Opened Scriptures Bible Studies

In this post we begin chapter two of the book of Philippians. This is considered to be the most personal letter written by the apostle Paul to a church in Asia Minor. We should recall that this is a "prison epistle" meaning that Paul was in Roman custody while awaiting his trial. He spoke of being in "bonds" four times, but he also spoke about rejoicing while in bonds, seventeen times.  Paul was guided by the Spirit of God to use many unique phrases throughout his letter to the church at Philippi and we have been noting these during our study. Paul emphasized our need to be spiritually disciplined and faithful in running the faith race, all the way to the end of our lives. Consolation, Comfort, Fellowship, Joy & Love Philippians 2:1-2  If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,  2) Fulfill ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of...

Be courageous when facing opposition to the gospel.  Philippians 1:28-30  And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God.  29) For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;  30) Having the same conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear to be in me.  Paul finished speaking about the need for believers in Christ to be disciplined and on mission, just like an Olympic athlete. He spoke of our need to have one mind and one spirit as we work together for the sake of the gospel and as we face the enemies of God's people and of Christ. It is in this context that Paul reaches the end of Philippians 1. First, he encouraged all believers to not be "terrified by your adversaries." This phrase was often used to describe a frightened horse that was running away to avoid being caught. The word "adversaries" refers to those w...

Live so that our "walk" matches our "talk!" Theatre at Philippi Philippians 1:27  Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;  Paul used another fascinating Greek word " politeuomai" which referred to the fact that Rome granted citizenship status to the city, something that was highly valued for the benefits that it brought. You can see that this word is part of the root of the word "political" and is connected to living as a proper Roman citizen. This word is translated "conversation" in this text.  The word "conversation" is a lot more than what we speak. It is a word that refers to our pattern of life. I have also connected this to the word "way" marked out by our choices that leave a trail or "path" beh...

We are nearing the end of Philippians 1 and so far, we have received much encouragement and enjoyed great blessings from the inspired pen of  Paul. The Via Ignatia at Philippi Paul believed God with confidence. Philippians 1:25  And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith;  Paul used more word pictures in his letter to the church at Philippi. He has great confidence of being permitted by the Lord to see them all again. The word "confidence" means being persuaded by words to believe, and is connected to what the Lord told him at that time. "Confidence" also indicates the spiritual passion of Paul, because it means listening to God or yielding  to Him as we obey or comply with His word.  I am sure that we all see the application for believers. We are to be fully persuaded in our minds by what God reveals in His Word.  What was Paul fully persuaded about? That he will abide a...

  Here is the link to Pastor Alvis' midweek sermon May 26, 2021. This is another sermon dealing with the subject matter of prophecy. Pastor is using 1 Thessalonians for his text in this series of sermons. I have found these lessons to be valuable for helping me understand the scope of prophetic ministry and Pastor is very good at explaining the terms and defining words, to help us grasp what God is saying. I know it will be a blessing to you if you are able to see/heart this sermon. Bob

Paul lived his life fully for Jesus Christ Philippians 1:21  For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.  Paul used another unique phrase that is only found once in the Bible and it is the text above. This is a remarkable statement from the apostle that really shows his heart and perspective on life. The words "For me" are words that Paul used to introduce his perspective on life as a Christian.  The words "to live is Christ" means that whatever life, time and strength that Paul had remaining, belonged to Christ. Jesus was the sole reason Paul had for living and it shone through in every aspect of his life. This is why Paul could say that he was rejoicing even while in a Roman jail.   John 10:9-11  I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.  10) The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it mor...