillipians that they are to be steadfast, and energetic in continuing with the things of God that he personally taught them, example; As we therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord , so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, wherein ye have been taught. I believe Paul is telling them to press on toward the calling God has placed on their lives. This is not salvation from sin, but a salvation which they already possess, to which they should HOLD FAST, and a firm grip on the grace that God has given to each one of them, lest anyone should try to decieve them.

Why is our ability to rejoice so dependant upon our faith that God is in control, working even in the midst of difficulties? What must you believe in order to be able to rejoice in the midst of problems? What is your basis in believing that? My ability to rejoice is dependant upon my faith that God is in control because what God has promised , He will perform (PHIL.). This gives me an assurance that I can rejoice, for God is not a man that He should lie. He tells me to CALL UPON HIM, AND HE WILL SHEW ME GREAT AND MIGHTY THINGS WHICH THOU KNOWEST NOT. In the midst of problems I must believe that GOD IS IN CONTROL AND WILL KEEP HIS WORD. And also that He said,"I will never leave thee, or forsake thee". My basis in believing that , is that, ALL THINGS WORK TOGETHER FOR GOOD TO THOSE WHO LOVE GOD AND ARE THE CALLED ACCORDING TO HIS PURPOSE.

We can know whether or not God will exalt us because the book of James tells us to humble ourselves under the might hand of God, and He will exalt us in due time. The book of 1 Thes. tells us that we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air. WE get impatient because there is a constant,ongoing battle between the flesh and the Spirit, and the mind is hostile toward God. We want to be obedient, but the flesh at times overcomes our desire for God. Our impatience will lead to our taking control of the situations in our lives, instead of waiting for the leading of the Holy SPirit. When we start doing things our way, then I believe that God leaves us to ourselves, until we realize the error of our ways, and turn in repentance to Him.

Was Jesus a human being or pretending to be one?What do these verses teach?What difference does it really make whether or not Jesus was human? Jesus was fully man and fully God. He was tempted in all points as we are , yet without sin. He identified with man , taking upon Him flesh and blood, that He might perfectly identify with man, and know what it would be like to endure suffering on the cross. His human nature cried out from the cross, "If it be possible, let this cup pass from me." He wept at the tomb of Lazarus. He became weary in His journey from place to place. He was called, the SON OF MAN as well as THE SON OF GOD. These verses teach that He knew the plan of the Father that He should endure suffering for all mankind, and set aside His privileges of diety, so that He might know the full effects of the cross. He knew that ONLY DEATH COULD BRING LIFE to all mankind, being our substitute. It makes a difference to us that Jesus was human, for as God only, He really could not identify with the suffering of human flesh, and would not be able to say that He was tempted in all points like we are.

What does it mean that Jesus didn't cling to his equality with God?How specifically does this passage teach that Jesus was divine? Jesus did not cling to His equality with God, because as per John 1:1, Jesus was there before the world began-( And now , O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory I had with thee before the world was). Also in Hebrews, Chap. 1 - "but unto the Son, He saith, Thy throne, O God is for ever and ever: ". Also , " Before Abraham was, I AM". Also, "all things were made by Him, and without Him, nothing was made that was made". Jesus was divine because He never at any time denied His relationship with the Father. Statements like, "If you have seen me, you have seen the Father". " I do always those things that please the Father". He allowed Himself to receive obesiance from those around Him.

What does it mean that Christ didn't cling to His equality with God?How specifically does this passage teach that Jesus was divine? Christ did not cling to His equality with God, for He could not use this advantage, if He were to fully carry cout the plan of the Father, to bring eternal life to all who would recieve it. Jesus had to become fully man, to be able to experience all of the agony that the cross would bring to Him. He knew the will of the Father, and even though His flesh cried out for mercy, He proclaimed, ? Not my will, but thy will, O God". Though Jesus took upon Himself, the form of man, there never was a time when He was not God, for in Him dwelleth all of the fulness of the Godhead, bodily.

Why is humility necessary in the church? What does lack of humility in the church cause division? What can you do to create unity in the church? Humility is necessary in the church, as we have to place others above ourselves , for he that is greatest among you must be servant of all. Humility also will not promote pride among its members. Lack of humility in the church will result in division in the church , members looking down on one another, also, a lack of the members not helping to meet one another's needs. God would not be present is such a setting where the body is divided. To create unity in the church, we have to be all of one mind, serving one another , praying and strenghtening one another, a genuine concern for those who are struggling in thier faith

How are we comforted about the state of christians after death according to phil. 1:23 and 2 Cor. 5:6-8? How does this comfort you?How does this energize you? we are comforted because our promotion, our goal has been accomplised. having fought the good fight of faith, and NOW laying hold unto eternal life (the prize)- to be forever with the Lord in a glorified state and being found in our true eternal home. I am personally comforted because I will know then that the struggles of life will be over, and I will be in a place where there is no more sorrow, no more tears, no more crying, no more death, for the former things will be passed away. This energizes me to strongly press forward and not give up the race that is set before me, looking unto Jesus , the author and finisher of my faith.

How can fear keep us from being a bold witness?Why does fear of people bind our tongues?How does losing our life for Christ's sake give us abundant life?What fear is keeping you from clear witness? Fear can keep us from being a bold witness, because fear is not from God, and if fear is in us, then God's love is not perfected in us."God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of love and of power and of a sound mind". I believe that fear is a result of a LACK OF TRUST in God to provide. Fear of people bind our tongues, because we fear how people will react if we witness to them; therefore, we are more concerned about our own reputation, than for the reputation of God, our all sufficient one. Losing our life for Christ's sake gives us abundant life, because it shows that our lives are fully under the control of the leading of God. It also shows that we trust that what God says in His Word, He will perform. It has always been a desire of mine to witness with every opportunity I get, but I sometimes fear, that the timing is not right, and I , therefore, may have alienated someone unnecessarily.

Why is our ability to rejoice so dependant upon our faith that God is in control, working even in the midst of difficulty?Why must you believe in order to be able to rejoice in the midst of problems?What is your basis for believing that? Our ability to rejoice is dependant upon our faith in God being in control, because what would be the purpose if God is not in it; it would be vanity and vexation of spirit. However, knowing that God is in control helps us to press on , knowing that HE which had begun a good work in you, will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. WE must believe in order to be able to rejoice, for WITHOUT FAITH , IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO PLEASE HIM , and the Word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it. The basis for our belief is the living, abiding word of God that's forever settled in heaven

Why is it so , that you are more of a witness when you are going through struggles? Why was Paul's witness so powerful?What personal struggle are you going through that would enhance your witness, if you handled it right? I believe you are more of a witness when you are going through struggles, because it is at that time , that you are more willing to fall upon your knees and cry out to God, that you might know that you are in the will of God. You want to know the purpose for your trials. I also believe that you will then take time to examine your christian walk more closely. Paul's witness was so powerful, because he had a living , committed , abiding faith that just kept him pressing on. It's easy to be a christian when things are going well, but when problems are pressing in on every side, and you are still standing tall for Jesus, then this is a strong evidence that you indeed have been changed, and others outside of Christ will see this. I believe that if I would just leave everything in the hands of God, especially when I cannot see how it is all going to turn out, then this would enhance my witness for God.

Why does Paul ask God to give the Phillipian 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? 1. I believe that Paul expressing his joy over the Phillipian christians , and knowing they have a zeal for God, was concerned that the enemy would try to block their spiritual progress, maybe by inflating their ego. When we are determined to follow hard after God, you can believe that the enemy will do what he can to stop us. 2.Discernment for the Philipian christians will cause them to make godly decisions and enable them to stay on track with what God is doing. 3. As indicated by others, selfishness is putting our own needs first, and putting aside the things God has called us to do. 4. The forum is right in saying that settling for the good will rob us of God's best for us.

What does Paul expect God to do for the Phillipian 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 expects God to fullfill the calling He has placed into the Phillipian believers, and to establish them in their calling, and strenghten them to carry out His Will. Paul expects God to do this because the Phillipians have joined themselves to Paul to be supportive to him in the body of Christ, in carrying out the will of God. The basis of Paul's confidence is having been tested by God and having seen the direction of God in his own life-showing that God is faithful. WE can expect God to also do this for us because His WORD says so, and God will not go back on HIS WORD

When we become financial partners with a christian church, what should we expect to receive out of the partnership?What other kinds of support can we offer beside financial? As partners with christian oganizations, etc., we should receive a great deal of satisfaction knowing that we are obeying the Lord in this work . WE can expect to be blessed by God for giving in obedience, as indicated in Malachi , Chapt.3. Our giving helps us continue the fight of faith in combating those that oppose the gospel. Our missionaries realize that they are not in the front lines of battle ALONE, but have the financial backing of the body of Christ . Other kinds of support would include prayer, letters, etc..

What is the basic idea of Slave? What is the root idea of Saint? In what way are these words saying the same thing about a christian's relationship with God.? A slave is one who is solely committed to another for life service. The root idea of Saint is one who is dedicated and consecrated to the service of God. They are saying the same thing inasmuch as they both are coming into subjection to their master, with a willingness to do His bidding and become obedient servants to do the master's will.

My evaluation of this study is that it looked at all aspects of the christian faith- areas of trials, faith, temptation, being an active christian. It also called for a self-assessment of ourselves to see whether we are walking in the faith, as God's word instructs us too. I believe that the book of James is a TOOL with which we can go back time and time again, to re-examine our christian walk and bring about correction in ourselves that will line up with God's will. As usual, I believe Pastor Ralph tried to get us to really think and meditate upon the answers that we gave as we reflected on our own personal walk with the Lord. Sometimes , I wasn't sure how I would answer, but I would often think that at times I felt the leading of the Holy Spirit in my responses. Thank you, Pastor Ralph. I believe you have touched many brothers and sisters in the forum and have, by the Holy Spirit, enabled them to be better and more mature christians.

Why is the role of finding and bringing back the wandering sheep so important? For as the body is one and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body; so also is Christ. If the foot shall say, because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body ---the above is said to show that when one member of the body is hurting (or wandering) , then we must all have a concern for that part of the body which has temporarily lost his way. We are duty-bound to reach out and draw that member back to the fold. God is not willing that we should lose one.