Disciple Lessons from Philippians

St. Paul, by Giotto di Bondone, 1290s, Fresco, Upper Church, San Francesco, Assisi. Larger image.

Dr. Ralph F. Wilson I hope you'll join me in this Bible study. I've been a pastor for the last 30 years, and since 1996 I've been conducting Internet Bible studies. Today I find great joy in teaching people all over the world from every denomination and faith tradition -- even those with no faith background at all. You're welcome to learn more about me and what I believe, if you like. -- Dr. Ralph F. Wilson, Director

For a short letter of only four chapters and 104 verses, Paul's Letter to the Philippians is amazingly profound. At one level it is a poignant epistle from a jailed apostle to a beloved supporting church. At another level it is contains an exhilarating hymn of Christ's humility and exaltation, a glimpse into Paul's intense passion to know Christ, and a discerning reflection on prayer and the peace it brings.

Whenever I read Philippians I am inspired, warmed, challenged, and encourage. It's an upbeat letter, full of joy and rejoicing. But the lessons of faith and discipleship it teaches are not just feel-goods. They are deep, enduring perspectives on how to face problems, stress, and struggle and grow through them, rather than wilting under the pressure. Philippians is powerful stuff!

I invite you to study the Letter of Philippians with me over the next 9 weeks. We'll begin our study on Friday, April 8, 2005 and be finished a week or two after the beginning of June.

Here's how we'll study together.

All lessons now compiled as a 150-page book. Why don't you get a copy to keep all your notes in order?

Each Saturday I'll e-mail you the lesson for the week. Then you'll read the Bible passage and use my notes to help you understand it better.
On Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and maybe Thursday, you'll receive a question from that week's lesson to think about and answer. This is designed as a "total immersion" approach to Bible study, since I believe God wants to use it to work real and permanent change in your life. (You can opt out of the daily questions if you like, however, and just receive the weekly lessons.) You'll be thinking about these passages constantly for over these 8 weeks -- long enough for God to work his Word into your life and lifestyle.
You can respond to the questions using the Joyful Heart Bible Study Forum -- and read others' answers to reinforce your own understanding.
On Fridays I'll e-mail you the link to a 20- to 30-minute audio teaching that sums up the passage you've been studying that week. Some who learn better from hearing than from reading really appreciate this.
Then on Saturday, I'll send you the next week's lesson.

Here's the outline:

Approve What Is Excellent (1:1-11). Partnership in the gospel, choices
For Me to Live is Christ (1:12-30). The witness of imprisonment. Purpose for living.
He Emptied Himself (2:1-11). Humility and exaltation. A study in who Jesus is, and the nature of the incarnation.
God Is at Work in You (2:12-18). The dynamics of salvation: our part and God's part.
Christian Character: Timothy and Epaphroditus (2:19-30). Character of Christian workers.
That I May Know Him (3:1-11). What it means to "know" God.
Pressing Toward the Goal (3:12-4:1). The urgency of God's call, citizenship in heaven.
Rejoice in the Lord Always (4:1-9). Dealing with worry and stress
A Partnership in Giving and Receiving (4:10-23). Learning contentment in Christ, stewardship

As of April 9, 2005, we've had 1,456 sign-ups from more than 77 countries, including: Afghanistan, Albania, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Bahrain, Barbados, Belgium, Botswana, Brazil, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Canada, Cayman Islands, China, Colombia, Denmark, Dominica, Ecuador, Ethiopia, Fiji, Germany, Ghana, Grenada, Guyana, HongKong, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Isle of Man, Italy, Jamaica, Jordan, Kenya, Korea (Republic of), Kuwait, Liberia, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Micronesia (Federal States of), Mozambique, Namibia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Romania, Russian Federation, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Tanzania, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, U.S. Minor Outlying Islands, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay, and Zimbabwe.

Sign up today! You'll receive the first lesson this coming Friday.. There is no cost to participate in the study, though donations are encouraged so we can create more studies and reach more people. We respect your privacy and never sell or rent our lists.
Please don't sign up for more than one of my Bible studies at one time. Each of them is pretty intensive. Also, please don't sign up for your friends; let them decide for themselves.

Yes, please sign me up for the 9-week "Disciple Lessons from Philippians" online Bible study. I understand that this also subscribes me to Dr. Wilson's occasional Joyful Heart Newsletter. I agree to abide by the Bible Study Forum Guidelines.

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Frequency Weekly lessons, daily questions
Weekly lessons only

Note: Most subscribers will want to receive the lesson plus all the week's questions each Saturday, with daily questions throughout the week to keep them thinking about the week's lesson. But you can select the "weekly lesson only" option above and skip the daily e-mailed questions if you like. If you'd like to switch from one option to the other, just sign up here for the one you like, and you'll be automatically dropped from the other option -- and started on week #1, lesson #1 of your new choice.

Disciple Lessons from Philippians