Berean Adult Bible Class (12/11/11)

Confidence in God

Philippians 4:10-20

12/11/11

This Week’s Bible Reading

Monday – Philippians 2 and 3

Tuesday – Philippians 4

Wednesday – Psalm 145, Matthew 23:10-12

Thursday – II Corinthians 11:23-33

Friday – Acts 16

Saturday – II Timothy 4:6-22

I)                   Paul’s Contentment

a.       Paul speaks of his contentment (Philippians 4:11)

                                                              i.      Paul said he had ________________ how to be content (Philippians 4:11)

                                                            ii.      Paul said he had been _________________ in contentment (Philippians 4:12)

                                                          iii.      Is contentment a natural state for man? ___________

b.      Paul said he was content in what type of circumstances. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ (Philippians 4:11-12) (II Corinthians 11:23-33)

                                                              i.      What does it mean to be abased? ________________(Philippians 4:12)

                                                            ii.      What does it mean to abound? __________________________(Philippians 4:12)

                                                          iii.      What did Jesus say about being abased? ________________________________________________________________________(Matthew 23:12)

c.       Do your circumstances affect your attitude? ________________

                                                              i.      Have you learned how to be content in whatever state you find yourself in? ________

                                                            ii.      Is this difficult for you? ____________

                                                          iii.      If so, how? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

II)                Paul’s Commendation

a.       Was the Philippian Church a giving church? ________ (Philippians 4:10)

                                                              i.      Were the Philippians one time givers or habitual givers? __________________________ (Philippians 4:10)

                                                            ii.      How many churches gave in support of the Apostle Paul after he left Macedonia? ____________________ (Philippians 4:14-15)

                                                          iii.      Should we assume that the needs of others are being met this alleviating our responsibility to help? __________

b.      Does Paul take their generosity for granted? ___________ (Philippians 4:10 & 14-17)

                                                              i.      We should learn to express thanks to the church for the assistance provided to us whether material or spiritual

                                                            ii.      We should learn to express thanks without hinting at further assistance. (Philippians 4:17)

c.       Who did Paul single out for special commendation? ___________________ (Philippians 4:18)

                                                              i.      What type of person this individual? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ (Philippians 2:25-30)

                                                            ii.      If you compared your life with this individual would you be worthy of special commendation by the Apostle Paul? _______________

III)             Paul’s Confidence

a.       Paul boldly expressed his ability to be content when abased, abounding, full, hungry, and when in need.

                                                              i.      Where did Paul receive this kind of strength? _____________ (Philippians 4:13)

                                                            ii.      Who should we look to in order to find strength? ________________

                                                          iii.      How would our life be different if we gained access to this strength? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

b.      Paul boldly declares that ____________ would supply all the Philippians ____________ according to his riches in glory by  ________________________ (Philippians 4:19)

                                                              i.      Why was Paul so confident that their needs would be met? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________(Philippians 4:10-20, Acts 16:20-34, II Timothy 4:17)