Beruflich Dokumente
Kultur Dokumente
LAWNA TERRITORY,
KNOWING
JESUSCHRIST,
ASTUDYOF
(TEACHERS MANUAL)
LAWNASundaySchoolOffice,
LAWNASecretariat,Olorunda,Ketu
P.OBox32,EbuteMetta,Lagos,
Tel:+(234)8023009882
FOREWORD
In 2014, we began the study of the Epistle to the Philippians,
drawing vital lessons about the Principle of Life of the Christian
from Chapter 1. In 2015 we studied Chapter 2, whose message was
titled 'Jesus Christ, The Example Of Humility.'
This year, 2016, we are continuing our study of the Epistle,
focussing on Chapter 3. We title the study "KNOWING JESUS
CHRIST," drawing the inspiration from Paul's earnest desire as
expressed in verse 10 of the chapter. The verse says, "That I may
know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of
his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death."
We acknowledge the useful materials gained from commentaries of
Matthew Henry, Albert Barnes, Adam Clarke, John Gill and some
others, as well as many reference Bibles. This write-up has also
benefited from the study of this epistle by A. L. Greenway who was,
at the time of documenting the study, the Principal of The Apostolic
Church Bible School, Pennygroes, South Wales.
We also acknowledge the incisive review of:
Pastor S O Ajibola, P/A to LAWNA Chairman
Pastor J. O. Oladipo, Ikeja District Apostle, Agege Area,
Pastor P. K. O. Oyelaran, LAWNA Missionary Secretary,
Pastor J O Akingbade, LAWNA Admin. Officer
ElderIsaacAmeobi,CEUDept.LAWNAHeadquarters
ElderTundeAdebisi,EditoroftheLAWNANEWS.
ElderDrAyoOluBanji,Lecturer,BowenUniversity.Iwo
Month
July
41C
42A
42B
42C
42D
43A
43B
43C
August
1st Sunday
2nd Sunday
3rd Sunday
4th Sunday
1st Sunday
2nd Sunday
3rd Sunday
4th Sunday
September
Review
38A
38B
38C
38D
39A
39B
40A
40B
40C
41A
41B
October
1st Sunday
2nd Sunday
3rd Sunday
4th Sunday
1st Sunday
2nd Sunday
3rd Sunday
4th Sunday
1st Sunday
2nd Sunday
3rd Sunday
4th Sunday
November
Month
January
Februar
March
April
May
December
1st Sunday
2nd Sunday
3rd Sunday
4th Sunday
Lesson No.
1st Sunday
2nd Sunday
3rd Sunday
4th Sunday
1st Sunday
2nd Sunday
3rd Sunday
4th Sunday
1st Sunday
2nd Sunday
3rd Sunday
4th Sunday
44B
44C
45A
Convention
Convention
45B
45C
45D
46A
46B
46C
47A
1st Sunday
2nd Sunday
3rd Sunday
4th Sunday
1st Sunday
2nd Sunday
3rd Sunday
4th Sunday
47B
47C
47D
48A
48B
48C
48D
District
Rally
Prep.
Area Rally
Free
Free
43D
1st Sunday
43E
2nd Sunday
44A
3rd Sunday
Mid-year
4th Sunday
Examination
A fifth Sunday in any month should be used for revision.
June
Less
on
No
38
39
Verses
Topic
Parts
No of
Parts
1-3
4-6
A-D
A-B
4
2
40
A-C
41
A-C
42
A-D
43
10- 11
A-E
44
45
46
12
13-14
15-16
A-C
A-D
A-C
3
4
3
47
17- 19
A-D
48
20-21
A-D
4
39
Text:
Philippians 3: 1- 3
Php 3:1 Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the
same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for
you it is safe.
Php 3:2 Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the
concision.
Php 3:3 For we are the circumcision, which worship God in
the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no
confidence in the flesh.
Memory verse:
Beware lest any man spoil you through
philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the
rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. (Col 2:8)
Lesson objective
At the end of the lesson, the student should be able to:
1. describe the real source of the joy of the Christian,
2. discuss the benefit of repeating gospel truths,
3. explain what Christians should be careful about,
4. describe who are the true Christians.
Relevant Hymns:
Introduction
The Philippian church, a faithful and flourishing church, was being
disturbed by those Paul referred to as evil workers who were
Jewish Christians that wrongly believed it was essential for
gentiles to follow their laws, especially those which had to do with
circumcision, in order to have salvation. Paul begins this chapter
with warnings against these seducers clearly, stating that true
worshippers of God rejoice and glory in the Lord Jesus Christ, who
is sufficient for them, rather than putting any confidence in the
flesh.
5
c. "... for you, it is safe ..." means that it is for the benefit
of the saints. False teachers try to destroy the gospel
truths and those who propagate them. To hear the
truth, therefore, is to prevent danger arising from the
work of false teachers.
SUBJECT MATTER
Part A
1. Exhortation to rejoice in the Lord: Finally, my brethren,
rejoice in the Lord
a. Paul exhorted the Philippian church to rejoice in the
Lord implying they should be satisfied with the
interest they had in Him and the benefit they hoped
for in Him.
b. Those who rejoice in the Lord do not grumble or
complain. A bible scholar said Joy is the quiet,
confident assurance of Gods love and work in our
lives; He will be there no matter what happens.
c. It is in the nature of sincere Christians to rejoice in
the Lord. The more we rejoice in Christ, the more
willing we shall be to do His will and suffer for
Him.
d. When we rejoice in the Lord, we shall be less prone
to be drawn away from Him.
e. The joy of the Lord is our strength (Neh. 8: 10).
Joy does not come from outward circumstances
but from inward strength.
2. The letter was written to remind the saints of the danger to
their safety - To write the same things to you to me indeed
is not grievous, but for you it is safe.
a. "... the same things ...", that is, 'the same things which
I have already preached to you.' It is like saying
What I have spoken formerly shall now be written
to show that I am still of the same mind.
b. ... to me indeed is not grievous ..., that is, it is not
hard for me or it does not weary me. Whatever
ministers of the gospel preach, since it is the truth, it
should not be hard for them to preach over and over
again.
Part B
3. The importance of the ministry of bringing truths once learnt
to the remembrance of saints:
a. Hearing the same truth, reviving the remembrance of
and strengthening the impression of things of
importance on our minds is very good for heavenlyminded believers.
b. Peter in his second epistle spoke at length about the
ministry of reminding the saints or putting them in
remembrance to further establish them (2Pet. 1:12,
13, 15; 2Pet. 3:1).
c. Jude, in his one chapter epistle, also spoke of the
same ministry of reminding the saints of what they
already know. (Jude 1:5).
d. The epistle to the Hebrews has this to say: "Therefore
we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things
which we have heard, lest at any time we should let
them slip." (Heb 2:1).
e. Today, ministers must not neglect such an important
ministry; they must teach the truth of the gospel,
repeating it over and over again, so that the saints
will be well informed in the truth, which will
encourage the putting into practice of such truths.
f. Those who have such clear knowledge are able to
teach others (2Tim. 2:2).
g. The saints themselves must cultivate the habit of
reminding themselves of the truth of the gospel. Not
to remind themselves of the truths is like going into
a spiritual slumber.
Part C
4. False teachers of whom the saints must beware: Beware of
dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision.
a. Paul here likened false teachers to dogs. The
following are five distasteful characteristics of dogs:
i. Dogs bark (Ex. 11:7, Ps. 59:6). Spiritual dogs
bark at holiness, total devotion to God,
wholehearted service to God etc.
ii. Dogs bite (Jer.15:3). Spiritual dogs actually
hurt fellow members especially those who
they see as threat to their wicked devices and
can expose them.
iii. Dogs are greedy (Isa. 56:11), never satisfied,
and eat what does not belong to them. Those
in the church who embezzle church funds are
dogs (Prov. 1:19; 15:27).
iv. Dogs are regarded as unclean; dogs were not
to be used for sacrifice to God, only to idols
were they sacrificed; hence Isaiah said that
the sacrifice of Israel by their sins had
become the sacrifice of dogs (Isa. 66:3).
v. Dogs are scavengers, eating anything
including their vomit, dead bodies and things
thrown away (1Kings 14:11; 1Kings 21:24;
Prov. 26:11, 2Pet. 2:22).
b. He also called them evil workers, either because:
i. they were evil in themselves or
ii. their work was evil,
iii. they intended nothing good for saints.
c. He called them the concision.
i. They were Jews preaching that the gentiles
needed to be circumcised and to keep other
ceremonial laws to complete their salvation.
10
Lesson 39
Text:
Philippians 3: 4- 6
Php 3:4 Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If
any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust
in the flesh, I more:
Php 3:5 Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of
the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as
touching the law, a Pharisee;
Php 3:6 Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the
righteousness which is in the law, blameless.
Memory verse:
But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he
understandeth and knoweth me, (Jer. 9:24)
Lesson objectives
At the end of the lesson, the student should be able to:
1. give five reasons why the issue of confidence in the flesh
came for discussion
2. mention Paul's impressive list of credentials which he had
thought could earn him salvation.
Relevant hymns
Introduction
Contrary to the impression one may have on first reading this
passage that Paul was boasting about his life achievements, he was
actually underlining the fact that human achievements, no matter
how impressive, cannot earn a person salvation and eternal life with
God. He was therefore showing himself as an example of trusting in
Christ only and not in his privileges as an Israelite. Here he made a
list of his human achievements, so as to be able to debunk the claim
of any one of them entitling him to the salvation of God.
11
12
SUBJECT MATTER
Part A:
1. The reason for Paul's reference to his credentials:
Though I might also have confidence in the flesh,....
a. He had said in verse 3, that the Christian should
worship God in the spirit and have no confidence in
the flesh. He now elaborates on the issue.
b. Therefore the expression here was made, lest it
should be thought that the reason he had no
confidence in the flesh, and did not boast of it, was
that he had no credentials to glory of, and put his
confidence in.
c. This was not the apostle's case, he had as much
reason, and as good a foundation for trust in himself,
his privileges and attainments, as any man had, and
more;
d. The meaning here is not, that he might lawfully have
confidence in the flesh, but that he had as good claim
to it;
e. He had better carnal credentials than anyone in his
generation: if any other man thinketh that he hath
whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more:
i. if there were any other person, including the
false teachers he spoke of in Php. 3:2, who
had reasons for boasting and trusting in
themselves and in their carnal privileges and
performances, he, Paul, had more.
ii. Were these credentials lawful, he might with
greater boldness boast of them than any
other.
Part B
2. Paul's impressive list of human achievements:
Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of
the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as
13
14
e.
f.
g.
h.
15
16
Lesson 40
Part A
Text:
Philippians 3: 7
Php 3:7 But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss
for Christ.
Memory verse:
Lesson objectives
At the end of the lesson, the student should be able to:
1. explain the error in Paul's judgment
2. why each of the credentials he had trusted in were actually
worthless in securing salvation.
3. give reasons why Christians should not despise human
achievement.
4. Explain why the believer has no reason to glory in human
achievements.
Relevant hymns
Introduction
In our last passage, Paul listed his human achievements. But as
noted, this was not to boast about these achievements, but he was
actually underlining the fact that human achievements, no matter
how impressive, cannot earn a person salvation and eternal life with
God. Here, in this passage, he shows the futility of these credentials,
though impressive, to earn him salvation. He was therefore showing
himself as an example of trusting in Christ only and not in his
privileges as an Israelite.
SUBJECT MATTER
17
18
Part B
Carnal Credentials Cannot Earn Salvation.
3. Why Paul's human achievements could not secure his
salvation
a. He now saw physical circumcision as nothing, and
that the circumcision of the heart was the right thing
(Rom. 2:28-29).
b. Similarly the opinion he had had of the whole
ceremonial law was no longer valid; for the sacrifice
of Jesus Christ had put an end to them all (Heb. 9:812).
c. As for natural descent, which he once valued and
trusted in, he now rejected it, well knowing that
whether a man was a Greek, or a Jew, a Barbarian, or
Scythian, provided he was but a believer in Christ, he
was accepted of God (Col. 3:11);
19
20
21
22
Lesson 41
Text:
Philippians 3: 8
Php 3:8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the
excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for
whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count
them but dung, that I may win Christ,...
Memory verse:
So likewise, whosoever he be of you that
forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my
disciple. (Luke 14:33)
Lesson objectives
At the end of the lesson, the student should be able to:
1. list the five groups of things Paul forsook to be a disciple of
Christ,
2. explain the implication of these things being considered as
dung,
3. discuss the great gain of discipleship in this passage,
4. compare what a disciple forsakes with what he or she gains
in following Jesus Christ.
Relevant hymns
Introduction
In the last passage, we noted that Paul acknowledged that his
human achievements could not earn him salvation before God.
Here, in this passage he found what was far superior in Christ, in
the light of which his credentials became abhorrent to him. Thus
he would forsake all to follow Christ and learn about Him. The
passage is a lesson on Discipleship.
23
24
SUBJECT MATTER
Part A
The Cost of Discipleship
1. Discipleship demands "forsaking all":
Yea, doubtless,
and I count all things but loss,....
a. Paul had stated that he had forsaken not only the
things he mentioned as his credentials which were
gain to him. These are:
i. his natural and acquired parts,
ii. the whole compass of learning he had
attained to,
iii. all that honour, credit, reputation, and
popularity he had for the knowledge of and
devotion to Christ,
iv. all worldly substance, the comforts of life,
and life itself,
v. and all his self-righteousness.
b. Now he expands the list, saying, "all things"
including anything that stood in competition with
Jesus Christ or that fell short of Him.
c. Here he repeats this with emphasis, saying, "Yea,
doubtless."
d. Perhaps more significant is his assessment of the
utter worthlessness of these human achievement in
securing salvation: and do count them but dung.
i. These carnal things become like what is fit
only to be cast to dogs (see Php. 3:8).
ii. This also implies that they are like everything
that is base, mean, and worthless; such as the
faeces of men, chaff, stubble, dung etc.
iii. So, Paul now reckons as worthless his carnal
descent; his form and sect of religion, and
zeal in it; his ceremonial and moral
righteousness, and everything of the creature.
25
26
e.
f.
g.
h.
i.
j.
k.
l.
Part C
28
Introduction
In Romans chapter 7, Paul explained the battle of the man trying to
keep the law, which he acknowledged was good and spiritual
(verse 12), and he declared that it was futile to get right with God
by self-effort (verse 24). However, in the last verse (verse 25), he
declared, in triumph, his joy at finding the righteousness that had
eluded him being given him freely through faith in Jesus Christ.
This is what this passage of study is putting across to the
Philippians; that by discarding his own legal righteousness, he
would find the righteousness of God by faith in Christ Jesus. The
purpose of the law therefore becomes clear, a schoolmaster leading
man unto Christ.
29
30
SUBJECT MATTER
Part A
1. The ultimate goal: And be found in him,....
a. This is another end or goal, which the apostle had in
view in counting all things loss and dung, and
suffering the loss of all for Christ.
b. Two renderings of the expression have been given as
follows:
i. "be found in Him"
1. It means constantly abiding in Him,
protected and shielded by Him,
nourished by Him, guided by Him;
trusting Him not just for justification
but also for sanctification (Ps 91:1).
2. It means being joined to Him as the
branch is joined to the tree for
sustenance and fruit-bearing. (John
15:1-7).
3. It implies not just being in Christ
nominally, or being in Him by
profession, but by practice and
experience.
4. Paul here talks about a clearer and
more evident manifestation of his
being in Christ.
5. His desire is that he might be seen to
be in Him, in life whether private or
public and at death; and on the day of
judgment.
ii. "may find in Him"
1. Calvin read the words differently as
"and may find in Him"; the sense here
is that the apostle renounced all things
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Part B
The Unprofitable Righteousness:
2. It is self-righteousness:
not having mine own
righteousness,
a. By "my own righteousness," Paul meant his
obedience to the moral, as well as the ceremonial
law.
b. He calls it his "own", because it was performed by
him, and worked out in his own strength.
c. He had such a high opinion of this performance, as if
it was perfect and blameless; and he had put his trust
and confidence in it.
d. This also distinguishes it from the other
righteousness, i.e. that which he later had in Christ.
3. It is legal righteousness: righteousness, which is of the law;
31
32
Part C
The Acceptable Righteousness:
4. It is the righteousness of Christ: But that which is
through the faith of Christ;
a. The righteousness of Christ is spoken of here, and it
is the sole basis of justification.
b. It comes to us through faith by understanding,
appreciating, receiving, and embracing it.
c. The "faith of Christ" is not that faith which Christ
Himself, as man, had and exercised on God, as His
God; but the faith of which He is the author and
finisher
33
34
Part D
The Law was the Schoolmaster leading us unto
Christ
7. The purpose of the law
a. The law was added to.
i. define sin: "for where no law is, there is no
transgression" (Rom. 4:15). "that sin by the
commandment might become exceeding
sinful." (Rom. 7:13). "What shall we say
then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had
not known sin, but by the law: for I had not
known lust, except the law had said, Thou
shalt not covet" (Rom 7:7).
ii. act as restraining influence on man, (Ps.
119:11).
iii. define and justify the penalty for sin. "The
sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is
the law." (1Co 15:56). "Moreover the law
entered, that the offence might abound."
(Rom 5:20).
iv. and make man appreciate the futility of
seeking to be justified by way of keeping the
law. "for by the works of the law shall no
flesh be justified." (Gal. 2:16).
b. In the light of this, man's only way to God is through
the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. (Gal. 3:22)
c. This is the reason that the Bible refers to the law as
the schoolmaster leading us to Christ (Gal. 3:24).
8. Paul's rejection of legal righteousness
a. With the revelation of this fact to Paul, his own legal
righteousness became abhorrent to him and he did
not desire to "have" it, and be found in it any more.
b. He now knew such righteousness was imperfect,
filthy and unprofitable, and that by it, he could not be
justified and saved, therefore he desired to have
35
36
Philippians 3: 10-11
Php 3:10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection,
and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable
unto his death;
Php 3:11 If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the
dead.
Memory verse:
"But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of
our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ." (2Pe 3:18)
Lesson objectives
At the end of the lesson, the student should be able to:
1. list five things concerning Christ that Paul desired to know more
about and four facts to show that the process is progressive,
Relevant hymns
Introduction
In the last passage, Paul put across to the Philippians that by
discarding his own legal righteousness, he found the righteousness
of God by faith in Christ Jesus. He forsook all that he had placed
much hope upon so as to win Christ, wearing and glorying in His
37
38
Part C
3. A desire to suffer and live like Christ:
...., and the
fellowship of his sufferings;
a. The meaning of the fellowship of His suffering
is:
39
40
i.
41
42
Part E
Desire To Enter Heaven
5. Attaining unto the resurrection of the dead:
If by
any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.
a. "If by any means"
i. This is not an expression of doubt, but of
humility, a modest hope.
See the same
expression in Rom. 1:10 and Rom. 11:14.
44
Evaluation
1. List five things concerning Christ that Paul desired to know more
about and four facts to show that the process is progressive.
Philippians 3: 12
Php 3:12 Not as though I had already attained, either were
already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may
apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of
Christ Jesus.
Memory verse:
Lesson objectives
At the end of the lesson, the student should be able to:
1. list nine experiences in the life of Paul after conversion to
confirm his conversion,
2. explain the three stages of salvation,
3. list four things that Paul followed after,
4. explain what Paul meant by apprehend that for which he
was apprehended by Christ,
5. list two implications for the Christian from this desire of
Paul here.
Relevant hymns
Introduction
In this passage, we have a fundamental doctrine of the Bible in
focus. That is the issue of Christian perfection. In ordinary life, a
thing is either perfect or not perfect. But Christian perfection is
not so; it is a continuum and not a point or a mark. Consequently,
the Bible, in one breath, says that the believer is perfect and, in
another, it says that the believer is not perfect and must strive
towards perfection. The topic is well dealt with in this lesson
while explaining Paul's statement in the text of our study here.
45
46
SUBJECT MATTER
Part A
Acknowledging our imperfection:
1. Paul's humble confession: Not as though I had already
attained,....
a. The meaning of the expression here is, I do not
pretend to have attained to what I wish or hope to
be.
b. Paul had indeed been converted.
i. He had accepted the Lordship of Jesus
Christ in his encounter with Him on the road
to Damascus (Acts 9:6).
ii. He had been baptised in water as a mark of
his conversion (Acts 9:18).
iii. He had been called to the office of an
apostle and had laboured tremendously to
bring the gospel to the gentiles (1Cor.
15:10).
iv. He had received much revelation from the
Lord concerning the mystery of the church
(Eph. 3:2-5).
v. He had been taken to the third heavens
(2Cor. 12:2).
vi. He had suffered much for the gospel, even
from Jews and gentiles and he had hazarded
his life for the gospel (2Cor. 11:23-29).
vii. He had written many epistles to churches he
founded and to many of his co-workers,
which letters cover more than half of the
New Testament epistles.
viii. The power of the Holy Spirit in his life is
revealed by not only the miracles he
performed but also by the successful
ministry he had all throughout his life after
conversion (2Tim. 4:7-8).
Part B
Perfection is a continuum
2. The three tenses of salvation
a. For a believer, salvation is in three tenses: past,
present and future.
b. Past tense:
i. The believer has been saved from the guilt
and penalty of sin (Luke 7:50; 1Cor. 1:18;
2Cor. 2:15; Eph. 2:5; Eph. 2:8; 2Tim. 1:9)
and is safe.
ii. This is the act of justification when
righteousness is imputed (Rom. 4:11).
iii. The believer has been redeemed and has
become a member of the household of God
(Eph. 2:19).
c. Present tense:
i. The believer is being saved from the habit
and dominion of sin (Rom. 6:14; Php. 1:19;
Php. 2:12-13; 2Thess. 2:13; Rom. 8:2; Gal.
2:19-20; 2Cor. 3:18).
47
48
49
50
b.
c.
d.
e.
Evaluation
1. List nine evidences to show the life of Paul after conversion
to confirm his conversion.
2. Explain the three stages of salvation.
3. List four things that Paul followed after.
4. Explain what Paul meant by apprehending that for which
he was apprehended by Christ.
5. List two implications for the Christian from this desire of
Paul.
51
52
Introduction
In the last passage, we dealt with the fundamental doctrine of the
Bible, i.e. Christian perfection, showing that it is a continuum and
not a point or a mark. Consequently the believer is perfect but not
yet perfect and must strive towards perfection. This passage deals
53
54
Part B
3. Paul's attitude towards dwelling on the past: forgetting
those things which are behind,
a. Apostle Paul's resolve concerning his race
i. He ran looking onward to the prize. He fixed
the eye intently on that.
ii. It was the single object in his view, and he
did not allow his mind to be diverted from
that by anything - not even by the
contemplation of the past.
iii. He did not stop to think of the difficulties
which he had overcome, or the troubles
which he had met, but he thought of what
was yet to be accomplished.
b. The dangers of looking backward in the race of life:
i. Whoever runs a race, and looks backward to
see what he has done i.e.
- the distance that he has covered
- the difficulties which he has surmounted
- and his own speed in the race,
he may either be discouraged by the
problems of the past or become selfcomplacent and self-satisfied, if he trusts his
past efforts, and feels that the prize is now
secure, and will relax his future efforts.
55
56
57
58
59
60
Lesson objectives
At the end of the lesson, the student should be able to:
1. explain what it means to say a person is perfect, listing four
scriptures to support this meaning.
2. name four kinds of people that Paul could be referring to by
the expression "if in anything, ye be otherwise minded."
3. list the six steps that Paul had taken which he recommends
for the perfect to have a mind for.
4. list the four groups of people who could be classified as
being "otherwise minded" as recorded in this passage.
5. explain the reason why Paul advised that believers should
walk according to the light they have received of the call of
God on their lives and list three step he outlined.
Relevant hymns
Introduction
The last passage presented to us the lofty height of seeking
earnestly to reach perfection. The present study passage brings us
the reality that all members of the fellowship will not be at the
61
62
63
64
Part C
5. Tolerance in the church: Nevertheless, whereto we
have already attained, let us walk by the same (rule):
a. The meaning: The meaning is this, that though there
might be different degrees of attainment among
Christians, and different views on many subjects,
yet there were points in which all could agree; there
were attainments which they all had made, and in
reference to them they should walk in harmony and
love.
b. The reason: There are two groups of believers in
the church.
i. It might be that some had made much
greater advances than others. They had more
elevated views of religion; they had higher
knowledge; they were nearer perfection.
ii. Others had had less advantages of education
and instruction, had had fewer opportunities
of making progress in the divine life, and
would less understand the higher mysteries
65
66
Introduction
In this lesson, Paul presents the sad fact that, while he would love
the saints to follow his example as they saw him live, but many
67
68
there are in the church whose lives show they are enemies of the
cross. He is sure that their end is destruction, but he warns with
deep sorrow about the evil they perpetrate in the church.
Therefore, saints should mark those in the fellowship whose lives
could be followed as examples.
SUBJECT MATTER
Part A
Part B
3. A large number of members who are bad examples:
For many walk a. The Christian life is often in the Scriptures
compared with a journey (Heb. 12:1-2).
b. In order to induce them to imitate those who were
the most holy, the apostle says that there were
many, even in the church, whom it would not be
safe for them to imitate.
c. He evidently here refers mainly to the church at
Philippi, though it may be that he meant to make the
declaration general, and to say that the same thing
existed in other churches.
d. Paul says that the people who should not be
imitated are many in the church.
e. There has not probably been any time yet in the
Christian church when the same thing might not be
said.
69
70
i.
ii.
iii.
Part C
6. Deviants are enemies of the cross of Christ:
That
they are the enemies of the cross of Christ a. Enemies of the cross are the enemies of the religion
of Christ.
i. The cross was the instrument of death on
which the Redeemer died to atone for sin.
ii. As the atonement made by Christ for sin is
that which especially distinguishes His
religion from all others, the cross comes to
be used to denote His religion.
iii. The phrase here means, that they were the
enemies of His religion, or were strangers to
the gospel.
b. How they operate
i. It is not to be supposed that they were open
and avowed enemies of the cross, or that
they denied that the Lord Jesus died on the
cross to make an atonement.
ii. The characteristic of those persons
mentioned in the following verse is, rather,
that they were living in a manner which
showed that they were strangers to His pure
gospel.
c. They are the enemies of the cross, in the church:
71
72
73
74
Evaluation
1. Explain the necessity of a faithful Christian to be a good
example to other people.
2. List five reasons why we must mark those in the fellowship
whose example we may follow.
3. Describe those who do not walk according to the true
principle of Christ.
4. Give reason why true believers should weep for such
deviants.
5. Give reasons why these deviants are enemies of the cross.
6. List the evils they perpetrate in the church.
75
76
SUBJECT MATTER
Part A
Text:
Philippians 3: 20-21
Php 3:20 For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also
we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:
Php 3:21 Who shall change our vile body, that it may be
fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the
working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto
himself.
Memory verse:
Lesson objectives
At the end of the lesson, the student should be able to:
1. explain what it means to say our conversation is in heaven,
2. mention the role of the doctrine of the second coming of
Christ on the believer,
3. mention ten facts about the glorious body the Christians
shall have in heaven,
4. describe the power of Christ which makes the
transformation of the believer's body.
Relevant hymns
Introduction
This chapter ends with a reminder that the believer is a citizen of
heaven and that Jesus Christ is coming back, among other things to
take the believer home. The glory awaiting the believer when he
gets to heaven is described.
77
78
Part B
9. The second coming of Christ from heaven:
From
whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:
a. That is, it is one of the characteristics of the
Christian that he believes that the Lord Jesus will
return from heaven, and that he looks and waits for
that return.
b. Other men do not believe this (2Pet. 3:4), but the
Christian confidently expects it.
c. His Saviour has been taken away from the earth,
and is now in heaven, but it is a great and standing
article of his faith that that same Saviour will again
come, and take the believer to Himself. (See John
14:2-3, 1Thess. 4:16).
d. This was the firm belief of the early Christians, and
this expectation with them was allowed to exert a
constant influence on their hearts and lives.
e. It led them:
i. to desire to be prepared for his coming,
ii. to feel that earthly affairs were of little
importance, since the scene here on earth
was soon to close,
iii. to live above the world, and in the desire of
the appearing of the Lord Jesus.
79
80
d.
e.
Part C
10. Christians are to wear celestial bodies:
Who shall
change our vile body a. The original words, which are rendered here as
vile body, properly mean the body of
humiliation; that is, our humble body.
b. It refers to the body as it is in its present state, as
subject to infirmities, disease, and death.
c. It is far different from what it was when man was
created, and from what it will be in the future world.
d. Paul says that it is one of the objects of the
Christian hope and expectation, that this body, so
subject to infirmities and sicknesses, will be
changed.
11. The celestial body is a glorious body.
That it may be
fashioned like unto his glorious body a. The body of His glory; that is, the body which He
has in His glorified state.
b. What change the body of the Redeemer underwent
when He ascended to heaven, we are not informed nor do we know what is the nature, size,
appearance, or form of the body which He now has.
c. It is certain that it is adapted to the glorious world
where He dwells; that it has none of the infirmities
f.
g.
Part D
12. The transformation will be done by Christ: According
to the working, whereby he is able even to subdue all things
unto himself.
a. That is, such a change demands the exertion of vast
power.
b. No creature can do it. But there is One who has
power entrusted to Him over all things, and He can
effect this great transformation in the bodies of
people. (Compare 1Cor. 15:26-27).
c. He can mould the mind and the heart to conform to
His own image, and thus also He can transform the
body so that it shall resemble His.
d. He can make everything subject to His will. (Matt.
28:18; John 17:2)
81
82
83