Galilee Summer Book Series - August - Philippians

June-July-August

summer book series

Galatians-Ephesians-Philippians

August

Book of Philippians
Ode to Joy

Galilee Church
45425 Winding Road • Sterling, VA 20165
703-430-2203 • galileeumc.org • [email protected]

Galilee’s Summer Book Club
August - Philippians
Ode to Joy

“Rejoice in the Lord always! Again I will say, Rejoice!”
Philippians 4:4

Galilee Church
45425 Winding Road • Sterling, VA 20165
703-430-2203 • galileeumc.org • [email protected]

Contents

Contents

Series Introduction................................................................................ 3
ODE TO JOY: An Introduction to Philippians ................................. 4
Suggested Outline of the Book of Philippians.................................... 5
The Book of Philippians........................................................................ 6
Discussion Guides:
The Mindset of Christ.............................................................. 12
Press on Toward the Goal........................................................ 14
No Worries................................................................................. 16
The Secret................................................................................... 18
Notes ..................................................................................................... 20

Series Introduction

Have you got a stack of summer reading going yet? Whether you travel
to the mountains, or the beach, or even enjoy a staycation, the slow pace
of the hot, humid months of summer afford us the opportunity to read
more—and to read more widely.

I encourage you to make room in your pile for the slim booklet that you
hold in your hands, which is Galilee’s Summer Book Club guide to one
book of the Bible. A whole book, because the Bible is not meant to be read
one verse at a time, out of order, and out of context. I may preach one
or two verses at a time, but imagine reading a David Baldacci novel like
that!

The Summer Book Club is going to tackle three books in their entirety,
with three discussion guides like this one: Galatians in June, Ephesians
in July, and Philippians in August. The sermons you hear in church (or
online) will follow these guides, but you may also delve into the word
on your own. The complete Bible book is in here, along with a set of
questions and reflections.

This summer stay cool…keep reading…and remain free.

In Christ,

Jason Duley
Senior Pastor, Galilee Church

A good companion to Galilee’s Summer Book Club topics are the “Be”
series books by Bible commentator, Warren Wiersbe. BE FREE
(Galatians), BE RICH (Ephesians), and BE JOYFUL (Philippians) are
available in paperback or in a Kindle edition. Come by the church office,
if you would like to look at a copy.

-3-

ODE TO JOY:
An Introduction to Philippians

The Book of Philippians is about joy. “Rejoice,” Paul says. “Rejoice in
the Lord always. Again I say, rejoice!”
The letter might almost be called, “How to Increase Your Joy.”
It’s easy to find a sort of distracted happiness in the world. But if we’re
talking of higher things, we have to say that joy is more than happiness.
Joy comes from our relationships, from our abundance, and from the
feeling that our life satisfies. But are any of these higher feelings capable
of producing joy, if we don’t have Christ?
Think of relationships. We make much of fellowship at this church.
One of our central tenets is to “connect,” yet fellowship is more than
connecting with brief pleasantries on Sunday morning. Fellowship is
more than even a fuller social acquaintance. Real fellowship happens
when two friends are of one mind. We become brothers and sisters
when we share the witness of what God has done in our lives.
It’s not just friends, either. It is when couples share a past, present,
and future in Christ that they deserve the name of man and wife. Real
relationship involves Christ, who always increases our joy.
The same is true of abundance. The world offers us its prosperity, but
joy comes when our abundance is measured in what Christ values.
We know that Jesus never stored up goods for himself, but sacrificed
everything for the least among us.
The life that satisfies is not finding success on any terms, by our own
efforts. Rather, life satisfies most completely—and real joy comes—
when we put our gifts (be they ever so modest) to use in humble
service for the Lord.
As you look over Paul’s “ode to joy,” try to read it spiritually. Take time
to breathe in the peace and joy that is offered by the Holy Spirit.

-4-

Bible commentator Warren Wiersbe clarifies Paul’s arguments in
Philippians by outlining them this way:

A Suggested Outline of
Philippians

Theme: The joy of the Lord
Key verse: Philippians 3:1
I. The Single Mind (Philippians 1)
A. The fellowship of the gospel (Philippians 1:1–11)
B. The furtherance of the gospel (Philippians 1:12–26)
C. The faith of the gospel (Philippians 1:27–30)
II. The Submissive Mind (Philippians 2)
A. The example of Christ (Philippians 2:1–11)
B. The example of Paul (Philippians 2:12–18)
C. The example of Timothy (Philippians 2:19–24)
D. The example of Epaphroditus (Philippians 2:25–30)
III. The Spiritual Mind (Philippians 3)
A. Paul’s past—the accountant: “I count” (Philippians 3:1–11)
B. Paul’s present—the athlete: “I press” (Philippians 3:12–16)
C. Paul’s future—the alien: “I look” (Philippians 3:17–21)
IV. The Secure Mind (Philippians 4)
A. God’s peace (Philippians 4:1–9)
B. God’s power (Philippians 4:10–13)
C. God’s provision (Philippians 4:14–23)
The version used here is the World English Bible, which is designed for
educational purposes and is copyright free.

-5-

Paul’s Letter to the Philippians

Chapter 1

1 Paul and Timothy, servants of Jesus Christ;
To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers
and servants : 2 Grace to you, and peace from God, our Father, and the
Lord Jesus Christ.
3 I thank my God whenever I remember you, 4 always in every request
of mine on behalf of you all making my requests with joy, 5 for your
partnership in furtherance of the Good News from the first day until
now; 6 being confident of this very thing, that he who began a good
work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.
7 It is even right for me to think this way on behalf of all of you,
because I have you in my heart, because, both in my bonds and in the
defense and confirmation of the Good News, you all are partakers with
me of grace. 8 For God is my witness, how I long after all of you in the
tender mercies of Christ Jesus.
9 This I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in
knowledge and all discernment; 10 so that you may approve the things
that are excellent; that you may be sincere and without offense to the
day of Christ; 11 being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are
through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.
12 Now I desire to have you know,brothers, that the things which
happened to me have turned out rather to the progress of the Good
News; 13 so that it became evident to the whole praetorian guard, and
to all the rest, that my bonds are in Christ; 14 and that most of the
brothers in the Lord, being confident through my bonds, are more
abundantly bold to speak the word of God without fear.
15 Some indeed preach Christ even out of envy and strife, and some
also out of good will. 16 The former insincerely preach Christ from
selfish ambition, thinking that they add affliction to my chains; 17 but
the latter out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of
the Good News. 18 What does it matter? Only that in every way,

-6-

whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed. I rejoice in this,
yes, and will rejoice.
19 For I know that this will turn out to my salvation, through your
supplication and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, 20 according to
my earnest expectation and hope, that I will in no way be disappointed,
but with all boldness, as always, now also Christ will be magnified in
my body, whether by life, or by death. 21 For to me to live is Christ, and
to die is gain. 22 But if I live on in the flesh, this will bring fruit from
my work; yet I don’t know what I will choose. 23 But I am in a dilemma
between the two, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, which
is far better. 24 Yet, to remain in the flesh is more needful for your sake.
25 Having this confidence, I know that I will remain, yes, and remain
with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, 26 that your
rejoicing may abound in Christ Jesus in me through my presence with
you again.
27 Only let your manner of life be worthy of the Good News of
Christ, that, whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of
your state, that you stand firm in one spirit, with one soul striving for
the faith of the Good News; 28 and in nothing frightened by the
adversaries, which is for them a proof of destruction, but to you of
salvation, and that from God. 29 Because it has been granted to you
on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in him, but also to suffer on his
behalf, 30 having the same conflict which you saw in me, and now hear
is in me.

Chapter 2

1 If there is therefore any exhortation in Christ, if any consolation
of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any tender mercies and
compassion, 2 make my joy full, by being like-minded, having the same
love, being of one accord, of one mind; 3 doing nothing through rivalry
or through conceit, but in humility, each counting others better than
himself; 4 each of you not just looking to his own things, but each of
you also to the things of others.
5 Have this in your mind, which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who,
existing in the form of God, didn’t consider equality with God a thing
to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, be-
ing made in the likeness of men. 8 -A7n- d being found in human form,

he humbled himself, becoming obedient to death, yes, the death of the
cross. 9 Therefore God also highly exalted him, and gave to him the
name which is above every name; 10 that at the name of Jesus every
knee should bow, of those in heaven, those on earth, and those under
the earth, 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is
Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
12 So then, my beloved, even as you have always obeyed, not only in
my presence, but now much more in my absence, work out your own
salvation with fear and trembling. 13 For it is God who works in you
both to will and to work, for his good pleasure. 14 Do all things with-
out murmurings and disputes, 15 that you may become blameless and
harmless, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked
and perverse generation, among whom you are seen as lights in the
world, 16 holding up the word of life; that I may have something to
boast in the day of Christ, that I didn’t run in vain nor labor in vain. 17
Yes, and if I am poured out on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I
rejoice, and rejoice with you all. 18 In the same way, you also rejoice,
and rejoice with me.
19 But I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also
may be cheered up when I know how you are doing. 20 For I have no
one else like-minded, who will truly care about you. 21 For they all seek
their own, not the things of Jesus Christ. 22 But you know the proof of
him, that, as a child serves a father, so he served with me in furtherance
of the Good News. 23 Therefore I hope to send him at once, as soon as
I see how it will go with me. 24 But I trust in the Lord that I myself
also will come shortly. 25 But I counted it necessary to send to you
Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker, fellow soldier, and your
apostle and servant of my need; 26 since he longed for you all, and was
very troubled, because you had heard that he was sick. 27 For indeed he
was sick, nearly to death, but God had mercy on him; and not on him
only, but on me also, that I might not have sorrow on sorrow.
28 I have sent him therefore the more diligently, that, when you see
him again, you may rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful. 29
Receive him therefore in the Lord with all joy, and hold such in honor,
30 because for the work of Christ he came near to death, risking his life
to supply that which was lacking in your service toward me.

-8-

Chapter 3

1 Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to
you, to me indeed is not tiresome, but for you it is safe. 2 Beware of the
dogs, beware of the evil workers, beware of the false circumcision. 3
For we are the circumcision, who worship God in the Spirit, and rejoice
in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh; 4 though I myself
might have confidence even in the flesh. If any other man thinks that
he has confidence in the flesh, I yet more: 5 circumcised the eighth
day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of
Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee; 6 concerning zeal,
persecuting the assembly; concerning the righteousness which
is in the law, found blameless.
7 However, what things were gain to me, these have I counted loss for
Christ. 8 Yes most certainly, and I count all things to be loss for the
excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus, my Lord, for whom I
suffered the loss of all things, and count them nothing but refuse, that
I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness
of my own, that which is of the law, but that which is through faith in
Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; 10 that I may
know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his
sufferings, becoming conformed to his death; 11 if by any means I may
attain to the resurrection from the dead. 12 Not that I have already
obtained, or am already made perfect; but I press on, if it is so that I
may take hold of that for which also I was taken hold of by Christ Jesus.
13 Brothers, I don’t regard myself as yet having taken hold, but one
thing I do. Forgetting the things which are behind, and stretching
forward to the things which are before, 14 I press on toward the goal
for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Let us
therefore, as many as are perfect, think this way. If in anything you
think otherwise, God will also reveal that to you.

16 Nevertheless, to the extent that we have already attained, let us walk
by the same rule. Let us be of the same mind. 17 Brothers, be imitators
together of me, and note those who walk this way, even as you have us
for an example. 18 For many walk, of whom I told you often, and now
tell you even weeping, as the enemies of the cross of Christ, 19 whose
end is destruction, whose god is the belly, and whose glory is in their

-9-

shame, who think about earthly things. 20 For our citizenship is in
heaven, from where we also wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ; 21
who will change the body of our humiliation to be conformed to the
body of his glory, according to the working by which he is able even to
subject all things to himself.

Chapter 4

1 Therefore, my brothers, beloved and longed for, my joy and crown,
so stand firm in the Lord, my beloved. 2 I exhort Euodia, and I exhort
Syntyche, to think the same way in the Lord. 3 Yes, I beg you also, true
yokefellow, help these women, for they labored with me in the Good
News, with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow workers, whose
names are in the book of life. 4 Rejoice in the Lord always! Again I
will say, Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord
is at hand. 6 In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and
petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.
7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard
your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are
honorable, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever
things are lovely, whatever things are of good report; if there is any
virtue, and if there is any praise, think about these things. 9 The things
which you learned, received, heard, and saw in me: do these things, and
the God of peace will be with you. 10 But I rejoice in the Lord greatly,
that now at length you have revived your thought for me; in which
you did indeed take thought, but you lacked opportunity. 11 Not that
I speak in respect to lack, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to
be content in it. 12 I know how to be humbled, and I know also how to
abound. In everything and in all things I have learned the secret both
to be filled and to be hungry, both to abound and to be in need. 13 I
can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.
14 However you did well that you shared in my affliction. 15 You
yourselves also know, you Philippians, that in the beginning of the
Good News, when I departed from Macedonia, no assembly shared
with me in the matter of giving and receiving but you only. 16 For even
in Thessalonica you sent once and again to my need. 17 Not that I seek
for the gift, but I seek for the fruit that increases to your account. 18

-10-

But I have all things, and abound. I am filled, having received from
Epaphroditus the things that came from you, a sweet-smelling
fragrance, an acceptable and well-pleasing sacrifice to God. 19 My
God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory
in Christ Jesus. 20 Now to our God and Father be the glory forever and
ever! Amen.
21 Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me
greet you. 22 All the saints greet you, especially those who are of
Caesar’s household. 23 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you
all. Amen.

-11-

Discussion Guide—August 7, 2016
“The Mindset of Christ”

“…by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord,
of one mind; doing nothing through rivalry or through conceit, but in
humility, each counting others better than himself; each of you not just
looking to his own things, but each of you also to the things of others.

Have this in your mind, which was also in Christ Jesus, who, existing
in the form of God, didn’t consider equality with God a thing to be
grasped, but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being made
in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled
himself, becoming obedient to death, yes, the death of the cross.
Therefore God also highly exalted him, and gave to him the name
which is above every name; that at the name of Jesus every knee should
bow, of those in heaven, those on earth, and those under the earth, and
that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory
of God the Father!”— Philippians 2:2-11

Every day spent on Earth can be made wonderful with joy or it can
be made terrible by junk. We like to think that it’s not up to us—
sometimes the day brings us good things and sometimes bad. It
depends on our luck, right?

Paul tells us that it’s not true. He says that every day can be defined by
joy. He points to the great example of Christ as someone who knew joy
no matter what the day brought. Taking Christ as his model (and more,
as his Lord), Paul found that “junk” could be turned to joy by following
the example of Jesus.

And what is that example? It’s not ego. It’s not looking everywhere for
comfort and happiness. It is to see, even in the pains and constraints of
a bad day, the opportunity to love others.

Our fists can be closed ever so tightly around junk. But if we find the
strength to just let go, joy rushes in to our open hands.

“The Mindset of Christ” is the first sermon of Galilee’s Philippians study.
You can find this sermon streamed live or archived on Galilee’s website at
http://www.galileeumc.org/podcast-video-streaming/.

-12-

Questions and Reflections
August 7, 2016

“The Mindset of Christ”

READ: Read chapters one and two of Philippians.
1. Make a list of things that Jesus did for others, from the stories told
about Him in the gospels. Then make a list of things that He did for
Himself. Which list is longer and easier to compile?
2. “What Would Jesus Do?” is a popular slogan and bumpersticker.
But how would your day change if you used Christ as your example
in everything that you do? Would your life be easier? Would you find
surprising happiness?
3. Jesus was one mind with the Father. That means he was God. How
do you think Jesus looked at others? What do you think he thought of
ordinary men and women like yourself?
4. Is it possible to be selfish and happy? Is it possible to be completely
unselfish and happy?
5. What is an example of some “junk” that has seemed to ruin your day
recently?
6. Paul wrote the letter to Philippians when he was in prison. He said
that the trial that he was enduring was a blessing, because it gave him
the opportunity to convert his jailers to the faith of Jesus. What is a
blessing that you see behind some of the “junk” in your life?

-13-

Discussion Guide—August 14, 2016
“Press On Toward the Goal”

“Not that I have already obtained, or am already made perfect; but
I press on, if it is so that I may take hold of that for which also I was
taken hold of by Christ Jesus. Brothers, I don’t regard myself as yet
having taken hold, but one thing I do. Forgetting the things which
are behind, and stretching forward to the things which are before, I
press on toward the goal for the prize of the high calling of God in
Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 3:12-14

In the letter to the Philippians, Paul gives us a bit of autobiography. He
tells us about his past (Phil 3:1-11), his present (Phil 3:12-16), and his
future (Phil 3:17-21). There is not a lot of grumbling in Paul’s account.
Following the example of Christ’s humility, Paul is not upset at events
behind him, around him, or before him. Events cannot rob him of his
joy! He keeps his eyes on the prize, because Paul has a mission to com-
plete or, in his words, a race to run.

Paul did not run—and he does not want us to run—to surpass Jesus
Christ. We are not going to make it to Heaven by being faster or
stronger or better or holier. Paul’s goal is to seize the gift that Christ has
already given him: salvation and the right to be in the race! The prize is
the “high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” It is knowing Jesus. Living like
we know Jesus.

Paul advises us not to be satisfied with ourselves, but to be devoted to
Christ. Not to run anywhere, but to run toward the direction that
the Spirit guides us. Not to live our lives accidentally, but filled with
purpose—to press on. And, like athletes, we are to live a disciplined
life, building ourselves ever upward so that we will have the grit and
muscle to be willing servants.

“Press On Toward the Goal” is the second sermon of Galilee’s
Philippians study. You can find this sermon streamed live or archived on
Galilee’s website at http://www.galileeumc.org/podcast-video-streaming/.

-14-

Questions and Reflections
August 14, 2016

“Press On Toward the Goal”

READ: Read chapter three of Philippians.
1. Paul tells us to “press on toward the goal.” What is the goal?
2. What are some practices of a successful long-distance runner?
3. Looking back at his life, Paul says that if righteousness was a cause to
boast, no one could be prouder than him. He came from the right tribe,
was circumcised the right way, followed the law flawlessly, etc. Why
does Paul set no importance on these things?
4. What are some behaviors or beliefs that Christians are liable to be
conceited about? Are they helpful in knowing Christ?
5. Do you think that most Christians today put as much determination
into their Christian race as they do into their jobs? Their leisure
activities? Why or why not?
6. What happens if we “win the race?” What happens if we fail? Do you
know the answer to this? Do you know where to find the answer?
7. In Philippians 3, Paul warns that for some running in the race, “their
god is their stomach and their glory is their shame.” What is it, do you
think, that we are running from and toward?
8. How can we help others to press on toward the goal?

-15-

Discussion Guide—August 21, 2016
“No Worries”

“Rejoice in the Lord always! Again I will say, Rejoice! Let your

gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. In nothing be

anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving,

let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which

surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts
— Philippians 4:4-7
in Christ Jesus.”

We all have excuses to worry. The apostle Paul had a doozy: his
beloved friends Euodia and Syntyche were openly arguing and
bringing division to the church at Philippi in Greece. Paul could do
nothing about it, because he was locked up in prison in Rome and
facing a death sentence.
It is in this context that Paul wrote his letter to the Philippians telling
them NOT to worry.
Huh?
It seems impossible, unless we remember that Christ changes our
minds. It is possible stop thinking in a worldly manner, and to attain
toward a more spiritual mindset.
From the spiritual point of view, worrying is wrong. It is wrong
thinking, wrong feeling, and wrong living. Instead of worrying, Paul
said that we should do what is right. This consists of three things: right
praying—adore God, ask for our needs, give thanks; right thinking—
meditate on what is true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of good report, and
virtuous; and right living—be always at peace with God, ourselves, and
others.

“No Worries” is the third sermon of Galilee’s study in Philippians. You
can find this sermon streamed live or archived on Galilee’s website at
http://www.galileeumc.org/podcast-video-streaming/.

-16-

Questions and Reflections
August 21, 2016
“No Worries”

“Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are
honorable, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever
things are lovely, whatever things are of good report; if there is any virtue,
and if there is any praise, think about these things. The things which you
learned, received, heard, and saw in me: do these things, and the God of
peace will be with you.” Philippians 4:8-9
1. What kinds of things do you worry about?
2. Has worrying ever made things better in your life?
3. What are three ways that we can live in order to stop worrying?
4. When we find ourselves worrying, what should our first action be?
Why?
5. How can we have peace in the midst of a world that seems bent on
violence?
6. Can you think of one thing to match each of these descriptive words:
true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, good, virtuous, praiseworthy.
7. What is the peace of God? Can feeling it be a test for whether we are
believing or behaving rightly?

-17-

Discussion Guide—August 28, 2016
“The Secret”

“But I rejoice in the Lord greatly, that now at length you have
revived your thought for me; in which you did indeed take thought,
but you lacked opportunity. Not that I speak in respect to lack, for I
have learned in whatever state I am, to be content in it. I know how to
be humbled, and I know also how to abound. In everything and in all
things I have learned the secret both to be filled and to be hungry, both
to abound and to be in need. I can do all things through Christ, who
strengthens me.” —Philippians 4:10-13

It’s the worst kept secret: Jesus Christ is the answer to the world’s prob-
lems, the source of all joy.
You’ve heard that before, surely. The church is built on the idea that
we are to travel to every corner of the globe to proclaim that so-called
secret. Plenty of people have heard it said many times, so blandly, by so
many people whose behavior indicates that they don’t really believe it,
that the secret has lost any meaning—for some.
Yet how we can rejoice when that secret penetrates the worldly mind
and a soul is elevated spiritually. Someone learns the secret, and they
start seeing themselves as an adopted child of God. The secret comes
alive, and a man puts down his gun, a woman stops drinking, a jail
door is opened, a child is fed, a proud sinner falls to his knees.
When we really know the secret—that Christ is ours in our plenty and
in our need, in whatever circumstances that life throws at us, in our joy
and our junk—than we possess the treasure of a secure mind.
Assurance is ours, joy is ours forever, and our race is won.
If God is for us, who can be against us?

“The Secret” is the final sermon of Galilee’s study of Philippians. You can
find this sermon streamed on Galilee’s website at http://www.galileeumc.
org/podcast-video-streaming/.

-18-

Questions and Reflections
August 28, 2016
“The Secret”

READ: Read chapter four of Philippians.
1. What is contentment? How is it different from excitement and from
complacency?
2. Is contentment something we are born with or something that we
learn? If we learn it, how do we learn it? Can it be given to us?
3. The things that make most people happy are prosperity, good health,
and good friends, family, and neighbors. Are these also the key to our
spiritual well-being? Does adversity imperil our spiritual life more than
prosperity?
4. Paul says that he knows how to be humble and how to abound? Do
you? What things in your life should you make less or, and what things
should you treasure?
5. What is the secret of contentment, according to Paul?
6. How can someone who has Paul’s sort of contentment be a witness to
others, who may suffer?
7. If you believe Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ,
who strengthens me,” what limits you? What fears do you have and
why?

-19-

NOTES

________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________

-20-