WINTER QUARTER SUNDAY SCHOOL 2012-2013 –
“THE REVELATION OF JESUS CHRIST’S LORDSHIP REVEALED FROM ROME”
UNIT TWO: PHILIPPIANS…REVELATION OF CHRIST’S PATTERN TO THE CHURCH
“THE TRUE JOY OF PROCLAIMING CHRIST”
Sunday School Lesson No. VI, January 6, 2013
Presented by Rev. Frank Davis, III, Pastor-Teacher
Lesson Text: Philippians 1:15-26
Required Reading: Philippians 1:12-30
Motto Text: Philippians 1:18, “What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.”
Reliable Resources: Precepts for Living (UMI); Union Gospel Press Expositor and Illuminator; Libronix Electronic Library; MacArthur Study Bible; Thomas Nelson Open Bible Notes; Word Search 9 and 10 Electronic Library; Notes on the New Testament by Albert Barnes; Turning Toward Joy-The Book of Philippians by Dr. David Jeremiah
LESSON INTRODUCTION
Beloved, we have come to the second of The Prison Epistles entitled Philippians. This letter focuses on why the believer in Christ should not live a life of complaints, but of joy and rejoicing in Christ. Philippi was a city of Macedonia that Paul was summoned to by the vision of a man who cried out, “come and help us.” (Acts 16:9-12). After entering the chief city of Macedonia called Philippi, Paul discovered that there were many opportunities to proclaim the good news of Christ, most of which centered on reaching females with the gospel. (Read Acts 16:13-24). The whole situation eventually landed Paul and Silas in jail, where he finally met the man of Macedonia, who was the jailor. A great series of miracles brought salvation to Europe through Paul. A great church fellowship was established there that brought great joy to Paul.
As he now waits to see Caesar in Rome, being imprisoned there about two years, Paul picks up pen and paper and writes this letter of joy and affirmation of encouragement to the saints who had been a source of encouragement to him while on his journey. (Read Philippians 4:15-19). Now let us examine this letter through our Sunday School and note the Revelation of Christ’s Pattern to the Church. Christ is the believer’s joy.
Anticipated Power Points:
· The True Joy of Proclaiming Christ’s Gospel. Philippians 1:1-11
· The True Joy and Purpose of Spreading Christ’s Gospel. Philippians 1:12-26
· The True Joy and Power of Christ’s Gospel. Philippians 1:27-30
LESSON OUTLINE
“The True Joy of Proclaiming Christ”
I. The True Joy of Proclaiming Christ’s Gospel. Philippians 1:1-11
True contentment is to rejoice in the fact that “the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10. Paul teaches us this by his life’s attitude towards God’s people and his situation. He greets the Church and its leaders with unselfish thoughts, compassion and prayers as highlighted by Dr. Warren Wiersbe:
“1. ‘I have you in my mind.’ (1:1-6) v.3
2. ‘I have you in my heart’ (1:7-8) v. 7
3. ‘I have you in my prayers’ (1:9-11) v.9”
Beloved, are you content to rejoice in Christ and serve Him under all circumstances?
II. The True Joy and Purpose of Spreading Christ’s Gospel. Philippians 1:12-26
Now we turn to the meat of this week’s lesson. Paul had but one goal and that was that Christ’s Gospel be preached, no matter how it affected him. It wasn’t about him, but it was all about Christ. Note the key verse 12 here, “But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel.” Paul’s testimony of trials and hardships were extensive, but his pattern for spreading the Gospel of Christ didn’t center on his trials or tribulations. Note, “…the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel.” Or simply as he declares, “For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” vs. 21
Let’s examine H. L. Wilmington’s Outline Bible here:
“A. The report (1:12-13): Paul’s imprisonment has served to advance the gospel, starting with the palace guard and
spreading from there.
B. The reaction. (1:14-17)
1. Concerning his friends (1:14, 16): Paul’s chains encourage them to increase their efforts in proclaiming the gospel.
2. Concerning his foes (1:15, 17): They, too, are spreading the gospel, hoping to make the apostles jealous.
C. The rejoicing (1:18): Whatever the motive, Paul rejoices that the gospel is being preached.
D. The resolve (1:19-26)
1. Paul’s dilemma (1:19-23)
a. To remain in this life would result in additional fruit. (1:19-21a, 22)
b. To depart this life would mean being with Christ. (1:21b, 23)
2. Paul’s decision (1:24-26): He will remain.”
Wiersbe declares in these verses how Paul spelled JOY!
“1. He put Christ first (1:12-21) (Jesus)
2. He put others second (1:22-26) (Others)
3. He put Himself last.” (Yourself)
III. The True Joy and Power of Christ’s Gospel. Philippians 1:27-30
This joy is best described through the power of encouragement. The Philippians were encouraged to:
A. Stand faithfully in the power of the Gospel. vs. 27 (Jesus promises to be there. Matthew 28:19-20)
B. Stand fearlessly in the power of the Gospel. vs. 28 (Ephesians 6:10-18)
C. Stand formidably in the power of the Gospel. vss. 29-30 (John 13:16)
CLOSING
Beloved, just ever keep in mind as we reflect on the joy of proclaiming Christ to this generation the words of a hymn: “To serve this present age, My calling to fulfill. Oh may with all my power engage, To do my Master’s will.” (A Charge to Keep I Have)
Bibleway Missionary Baptist Church, New Orleans, LA & Little Bethel Baptist Church, Amite, LA
Mailing Address: Post Office Box 19768, New Orleans, LA 70179
Phone: (504) 486-7876 Website: www.thestudyhour.com
Radio Broadcasts: WLNO AM 1060, Saturday 8:30 a.m.; Sunday 5:30 a.m.
WABL AM 1570 (Hammond-Amite area) Sunday 7:00 a.m.
LOOKING AHEAD: January 13, 2013 Philippians 2:5-11
Pastor Davis invites you to hear him teach the Sunday School lesson at Bibleway on Wednesday at noon.
Please visit our website, www.thestudyhour.com to see and hear Pastor teaching the lesson via Video. Then call a friend and share the blessing.
NOTE: Noonday Bible Study resumes on Wednesday, January 9, 2013.