Monday, September 28, 2009

Further small group study resources

For your small group study try using more than one version of the Bible in addition to the NIV or NRSV.

> The
Contemporary English Version, Amplified, The Message-paraphrase are all available at http://biblegateway.com
> The
J B Philips New Testament in Modern English.
http://www.ccel.org/bible/phillips/JBPhillips.htm
> The
Laughing Bird Scripture Paraphrase -
http://www.laughingbird.net/ScriptureParaphrases.html

Dramatised Readings in Philippians by Doug Whitely
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ng8at5yR4go
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cwM9RS-mZWI&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QwQhNtRYAAs&feature=related

Map of Paul's Journeys
http://www.searchgodsword.org/se/pbm/view.cgi?js=yes&number=35&size=1024
Free Powerpoint backgrounds for Philippians
http://www.heartlight.org/cgi/powerpoint.cgi


Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Philippians 1:27-30 Be Worthy of Christ

Philippians 1:27-30 Be Worthy of Christ

1. When you were younger what in-group, club or organisation did you want to belong to? Why?


2. What did Paul want the believers to do? (1:27-30)

3. What sort of conduct did Paul consider worthy of the gospel of
Christ?

4. How did Paul tell the Philippians to face opposition? (1:27-30)

5. How did Paul encourage the Christians at Philippi? (1:29)

6. What had been granted to the Philippians on behalf of Christ? (29)

7. Have you ever suffered for Christ? If you have, describe the reason for your suffering. What was your attitude towards it?

8. What about your life-style do you most want to change in your desire to live for Christ?

9. Looking at your family, your church or your place of work, what could you do to increase the unity that is present? What effect would this have?

Philippians 1:19-26 Live for Christ

Philippians 1:19-26 Live for Christ


1. How interested are you in the lives of famous people?

2. Why did Paul expect to be delivered from his predicament? (1:19)

3. What was Paul's main purpose in living? (1:21)

4. What were Paul's convictions about living and dying? (1:22-24)

5. Why did Paul think he would remain alive? (1:24-26)

6. For what do you truly live?

7. Whom do you know who is suffering for Christ right now?

8. How is your church different from the Philippian church?

9. What's the toughest thing you've had to experience as a Christian?

10. What are you willing to risk to have the reputation of being a fearless Christian?

11. What can you do today to encourage someone who is suffering because of his or her faith?

Philippians 1:12-18 - Speak About Christ

Philippians 1:12-18 - Speak About Christ

1. How often do you watch TV shows or read articles about celebrities?

2. How was Paul's ministry affected by his bondage? (1:12-14)

3. Why was Paul being talked about? (1:13)

4. How did Paul's incarceration affect the testimony of others? (1:14)

5. Why did some people preach Christ out of envy and rivalry? (1:15-17)

6. Why did some people preach Christ in love? (1:15-16)

7. What made Paul rejoice? (1:18)

8. How did Paul's notoriety work to his advantage?

9. How would you like the reputation of being a fearless Christian?

10. To what degree do you share Paul's passion for the gospel?

11. What step toward dedicating every area of your life to Christ can you take today?

Philippians 1:1-11 - Thanksgiving and Prayer

Philippians 1:1-11 - Thanksgiving and Prayer

1. What's your usual way of saying hello to your friends?

2. How did Paul identify himself and his coworker? (1:1)

3. How did Paul greet the Philippians? (1:2)

4. When Paul thought about the Philippians, what did he do? (1:3)

5. How were the Philippians in partnership with Paul? (1:4-5)

6. What was Paul confident about? (1:6)

7. How did Paul feel about the Philippian church? (1:7-8)

8. What two results did Paul seek? (1:10-11)

9. Why is it a good practice to begin a letter with a Christian blessing?

10. What godly encouragement can you offer other Christians?

11. Paul complimented the church at Philippi; what positive things can you say about your congregation?

12. What prayer of thanksgiving can you offer for your church today?

13. How can you encourage someone in his or her Christian journey this week?