Sank T Monius

Philippians 1:12-30 Q). How can fear keep us from being a bold witness? A). Fear makes us become faint hearted and not declare the Gospel # Q). Why does fear of people bind our tongues? A). Fear of people makes us worry about what to say to them. # Q). How does "losing our life" for Christ's sake actually give us an abundant life? A). In death we will be with Christ and have everlasting life. As Paul writes to the church at Colosse, "For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God" (Colossians 3:3). He has already settled the matter of death, as Christ had taught, "For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it" (Matthew 16:25)." # Q). What fear is keeping your from clear witness? A). Fear of not knowing what to say or how to give my testimony.

Philippians 1:12-30 Q). Why is our ability to rejoice so dependent upon our faith that God is in control, working even in the midst of difficulty? A). We should be honored by the privilege of suffering for Christ. Our faith that God is in control makes us able to rejoice in our suffering. # Q). What must you believe in order to be able to rejoice in the midst of problems? A). For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. -Philippians 1:21 # Q). What is your basis for believing that? A). If I live, I get to enjoy Christ's presence as I do now. If I die, things get better yet! (Paul considers death as "gain")

Philippians 1:12-30 # Q). 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? A). I am more credible during personal struggles, stress, and problems because others see an example of a person who is an unafraid and faithful witness. (It's more credible to see a sermon than to hear one.) # Q). Why was Paul's witness so powerful? A). Paul's witness was so powerful because he knew that it wasn't about him, but about Christ and his kingdom. # Q). What personal struggle are you going through that could enhance your testimony if you handled it right? A). I am struggling with stepping out in faith and trusting God to manifest His Spirit in my practical day to day living. As I struggle with stepping out in faith my testimony could be enhanced when I witness to others. My testimony becomes more credible during times of struggle. My success at living in a more practical way can be a testimony to the power of His Spirit being active in the material world. As I exercise my faith in practical ways other people will be encouraged because they will see evidence of Paul's promise: "...he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ -Philippians 1:6". They will see the blessings that result from living a Christ-Powered life in all my situations.

Philippians 1:1-11 # Q). Why does Paul ask God to give the Philippian Christians discernment? A). So that that they may be able to determine by critical examination which things are of greatest importance and put their efforts into those things. # Q). What will be the result of discernment in their lives? A). They will therefore be pure and blameless until the day of Christ and be filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ in order that they bring glory and praise to God. (Phil 1:10) # Q). How does selfishness cloud discernment? A). Selfishness is more about what pleases us rather than pleasing God. It clouds our discernment of God's will because we are too focused on our own desires. # Q). How is the good the enemy of the best in our lives? A). We can be so preoccupied with good things, that we don't have time for the best, most important, most significant things. We can live years of our lives pursuing things that are transitory and ultimately of little worth. Good, maybe, but not of ultimate importance.

Philippians 1:6 Q). What does Paul expect God to do for the Philippian believers? A). Paul expects God to complete what he has begun in their lives when Christ comes # Q). Why does he expect God to do this? A). Paul expects God to do this because God is faithful # Q). What is the basis of Paul's confidence? A). Paul's confidence in God is based on God's faithfulness # Q). On what basis can we expect God to do this for us? A). Because God is faithful

Philippians 1:6 # Q). When we become financial "partners" with a Christian missionary, minister, ministry, or church, what do we receive out of the partnership? A). we receive spiritual and material blessings # Q). What other kinds of support might we offer beyond financial? A). Two kinds of support we might offer beyond financial are love and personnel (philippians offered Epaphroditus) to support the ministry

Philippians 1:1-11 Q). What is the basic idea of "slave"? A). The Greek noun doulos is used of "a male slave as an entity in a socioeconomic context," or "one who is solely committed to another, "slave, subject,"2 denoting "compulsory service."3 Hired "servants" come and go, but "slaves" are committed to their Master for life. I recall Paul's sense of responsibility about preaching. When he writes to the Corinthian church he says, "Yet when I preach the gospel, I cannot boast, for I am compelled to preach. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!" (1 Corinthians 9:16) # Q). What is the root idea of "saint"? A). "Saints" is the Greek adjective hagios. As an adjective it pertains to "being dedicated or consecrated to the service of God." Here it refers to believers as "the holy ones, saints," as consecrated to God.4 When we are "saved," when Christ's Spirit comes into our lives, we become holy. No, not perfect or perfected, but dedicated, set apart to the service of God. We are now his sacred property and off limits to profane use. Paul reminds the Corinthians: "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body." (1 Corinthians 6:19-20) # Q). In what way are these words saying the same thing about a Christian's relationship to God? A). being a "slave of Christ Jesus" and being a "saint" of God are pretty much the same thing, just looking at different aspects of belonging "lock, stock, and barrel" to God!

1 Thessalonians 2:19-20 Q). How can we justify a desire for rewards for our labor in light of God's free gift of salvation and our love for him? A). Rewards for works are the "icing on the cake." Salvation by grace is the rock solid foundation that we do not lose. # Q). What does Christ reward? A). Jesus -- and his Apostles Paul and John -- teach us that we will be rewarded for our labors. # Q). What doesn't he reward? A). He doesn't reward unfruitful faith (faith without works) # Q). Why should showing accountability to our Master bring us pleasure? A). It should bring us pleasure knowing He will reward us for showing accountability # Q). How does it motivate us? A). It motivates us by arousing our desire to receive a reward for our labor

1 Thessalonians 2:13 Q). What is the role of the Word of God in molding disciples' lives? A). The role of the Word of God in molding disciples' lives is to produce holiness: "Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth." (John 17:17) # Q). Does it have a power of its own? A). Consider the power of God's word in this verse: "You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you." (John 15:3) # Q). How does that seem to operate? A). Like yeast in dough, it is changing and transforming the dough over time. # Q). What are the implications for disciplers of this powerful action of the Word? A). Because of the power of God's word, the role of teacher in a congregation is a very powerful agent for change, growth, and discipleship.

1 Thessalonians 2:6b-8 Q). Why are "motherly" nurturing qualities so important to growing disciples? A). Disciples are not best made through arms-length teaching, but by sharing life-to-life. And that's how mothers raise their sons and daughters. # Q). How effectively can male disciplers adopt some of these traits? A). Male disciplers can adopt some of these traits very effectively. That's how Jesus did it, and so did Paul.

1 Thessalonians 2:3-6 Q). Which of the character flaws mentioned in these verses is the greatest problem in the church? A). All of the character flaws mentioned are a great problem in the church. # Q). Why do you say that? A). Because they all corrupt the body of Christ. # Q). How can you prevent one of these character flaws from overtaking you? A). By repentance, confession and placing it in God's care. I can pray about it and not worry about it because I trust God to handle it: "Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you." -1 Peter 5:7

1 Thessalonians 2:1-2 Q). Why is personal courage such an important character trait for a disciple -- and for a discipler? A). Jesus gave this warning to His disciples: "Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves..." -Matthew 10:16. Only a very courageous sheep would be willing to go in the midst of wolves. And only a courageous disciple would be willing to go in the midst of potential hurt, harm or danger eminating from the wolves of this world. # Q). How does lack of courage prevent evangelism? A). Lack of courage causes one to be timid and fearful of sharing the gospel. And that's one reason why Paul, in a Roman prison, wrote this famous verse to Timothy: "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." -2 Timothy 1:7 # Q). How does lack of courage prevent a congregation from being healthy? A). The congregation will be driven by fear (lack of courage) and that's an unhealthy motive for a group of Christians. # Q). What is God calling you to do that will require courage on your part? A). Step out in faith and trust Him rather than being fearful because of uncertainty.

Psalms 18, 34, 54, 56, 58, 59, 142 Q). In these ascriptions to these psalms, how many celebrate happy occasions? A). Only Psalm 18 celebrates a happy occasion. in Psalm 18 He sang to the LORD the words of this song when the LORD delivered him from the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul. # Q). How many arise from struggles? A). Six of the listed psalms arise from his struggles (34, 54, 56, 58, 59, 142) # Q). What does this tell you about David's relationship with God? A). David demonstrated faith and a reverential fear of God. He also had a strong desire to obey God's commandments. # Q). What does this tell you about his faith during trials? A). David's faith during trials was steadfast and immovable. # Q). Which is your favorite among these psalms? Why? A). My favorite is psalm 18 because it's a tribute to God's victory in a human life.

1 Samuel 23:14-18 Q). Why does Jonathan visit David in the wilderness? A). God sends Jonathan to encourage David...Jonathan "helped him find strength in God" (23:16). Observe Jonathan's words: "Don't be afraid. My father Saul will not lay a hand on you. You will be king over Israel, and I will be second to you. Even my father Saul knows this." (23:17) # Q). What risk is there for David? A). Saul is after him, and Jonathan. Saul may capture or kill him. # Q). What risk is there for Jonathan? A). Saul is after him, and David. Saul may capture or kill him. # Q). What do you think it meant to David? A). I think it was comforting to David. Just like David had given comfort to others with his music..."Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;" -2 Corinthians 1:3 # Q). Have you ever received a visit from a friend when you needed it most? A). Yes. Seemingly serendipitous meetings (too many to mention) have often led to a change of outlook and attitude when I have felt despondent or pessimistic. Looking back on those chance meetings, I believe they were arranged by God to restore my joy and peace of mind. He is truly the "God of all comfort". (See 2 Cor 1:3 in the previous question)

1 Samuel 22:20-23:12 # Q). What did Abiathar and the ephod have to do with "inquiring of the Lord?" A). When David learns about Saul's slaughter, he is heartsick and feels that it is his fault. He invites the high priest's son, Abiathar, to stay with him for his own safety. But there is another important benefit of Abiathar's presence -- the ephod. The ephod is part of the high priest's garments that include the Urim and Thummim, apparently lots used to determine God's will when David inquires of Yahweh. David now has the ability to seek God's will about key decisions. # Q). Why did David inquire of the Lord? A). [David] inquired of the LORD, saying, 'Shall I go and attack these Philistines?' The LORD answered him, 'Go, attack the Philistines and save Keilah. -2 Samuel 23:2 # Q). What huge advantage does the person have who seeks God's will before acting? A). When we fail to seek God's will we act in the dark. God brings light to those who seek His will. # Q). How can you find God's will at key points in your life? A). Through His Word, prayer, meditation and the counsel of other believers.

1 Samuel 22:2 Q). Why were David's men attracted to him? A). David begins to attract others whom Saul is pursuing. # Q). What did they have in common? A). All those who were in distress or in debt or discontented gathered around him, and he became their leader. # Q). Why kind of men were these? those who owe money being hounded for repayment, rebels who want to overthrow Saul, and probably a few bandits who are wanted for various crimes. Many have a price on their head.... # Q. What difficulties do you think David probably had in leading them? A). Some of the difficulties David probably had were solving individual problems, establishing and maintaining unity along with feeding them and their families!

1 Samuel 17:47 Q). Why do we so often forget that "the battle is the Lord's"? A). So often we trust in our own strength. Or, just as bad, feel powerless and defeated because we don't have any strength. # Q). What does that phrase actually mean? A). David makes it clear that he is coming with Yahweh's power and authority. # Q). How can we avoid the arrogance of pulling God into our battles ("God is on my side"), rather than engaging in His battles ("I am on God's side")? A). God will act on our behalf when we trust in him and are obedient to his voice. ... * All answers are quoted from the lesson.

Replies to the Questions: Q.) What does David's explanation to Saul of his combat experience say about David's faith? A.) King Saul is impressed. How many of his own soldiers would challenge a lion or bear? Few! So he gives David his blessing: "Go, and the LORD be with you" (17: 37b). # Q.) How lethal is David as a warrior? A.) Consider David's experience. He has been a "mere" shepherd, but he has done mortal combat with both lions and bears. He is fearless! When his flock is attacked, he doesn't take the easy way out. He chases after the predator, confronts it, kills it, and rescues the sheep from its jaws. # Q.) Why do you think Saul allows him to go out to battle Goliath? A.) If David is struck down by Goliath -- as is certainly likely -- the worst that would happen would be that the Philistines would wage an attack. Their psychological advantage is minor -- the victory of a giant over a boy....But if David wins -- and Saul believes that David has a chance of doing just that -- the psychological advantage over the Philistines will be huge. It will be a shock that might very well determine the outcome of the ensuing battle. # Q.) Does Saul have faith? A.) Yes, Saul does have faith. Q.) If so, what is the source of it? A.) David has inspired spiritual faith in the king. David has pointed him toward the power of Yahweh. ##

1 Samuel 16:14-23 Q). From Saul’s perspective, why is David summoned to court? A). King Saul's servants prescribe music to help calm him when these fearful spells come upon him. One servant recalls David's musical ability: ...Here's a fine musician described in heroic terms. Plus, "the Lord is with him." How could Saul resist that kind of recommendation! . Q). From God’s perspective, what seem to be the reasons for this service in Saul’s court? A). As the story unfolds, it seems that God wants David in Saul's court to be exposed to the nuts and bolts of governing, to learn the art of leadership from that nation's leaders. It is a kind of apprenticeship for the future king of Israel. It also may have been a time for writing songs. . Q). What things tend to prevent us from learning from God in the midst of the circumstances in which we find ourselves? A). Paul says that God judges rebellion by giving people fully over to their sin and its fruits (Romans 1:24-26). For the Holy Spirit's power to leave us because of our persistent sin and disobedience is a sobering matter indeed. Let us strive not to grieve the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:30). . Q). What might make us more teachable A). I believe we can be more teachable if we become willing to trust God enough to pray and obey rather than succumb to our doubt, fear and selfish desires.

1 Samuel 16:13 13 Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the Lord came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah. # Replies to the Questions: Q.) What is the significance of Samuel anointing David? A.) The anointing is significant politically. It designates David as the king-to-be... ... Q.) What is the significance of the Holy Spirit coming upon David? A.) the simultaneous anointing and coming of the Holy Spirit upon David becomes the paradigm for the gift of the Holy Spirit in the New Testament. For example: "The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me...." (Luke 4:18) "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." (Acts 1:8) "God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power...." (Acts 10:38) "He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come." (2 Corinthians 1:21b-22) Indeed, twice the term "anointing" is substituted for "Holy Spirit" (1 John 2:20, 27). ... Q.) How does this explain his success? A.) When the Holy Spirit comes in power upon David it empowers him. The young man had been a harp-player and songwriter. Now he becomes an anointed, prophetic songwriter and the "sweet singer of Israel" (2 Samuel 23:1). The boy who has courageously defended his flock against the lion and the bear, now becomes the mighty warrior who defends his country against giants and Philistines (17:37). The young man who has shepherded his father's flock to find green pastures and still waters (Psalm 23:2), now becomes the shepherd of a nation as its king -- all by the powerful Holy Spirit who has come upon him. ... Q.) How is the Holy Spirit upon us vital for our own success as disciples? A.) ...whether we feel it or not, the Holy Spirit has come upon all Christian believers to give us power. According to our faith, so be it unto us. "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." (Acts 1:8) "He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come." (2 Corinthians 1:21b-22) "Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts." (Zechariah 4:6)