Lesson Notes:  Philippians 1:15-19 (NIV based)

READ:  Philippians 1:15-19, with verses 12-14 for context

vv.15-17
Is the assertion that is described in verses 15-17 true today?
- In this church?
- In evangelical churches?
- On television or radio?
- What about in situations where a church split is instigated?

Would the contents of preaching Christ probably be adulterated by someone who preaches out of a motive of envy, or rivalry, or selfish ambition, or agitation?  If so, how?  (see James 3:13-18)

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v.18
If we analyze the ultimate results, does it matter whether Christ is preached from true motives or from false motives?
- - apparently no, as long as the message is doctrinally correct;
- - but yes, in terms of effectiveness in facilitating people to respond to the message;
- - God will not bless and empower the ministry work of those leaders whose heart is corrupted.  (see James 4:1-4; 3:1; 1 Timothy 3:1-7)

Do we rejoice when Christ is preached?

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vv.18d-19
How has Paul developed such an exuberant confidence about what the outcome of his life will be in the future?  What does he base this confidence on?
- - Paul has already seen some major positive outcomes from his situation, which he cites in verses 12-14,6.
- - Paul has joy-filled faith in God, that God is and will continue to actively work to bring good spiritual results for the Kingdom within and through the situations Paul is encountering and enduring.  (v.18; cf. Romans 8:28)
- - And thereby, Paul also holds and maintains a long-term and big-picture spiritual perspective when encountering and while enduring present situations.
- - Paul is a "servant of Christ Jesus" (v.1), and as such, Paul entrusts his life in the present and the future to whatever his master, Christ Jesus, ordains for Paul.  (cf. 1 Peter 2:21-23)
- - So Paul therefore firmly plants his dependence upon "the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ" and the supportive "prayers" from the Philippian saints.  (v.19)

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MAIN POINT:  What would you say is the main point in these verses?

IMPORTANT SUB-POINTS:  What are some other important points God is making here in these verses?

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APPLICATIONS:  What applications can you think of for how we should respond to the concepts in these verses? 

Are you a servant of Christ Jesus?  If not, why not?

Do you entrust your life in the present and the future to whatever God has in store for you?

Do you hold and maintain a long-term and big-picture spiritual perspective when encountering and while enduring present situations?

On a daily basis, are you dependent upon help given by God?

PERSONALIZED APPLICATIONS:  From these verses, what do you think God wants you to learn, or know, or remember, or put into effect in your life?  How are you going to do that?

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Works Cited:
Bible. “The Holy Bible: New International Version.” The Bible Library CD-ROM. Oklahoma City, OK: Ellis Enterprises, 1988.
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Copyrights:
Scriptures taken from Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®
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Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Copyright © 2014 Mel W. Coddington, and permission is hereby granted that this document may be used, copied, and distributed non-commercially to non-profit organizations, individuals, churches, ministries, and schools worldwide, provided the copies are distributed at no charge and retain this sources documentation as supplied herein. This document is not for sale, resale, or for use as a gift or premium to be offered in connection with solicitations or contributions.
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File name: Philippians1_15-19-LessonNotes.___ (.htm, .doc, .pdf)
Translation used: NIV, quoted or referred to in various places within this document
Source: www.BelieverAssist.com
Updated: December 3, 2016