Week 3 – Monday – Responding to Teachers

Read Philippians 1:12-18 

(Six verses in one day. That almost doesn’t seem possible.) 

<> What is Paul’s tone throughout this passage? 

<> Who are the characters in the passage? How is each group responding to Paul? What is each group of people doing? 

The Palace Guard: 

<> What is Paul’s environment as he’s writing this letter? 

Paul never stopped looking for opportunities. To the guards who took care of him, it didn’t take long to realize that his imprisonment had nothing to do with any crime and everything to do with his connection to Jesus Christ. This passage reminds me of the moment when Jesus went before Pontius Pilate. 

Read Mark 15:1-15. Now reread vs. 3-5 

Pilate is facing two very distinct uses of power. The Jewish leaders are playing the inside outside game, both hurling accusations at Jesus (vs. 3) and stirring up the crowd (vs. 11). They are using every bit of their power to crush their opponent. Then there’s Jesus: quietly surrendering His power in order to serve His opponents. “. . . and Pilate was amazed.” In the face of imprisonment, Paul is not sorrowful. He’s not angry or frustrated. He’s not trying to start a revolt. He’s joyful. And He won’t stop talking about this Jesus guy. “As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ.”
<> This might sound weird, but what power do you have in this world? What influence do you have?
<> Do you willingly lay down this power to serve or do you abuse it for your own benefit? 

Roman Brothers: (vs. 14-18) 

<> How are Paul’s brothers in Rome responding to His imprisonment? 

<> Why does Paul’s imprisonment encourage boldness in His brothers? 

<> What could possibly cause these two groups? 

(It’s kind of a confusing question/situation. Feel free to check out some commentaries. Borrow one from a friendly local pastor or check some out on the internet.) 

<> What is the bottom line for Paul? 

At first glance this is a very confusing passage to me. Philosophically speaking, utilitarian, bottom-line, end justifies the means doesn’t seem to line up with Scripture as a whole. Hebrews 4:12 says Scripture “judges the hearts and attitudes of the heart.” That doesn’t sound like the end justifies the means. Here are my questions: 

<> Why is Paul so pumped despite the fact that some people are preaching the gospel with horrible motives? 

<> Why doesn’t Paul rebuke them like he does to me all the time? 

<> Does this passage really mean that televangelists and criminals who abuse the gospel of Jesus in order to make money are cool by Paul’s account? 

Here’s my take on it: I don’t think Paul is saying as long as the gospel goes forward by any means necessary it’s cool with Him. I think He’s saying that as long as the gospel is preached, our reaction can be joyous. In other words, I don’t think he’s giving anyone a license to sin, but I think he’s challenging the way we respond to people who teach the gospel. Regardless of any personal questions we have about their lives or motivations, we should rejoice in the fact that the true gospel is being preached. If you have personal problems with someone you have two joyful options: confront them in love if you know them personally or pray for them.

In Summary: 

1.) When a follower of Jesus suffers willingly and joyously for the sake of the gospel, rejoice because God uses that to spread the gospel. 

2.) When someone preaches the true gospel with bad motives, praise Jesus that the gospel goes forward and pray that He would change their heart. 

3.) When someone preaches the true gospel with good motives, praise Jesus. 

4.) When someone preaches false gospel, oppose it, ask Jesus to shut their mouth and pray against deception for people who are listening.