Lesson Notes:  Philippians 1:27-30 (NIV based)

READ:  Philippians 1:27-30, with vv.23-26 for context

vv.27-28a
"Whatever happens" what?
- - whatever happens to Paul - whether he lives, or is executed, or is in prison, or freed.

Describe the characteristics of "conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ".

Why is it important for the Philippian saints to "stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man"?

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v.28b
How will what be "a sign to them"?

What does this sign to "those who oppose you" indicate about God and His activities in and through His believers?

What does all of this indicate about the faith that believers are to have?

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v.29
Why would God grant us to suffer?
- - to suffer "for him";
- - to participate in the sufferings of Christ - 1 Peter 4:12-14;
- - to refine our character - James 1:2-5;
- - to increase our reward - Matthew 5:10-12;
- - to experience and learn what it means to be a believer of Christ who is visible to the world;
- - to be an example to other believers;
- - to be a sign that serves to witness to unbelievers - v.28.

How does God's granting us to believe on him (Christ) relate to God's granting believers to suffer for him (Christ)?  What is the connection between these two grantings by God?

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v.30
What does the suffering for the faith that both the Philippian saints and Paul are experiencing indicate about whether or not suffering for the faith is unusual or is common for believers to encounter?

What does this passage imply about suffering as a part of the Christian life?

From this reality that at times God wants us to suffer, how would we respond to those Christians who say God wants us to be happy, prosperous, and comfortable?

What are some situations in which believers today have been or should be suffering for the cause of Christ?
- - when being persecuted for the faith - Matthew 5:11-12;
- - staying married to an unbelieving spouse - 1 Corinthinians 7:12-13,16;
- - when being harassed by your co-workers or mistreated by your employer - 1 Peter 2:12,15,16,18-21.

How should we go through suffering, in what manner?
- - have love - 1 Corinthians 12:31-13:3;
- - do what is right, live at peace, do not take revenge, extend help and compassion back, do no evil, do good, cultivate peace - Romans 12:17-21; 14:19;
- - always do what is right in the eyes of the Lord - vv.27, 2:4-5;
- - live a godly life - 1 Peter 2:12;
- - allow the suffering to continue - "turn the other cheek" - Matthew 5:39-41.

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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? 

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?

Are you currently experiencing a situation in which you could or should let continue the suffering for the faith you are receiving?

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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_27-30-LessonNotes.___ (.htm, .doc, .pdf)
Translation used: NIV, quoted or referred to in various places within this document
Source: www.BelieverAssist.com
Updated: December 9, 2016