Paul's Prison Epistles Section Study Guides Thirdmill 316 Live Oaks Boulevard Casselberry, FL 32707 USA PAUL'S PRISON EPISTLES STUDY GUIDE 1.1 Lesson 1: Paul’s Imprisonment Section 1: Background OUTLINE FOR TAKING NOTES Introduction I. Background A. Events Preceding Arrest B. Arrest in Jerusalem C. Imprisonment in Caesarea D. Imprisonment in Rome REVIEW QUESTIONS 1. Where does Dr. Kidd believe Paul was when he wrote the prison epistles? 2. Explain Paul’s purpose in returning to Jerusalem. What was he hoping to accomplish? What warnings were given to him before he went to Jerusalem? 3. What rumors were circulating about Paul? Were they true? Why or why not? Explain Paul’s view of the Old Testament law and Jewish practices. 4. What did James and the elders of the Church in Jerusalem ask Paul to do to avoid further rumors? 5. What happened that angered the Jews so much that they wanted to kill Paul? 6. Explain the meeting at the Sanhedrin. What did Paul say that caused discussion? Why? 7. Where did they take Paul after the trial in Jerusalem at the Sanhedrin? 8. Summarize the events and nature of Paul’s imprisonment in Caesarea. 9. Why did Paul appeal to Cesar? 10. Explain what happened on the journey to Rome? 11. Summarize the events and nature of Paul’s imprisonment in Rome. What restrictions did he have? How long was he in prison? What years? 12. Note key Bible verses quoted in the section. QUESTIONS FOR APPLICATION AND REFLECTION 1. What gave Paul the confidence and fortitude to move forward in faith? How may we learn from the example of Paul as he faced difficult circumstances and adversity? 2. Why was Paul able to minister freely both to Jews and to Gentiles? What does it look like for believers today to live out Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 9:20-21? 3. God used Paul’s imprisonments to advance the gospel and the kingdom of God. How has God worked through adverse circumstances in your life to advance his gospel and kingdom? PAUL'S PRISON EPISTLES STUDY GUIDE 1.2 Lesson 1: Paul’s Imprisonment Section 2: Ongoing Ministry OUTLINE FOR TAKING NOTES II. Ongoing Ministry A. Book of Acts 1. Awareness of Suffering 2. Awareness of Purpose 3. Awareness of Blessings B. Letters to Churches 1. Preaching 2. Praying 3. Suffering 4. Writing REVIEW QUESTIONS 1. What special purpose did Paul’s suffering and imprisonment serve, according to the passages in Acts that Dr. Kidd quotes? 2. What are some of the blessings that resulted from Paul’s imprisonment? 3. What are the four aspects of ministry that resulted from Paul’s suffering and imprisonment? How did his imprisonment make these ministries more effective? 4. Explain Dr. Kidd’s explanation of how suffering can be a ministry. 5. What is the meaning of "martyr"? 6. Explain Dr. Kidd’s interpretation of Colossians 1:24. 7. What letters did Paul write from prison? 8. Mention some of the practical teachings in Paul’s prison epistles. 9. Note key Bible verses quoted in this section of the lesson. QUESTIONS FOR APPLICATION AND REFLECTION 1. Explain how suffering can be a form of Christian ministry. Compare and contrast Paul’s outlook on suffering with your present understanding of suffering. 2. While Paul’s situation as a prisoner was not ideal, he still continued to seek opportunities to proclaim the gospel. What does his example inspire you to do? What opportunities do you have to proclaim the gospel? PAUL'S PRISON EPISTLES STUDY GUIDE 1.3 Lesson 1: Paul’s Imprisonment Section 3: Theological Unity OUTLINE FOR TAKING NOTES III. Theological Unity A. King of Creation 1. Sovereignty 2. Honor 3. Determination B. Union with Christ C. Ethical Living 1. Christ as King 2. United to Christ Summary REVIEW QUESTIONS 1. What is the special unifying doctrine that is more pronounced in the prison epistles than other Pauline epistles, according to Dr. Kidd? 2. How does Dr. Kidd explain the meaning of Christ’s "sovereignty"? 3. Explain the teaching of Ephesians 1:20-22. 4. According to Dr. Kidd, what is the greatest reason that Christ deserves honor and praise? 5. Explain the Jewish perspective of the ages and the coming of the kingdom. 6. Explain Paul’s view of the ages and the coming of the kingdom. 7. Explain the teaching of Philippians 3:20-21. 8. Explain the results of our union with Christ. 9. To what kind of teaching did Paul dedicate more time in his writings? 10. Explain the teaching of Philippians 2:1-3 and 2:12-13. QUESTIONS FOR APPLICATION AND REFLECTION 1. How does the teaching about Christ’s absolute sovereignty affect your personal life? 2. How does the teaching about our union with Christ affect you personally? 3. How does it affect you personally to know that your citizenship is in heaven and that you are seated with Christ in the heavenly places? 4. How do you understand Philippians 2:12-13? 5. In what ways are you "putting to death your earthly nature" (Col. 3:5-10) 6. What is the most significant insight you have learned from the study of this lesson? 7. In his video, Francis Chan compares life to a "Balance Beam." He says we are often afraid we might fall, so we tend to cling to the beam, instead of attempting more difficult things, especially when we have had painful experiences. However, he asks what kind of score a gymnastics judge would give an athlete who is not even willing to try. Instead of just living a "safe" life, avoiding problems, we should be willing to attempt new things for God, who will one day judge us for how we used the talents he has given us. It is not necessary, but you may wish to watch the video. See the link below. We cannot guarantee that it will always function. http://youtu.be/LA_uwWPE6lQ Do you agree with Francis Chan? Explain your answer. After listening to Dr. Kidd's lectures on Paul's imprisonment, how would you describe Paul's example of being willing to take a risk? How would you rate yourself as to your willingness to take risks for the Lord? List any risk you think you could take by faith now. PAUL'S PRISON EPISTLES STUDY GUIDE 2.1 Lesson 2: Paul and the Colossians Section 1: Background OUTLINE FOR TAKING NOTES Introduction I. Background A. Relationships 1. Church 2. Individuals B. Problems in Colosse 1. Greek Philosophy 2. Jewish Law 3. Spiritual Beings REVIEW QUESTIONS 1. Explain the size and importance of the city of Colosse. 2. Explain the relationship Paul had with the Colossian church as a whole. Had Paul visited the church? Had he visited the city? 3. Name some of Paul’s personal friends from Colosse and explain who they were. 4. What specific communication led Paul to write the letter to the Colossians? 5. What three influences from the false teachers were causing problems among the Colossians? 6. Explain the meaning of the word "philosophy" in the first century. 7. Explain the view of the false teachers in Colosse of the Jewish Law and explain the difference between their view and Paul’s view. 8. How does Dr. Kidd explain the ministry of angels? What are some of the different aspects? 9. What is Dr. Kidd’s view of the supposed visions that some people were supposedly having in Colosse? 10. How does Dr. Kidd understand the phrase "rulers and authorities" in Colossians 1:16? 11. How does Dr. Kidd understand the phrase "basic principles" in Colossians 2:9? QUESTIONS FOR APPLICATION AND REFLECTION 1. The negative influence of the false teachers made it difficult for the Colossian believers to discern truth from error. What influences in your own culture make it hard to discern truth from error? How can Paul’s focus on the supremacy of Christianity guide our own strategy in dealing with error? 2. Do you find some of the elements of the false teachings of Colosse present in your world today? Which ones? In what ways are they apparent? What does Paul’s letter teach you that will help you deal with them? 3. What can you learn from Paul’s example in his way of dealing with the false teachings of Colosse? 4. If you were going to teach or preach on Colossians, what would you emphasize most? Why? PAUL'S PRISON EPISTLES STUDY GUIDE 2.2 Lesson 2: Paul and the Colossians Section 2: Structure and Content OUTLINE FOR TAKING NOTES II. Structure and Content A. Salutation B. Encouragements D. Final Greetings (4:7-18) C. Supremacy of Christianity 1. Supremacy of Christ 2. Supremacy of Christ’s ministers 3. Supremacy of Salvation in Christ 4. Supremacy of Christian Living REVIEW QUESTIONS 1. Explain what we can learn about Paul’s letter to the Colossians from the salutation, encouragements, and final greetings. 2. What is the main them of the letter to the Colossians? 3. List the three ways in which Paul shows the supremacy of Christianity. 4. Explain the six ways in which Paul highlights the supremacy of Christ. 5. What does it mean that Christ is the "image" of God? Explain how this is different from the concept of some Greek philosophers and Gnostics. 6. What does it mean that Christ is the "firstborn" of creation? 7. Explain the five ways in which Christ’s ministers are supreme. 8. Explain the differences between the ethical teachings of the false teachers of Colosse and the teachings of Paul about Christian living. QUESTIONS FOR APPLICATION AND REFLECTION 1. How should understanding that Christ is the supreme agent of creation shape your approach to the world’s challenges and opportunities? 2. How has Christ reconciled you to God? What areas of your world or relationships would be different if Christ’s reconciling work were brought to completion? 3. Paul prayed for the Colossians. How can you follow his example? 4. What does it mean to you personally to understand the supremacy of Christ? 5. What does it mean to you personally to understand the supremacy of the ministers of Christ? Does this seem arrogant to you? Does it encourage you? In what ways? 6. What can you learn from Paul’s teachings about Christian living? What has been your focus previously? Do you sometimes struggle with the tendency to just focus on sin? Do you sometimes try to apply ascetic principles? How can you focus more on the spiritual values and on Christ’s power to overcome sin? How does focusing on your union with Christ help you in your struggle with sin? 7. Martin Luther became a monk to try to find a way please God in the monastery. He devoted himself to fasting, flogging, long hours of prayer, and penance. However, all of his efforts did not make him draw closer to God or make him feel good about his relationship with God. It was Romans 1:17 that led him to have peace with God: “Because in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed by faith and for faith, as it is written: But the just shall live by faith.” What do you think? What are the differences between what he was doing first in the monastery and what he learned in Romans 1:17? 8. Leo Tolstoy, the famous Russian author, struggled to fulfill the demands of the Bible, but he felt very guilty. He wrote in a letter, "I am guilty and vile, worthy of being despised." He was so discouraged that he had to hide the weapons and ropes in his house, to avoid the temptation to commit suicide. Later, he ran away from his house, lived as a homeless man, and died in a train station. What is your opinion? What did Tolstoy lack to be able to live a joyful Christian life? PAUL'S PRISON EPISTLES STUDY GUIDE 2.3 Lesson 2: Paul and the Colossians Section 3: Modern Application OUTLINE FOR TAKING NOTES III. Modern Application A. Loyalty to Christ B. Spiritual Focus Summary REVIEW QUESTIONS 1. Explain the religious context of the Roman Empire in which the Christians lived during the first century. What was the most common religious practice? What did the Romans demand of the Christians? Why? 2. Mention the contemporary polytheistic religions and movements that Dr. Kidd describes in the lesson. 3. Explain some liberal Christian polytheistic tendencies that Dr. Kidd mentions in the lesson. 4. Explain the differences between the unregenerate and the regenerate. 5. What does Paul mean by "setting our minds on things above" (Col. 3:1-2)? Mention some ways this has been misunderstood. 6. Write out the quote of Booker T. Washington. What does this mean? 7. What does Dr. Kidd mean when he says the virtues mentioned by Paul in Colossians are mostly "interactive"? 8. What does Dr. Kidd say that we should do in order to focus on spiritual matters? QUESTIONS FOR APPLICATION AND REFLECTION 1. In what areas of life are you challenged in your loyalty to Christ? 2. What challenges do you face from the philosophical and religious tendencies of the world surrounding you? 3. What teachings of this lesson have been helpful to you to improve your Christian living? How has the lesson helped you to "focus on the things above"? 4. Dr. Kidd says, "For Paul, to be heavenly or spiritual minded is to reflect on how wonderful heaven is right now, and try to find ways to make the present world more like heaven." As you reflect on that comment, how does it change the way you live? Does this help you more than just telling you some things you should or should not do? Why? 5. What is the most significant insight you have learned from this study? 6. Dr. Kidd explains that one of the messages of Colossians is that we should not seek to achieve holiness by ourselves, for example with ascetic practices, or simply trying harder to avoid sin. To conquer sin, we must look to Christ, God's love, and his power. What is your own story? Do you sometimes try to achieve God's favor and victory over sin by your own effort? How can you avoid this trap? 7. In an "Igniter Media" video called "The Gospel According to Blaine," an athlete tells how a heavy watch became an impediment to his running. However, he was unable to take the watch off his wrist by himself, and in fact, he liked the watch very much. One day he had to make a decision: either he was going to run well, or he was going to enjoy his watch. He decided he preferred to run. In that moment, someone removed the watch for him, and he was free to run. It is not necessary, but you may want to watch the video using the link below. We can't guarantee that it will always function properly, nor are we responsible for any ads that might appear. http://youtu.be/UHXla3i70Zg What is your opinion? Which of the following points from "The Gospel According to Blaine" fit Paul's teachings in his letter to the Colossians? Check any that you think are appropriate. ___ Sin slows us down. ___ We should do everything we can to overcome sin. ___ Sin is often very attractive. ___ God wants us to be free from sin. ___ We can't just overcome sin on our own. ___ Only Christ can set us free from the power of sin. ___ In Christ we can become totally free from temptation. 8. Quotes Analyze the following quotes. Do you think they express biblical concepts or false teaching? Explain your answer for each one. (You can find the source of the quotes at the end of this document, after the last study guide.) Quote #1: "Notice that Jesus prays to One whom he calls 'the only true God.' He points to God’s superior position when he continues: 'So now you, Father, glorify me alongside yourself with the glory that I had alongside you before the world was.' (John 17:5) Since Jesus prayed to God requesting to be alongside God, how could Jesus at the same time be 'the only true God'?" Quote #2: "'Believing' is an ecclesial act. The Church’s faith precedes, engenders, supports, and nourishes our faith. The Church is the mother of all believers. 'No one can have God as Father who does not have the Church as Mother.'" Quote #3: "Justification is an act of God’s free grace, wherein he pardoneth all our sins, and accepteth us as righteous in his sight only for the righteousness of Christ imputed to us, and received by faith alone." Quote #4: "The merit of man before God in the Christian life arises from the fact that God has freely chosen to associate man with the work of his grace. The fatherly action of God is first on his own initiative, and then follows man's free acting through his collaboration, so that the merit of good works is to be attributed in the first place to the grace of God, then to the faithful." PAUL'S PRISON EPISTLES STUDY GUIDE 3.1 Lesson 3: Paul and the Ephesians Section 1: Background OUTLINE FOR TAKING NOTES Introduction I. Background A. Authorship B. Audience 1. Primary audience 2. Secondary audience C. Purpose 1. Kingdom of God 2. Challenges REVIEW QUESTIONS 1. Why should we believe that Paul wrote Ephesians? What are some of the arguments against this proposition? How does Dr. Kidd answer these arguments? 2. To whom did Paul write Ephesians? How does Dr. Kidd defend his position regarding this? Note the church fathers that write about this. 3. Describe the city of Ephesus in the first century. 4. Why did Paul write the letter to the Ephesians? 5. What evidence does Dr. Kidd give that Paul was addressing people he did not know in his letter to the Ephesians? 6. What topics does Paul mention in Ephesians that would also be appropriate for other churches? 7. According to Luke (the Book of Acts), what was the theme of Paul's preaching for two years when he was imprisoned in Rome, during which time he probably wrote the letter to the Ephesians? 8. How long did Paul live and teach in Ephesus? 9. Mention the six ways that Paul wrote about themes related to the kingdom of God in his letter to the Ephesians, making reference also to the Roman Empire. 10. What are the challenges faced by Christians that Paul addresses in Ephesians? QUESTIONS FOR APPLICATION AND REFLECTION 1. How would you describe the core of your own teaching or preaching? How does this compare to the emphasis in Paul’s teaching? What things do you think you should modify in your teaching as a result of learning more about Paul’s focus? 2. What blessings and benefits result from being citizens of the kingdom of God? In what ways does this affect you? 3. What can we learn from the way Paul adapted his message and his illustrations to the context in which he was writing? How could you adapt your message better? For example, think of how you might share the gospel with a person who has a Roman Catholic background but is not a believer, with a declared atheist who believes only in science, or with a person who is a committed follower of another religion such as Islam or Judaism? How would your approach be different for each one? 4. How should Paul’s teachings on the kingdom of God shape our approach to Christians from different cultural or racial backgrounds? PAUL'S PRISON EPISTLES STUDY GUIDE 3.2 Lesson 3: Paul and the Ephesians Section 2: Structure and Content OUTLINE FOR TAKING NOTES II. Structure and Content A. Salutation B. Praise C. Prayer D. Body 1. Citizenship 2. Administration 3. Code for Living E. Final Greetings REVIEW QUESTIONS 1. Give the outline of Ephesians as Dr. Kidd explains it. 2. What typical section does Paul leave out in his letter to the Ephesians? 3. What is the main petition in Paul’s prayer (Eph. 1:15-23)? 4. What is the main uniting theme of the body of Paul’s letter to the Ephesians? 5. Explain Paul’s teaching in Ephesians 2:4-10 regarding our condition before becoming Christians and our condition after becoming Christians. 6. Explain the new relationship between Jews and Gentiles, as Paul teaches in Ephesians 2:11-22. 7. Does Dr. Kidd believe that the office of apostle continues today? 8. What is the purpose of the spiritual gifts, according to Ephesians 4:7-12? 9. Explain the way Paul teaches us in Ephesians 4:22-24 that we should be purified. 10. What is the theme of Ephesians 6:11-12? QUESTIONS FOR APPLICATION AND REFLECTION 1. What is the difference in the way Paul encourages pure and righteous living, and the way you yourself have previously made efforts to live purely or help others to live righteously? What can you learn from Paul in this regard? 2. What did you previously believe was an unbeliever’s spiritual condition (sick, dead, weak)? What do you believe now? How does this affect your theology? How does it affect your gratitude to God for your salvation? How does it affect the way you share the gospel with unbelievers? 3. What do you think are your spiritual gifts? How can you use them to build up the Body of Christ? 4. How should Paul’s teachings on the kingdom of God shape our approach to Christians from different cultural or racial backgrounds? 5. Dr. Kidd mentioned that "in Christ each believer is counted as if he or she were Jesus himself." What practical implications should this have for you in your Christian life? 6. In what ways should you respond to the call to "put on the whole armor of God"? Be specific about things you need to change in your own life. 7. If you were going to teach or preach on Ephesians, what would you emphasize most? Why? PAUL'S PRISON EPISTLES STUDY GUIDE 3.3 Lesson 3: Paul and the Ephesians Section 3: Modern Application OUTLINE FOR TAKING NOTES III. Modern Application A. Honoring the King 1. Praise and Worship 2. Obedience B. Building the Kingdom C. Conquering the Cosmos Summary REVIEW QUESTIONS 1. Why and how are Christians to honor our divine King? 2. Note the theme of the following passages: Ephesians 5:19-20, 2:8-10, 2:19-22, 4:1-16, 6:13-16, and 1:22-23. 3. What are the two metaphors Paul uses to speak of the kingdom of God? 4. Why should Christians work to build the kingdom of God? 5. Describe Paul’s teaching about this age and the age to come. 6. What does Dr. Kidd mean by the phrase "conquering the cosmos"? QUESTIONS FOR APPLICATION AND REFLECTION 1. How should our interaction with others inside the kingdom of God differ from our interaction with those who belong to the kingdom of darkness? 2. In light of Paul’s teachings in Ephesians, what are some practical things you can do to be more effective in your pursuit of moral purity? 3. How does Paul’s approach to kingdom living help you in your struggle against sin and temptation? 4. What is the most significant insight you have learned from this study? 5. Ephesians 2:10 says, "For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared beforehand for us to do."  As the "Skit Guys" portray in one of their videos, God works on us like a "chisel," cutting off ugly parts and forming a more Christ-like shape out of us. Sometimes it might hurt, but it is good for us. ["God's Chisel": http://youtu.be/AhfUzodLRvk] Using the fruit of the Spirit as a guideline, based on Galatians 5:22-23, in what areas do you sense that God has been working on you with His "chisel," especially over the last few years? Using the same list of the fruit of the Spirit, in what areas would you especially like to grow during the coming years? PAUL'S PRISON EPISTLES STUDY GUIDE 4.1 Lesson 4: Paul and Philemon Section 1: Background OUTLINE FOR TAKING NOTES Introduction I. Background A. People 1. Philemon 2. Onesimus 3. Witnesses B. Problem C. Mediation 1. Onesimus’ Petition 2. Paul’s Agreement REVIEW QUESTIONS 1. What makes Philemon different from Paul's other letters? 2. Who were Philemon and Onesimus? Where were they from? What is their relationship to one another? What problem had occured between them? What does the name "Onesimus" mean? 3. Explain the condition of slaves in the Roman empire during the first century AD. What percentage of the people were slaves? What rights did they have? What kind of education? What kind of work did they do? What happened if they ran away from their master? 4. Who were Apphia, Archippus, and Epaphras? 5. Summarize Paul’s purpose in writing the letter to Philemon. QUESTIONS FOR APPLICATION AND REFLECTION 1. With which person in this letter do you most identify: Paul, Philemon or Onesimus? Why? Try to put yourself in the place of all three of these people and note what you can learn from them. 2. Have you ever faced a problem that required mediation? Why? Were you the offended party, or were you the one who needed forgiveness? What did you do? What were the results? 3. What can we learn from Paul's desire and efforts to help Philemon and Onesimus be reconciled? Do you need to be reconciled with someone? Do you know people who need some help in becoming reconciled? PAUL'S PRISON EPISTLES STUDY GUIDE 4.2 Lesson 4: Paul and Philemon Section 2: Structure and Content OUTLINE FOR TAKING NOTES II. Structure and Content A. Salutation B. Thanksgiving C. Petition 1. Paul as advocate 2. Onesimus as Petitioner 3. Philemon as Master 4. God as Ruler 5. Petition 6. Confidence D. Final Greetings REVIEW QUESTIONS 1. What are some of the unique qualities of Paul's letter to Philemon, as compared with his other letters? 2. For what does Paul give thanks in verses 4-7? 3. Explain the play on words (in Greek) that Paul uses in verses 11-13 as he talks about Onesimus. 4. What does Paul ask of Philemon regarding Onesimus? 5. According to Dr. Kidd, why did Paul not appeal to his apostolic authority and force Philemon to grant his petition? 6. How does Paul interpret God's possible reason for allowing the conflict between Philemon and Onesimus? 7. Explain Dr. Kidd's description of slavery in the Roman empire at the time of this letter. 8. Explain Paul's attitude toward slavery. 9. What does tradition say about the later life of Onesimus? QUESTIONS FOR APPLICATION AND REFLECTION 1. What is your typical response when something seems to go wrong? How does it help you to see Paul's attitude regarding God's possible reasons for allowing the conflict between Philemon and Onesimus. 2. Paul appealed to his friend Philemon on the basis of mercy. Why did he adopt this strategy? Which do you find easier to do: appeal for mercy or make demands? 3. In general, what can we learn from the way Paul dealt with the conflict between Philemon and Onesimus? 4. What are the differences between slavery in the Roman empire at the time of Paul and slavery in recent centuries in the United States? What should our attitude be toward this later kind of slavery? 5. In general, what can we learn from the way Paul dealt with the issue of slavery? 6. If you were going to teach or preach on Philemon, what would you emphasize most? Why? PAUL'S PRISON EPISTLES STUDY GUIDE 4.3 Lesson 4: Paul and Philemon Section 3: Modern Application OUTLINE FOR TAKING NOTES III. Modern Application A. Accountability B. Compassion 1. Kindness 2. Intercession C. Reconciliation Summary REVIEW QUESTIONS 1. What are the three areas of modern application of Philemon that Dr. Kidd mentions in this lesson? 2. What modern application is suggested by the fact that Paul mentioned witnesses in his letter to Philemon? 3. What is the most striking characteristic of Christ, according to Dr. Kidd? 4. Describe two aspects of compassion that Paul stressed as important in our relations with Christians. 5. What is the meaning of reconciliation? 6. Mention the contents of Colossians 3:11-12, Ephesians 2:14-16, and Colossians 3:13-15. QUESTIONS FOR APPLICATION AND REFLECTION 1. In what ways are you accountable to other Christians? How can you improve the ways in which you are accountable? 2. In what ways are you showing compassion toward others? How can you improve the ways in which you show compassion? 3. Is there anyone with whom you need to be reconciled? What steps can you take to be reconciled? 4. Is there anyone else that needs your help in being reconciled? What can you do to help? 5. What is the most significant insight you have learned from the study of this lesson? 6. In Victor Hugo's novel, Les Misérables, the ex-convict Jean Valjean is welcomed into the home of Bishop Myriel, where he eats a good meal and has a place to sleep. But instead of showing his gratitude, he steals the bishop's silverware and sneaks out in the middle of the night. When the police catch him, they take him back to the bishop's home. To Valjean's surprise, instead of confirming the fact that he had stolen from him, Myriel tells Valjean that he had forgotten to take the candlesticks too! So the police let him go. The bishop tells Valjean that his life has been spared for God, that he should make an honest living. This incident eventually changes his life, and he begins to treat others with the same grace that he received from Bishop Myriel. Question: Do you see any parallels between Bishop Myriel in Les Misérables and Paul, especially in his dealings with Onesimus and Philemon? In what ways do you need to show more grace to others, as Paul showed to Onesimus? Can you think of anyone in particular that you need to treat better? PAUL'S PRISON EPISTLES STUDY GUIDE 5.1 Lesson 5: Paul and the Philippians Section 1: Background OUTLINE FOR TAKING NOTES Introduction I. Background A. Relationship B. Suffering in Prison C. Conditions in Philippi 1. Concern for Paul 2. Problems for the Church REVIEW QUESTIONS 1. Describe the city of Philippi. What events took place there, according to Acts 16? 2. Explain Paul's condition when he wrote the letter to the Philippians. What was his attitude regarding death? What was he expecting regarding his near future? 3. What was Paul's relationship with the Philippians? What had they sent Paul? Whom had they sent to visit him? 4. What were the three problems in Philippi mentioned by Dr. Kidd? 5. Who was possibly persecuting the Christians in Philippi? 6. What were the possible sources of false teachings that were causing concern in Philippi? QUESTIONS FOR APPLICATION AND REFLECTION 1. Paul struggled with despair at times. Have you ever faced deep discouragement? Does it help you to know that Paul also had his difficult moments? What can we learn from the way he dealt with them? 2. Paul wrestled between his desire to depart and be with Christ, and his continued usefulness in ministry on this earth. What can we learn from his struggle? How can knowing that God has a purpose for each of us on this earth help you to persevere? 3. Paul had many friends in Philippi who ministered to him, which brought him great encouragement. Has anyone ministered to you in a time of need? What impact did that have, and how did it help you persevere? How can you help others who are discouraged? PAUL'S PRISON EPISTLES STUDY GUIDE 5.2 Lesson 5: Paul and the Philippians Section 2: Structure and Content OUTLINE FOR TAKING NOTES II. Structure and Content A. Salutation B. Thanksgiving C. Prayer D. Body 1. Paul’s Perseverance 2. Exhortations to Persevere 3. Affirmation of Perseverance E. Final Greetings REVIEW QUESTIONS 1. Summarize the overall structure and content of Philippians, highlighting the key points within each section. Write out Dr. Kidd's outline. 2. What is unique about Philippians with regard to Paul's appeal to his apostolic authority? 3. Mention the points of Paul's prayer for the Philippians. 4. Explain Paul's attitude about his own suffering. 5. What does Paul mean when he says he is expecting "deliverance"? 6. Whom does Paul expect to send to encourage the Philippians? 7. Note the contents of the following passages: Philippians 1:27-29, 3:12-14, 3:18-19, 4:4. 8. What had the Philippians sent Paul? 9. According to Dr. Kidd, what significance did the Philippians' relationship with Paul have for him at this time? 10. What is indicated by the fact that Paul sends greetings from those of the "household of Caesar"? QUESTIONS FOR APPLICATION AND REFLECTION 1. What can we learn from Paul's example of prayer for the Philippians? (1:9-11) What kinds of things do we most often include in our prayer? How can we improve our prayers? 2. How do you usually deal with suffering and anxiety? What can we learn from Paul's attitude in the midst of suffering and his teachings regarding anxiety? 3. When you see others around you that are discouraged, how do you usually respond? What can we learn from the importance of the Philippians' friendship in the life of Paul? 4. If you were going to teach or preach on Philippians, what would you emphasize most? Why? 5. Of the epistles studied in this course, which one would you probably be most likely to choose for teaching or preaching? Why? PAUL'S PRISON EPISTLES STUDY GUIDE 5.3 Lesson 5: Paul and the Philippians Section 3: Modern Application OUTLINE FOR TAKING NOTES III. Modern Application A. Nature of Perseverance 1. Definition 2. Necessity 3. Assurance B. Mindset of Perseverance 1. Humility 2. Optimism 3. Joy C. Ministry of Perseverance Summary REVIEW QUESTIONS 1. How does Dr. Kidd define the true nature of perseverance? 2. Explain Dr. Kidd's view of the necessity of perseverance and the assurance for Christians found in Philippians. 3. Explain the main points of the "Christ hymn" in Philippians 2:6-11. Mention especially the meaning of the three stages. What does this teach us about the nature of Christ? 4. Describe Dr. Kidd's understanding of Paul's optimism and Paul's joy. 5. Write down the main theme of the following verses: Philippians 2:12-13, 4:4, and 4:6-8. 6. In what ways did the Philippians encourage Paul to persevere? 7. In what ways did Paul encourage the Philippians to persevere? QUESTIONS FOR APPLICATION AND REFLECTION 1. Do you believe that you can lose your salvation? How did this lesson help you understand the doctrine of perseverance? 2. How do you understand Philippians 2:13? What does this verse mean for you personally? 3. What do you learn from Christ's example in Philippians 2:6-11? What does it teach us about true humility? How can you imitate His example in your life? Give specific practical suggestions. 4. What did you learn from Philippians about true optimism and true joy? 5. In what ways can you encourage others to persevere? Think of specific things you can do. 6. What is the most significant insight you have learned from this lesson? 7. What have been the most common experiences of suffering in your life that have made it sometimes difficult to sense joy? 8. Explain how the lesson was helpful for you in dealing with suffering. 9. Optional: In order to help you apply to your heart the sense of hope in Christ, in spite of the difficulties you might face, we offer a video link you may want to watch. It is called "Move" by MercyMe. Let the words and music speak to your heart! (We cannot guarantee that this link will always be available, and we are not responsible for the legal rights of the video, nor for the ads that may appear. We simply link to the site where we have found it.) "Move": http://www.godtube.com/watch/?v=FJJEJCNU 10. What is the most important thing you have learned in this whole course? Explain. ********************** SOURCES OF QUOTES FROM STUDY GUIDE 2.3: Quote 1: Taken from "Who is the Only True God?" from the Jehovah's Witnesses Official Web Site. http://www.watchtower.org/e/20050422/article_02.htm Quote 2: Catechism of the Catholic Church, (New York: Doubleday, 1995), paragraph 181. Quote 3: The Westminster Shorter Catechism, question #33. Quote 4: Catechism of the Catholic Church, (New York: Doubleday, 1995), paragraph 2008. For other resources, please visit Third Millennium Ministries at thirdmill.org. © 2018 by Third Millennium Ministries All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means for profit, except in brief quotations for the purposes of review, comment, or scholarship, without written permission from the publisher, Third Millennium Ministries, Inc., 316 Live Oaks Boulevard, Casselberry, FL 32707 USA.