Biblical Literacy Podcast

In today’s lesson, Mark examines Philippians 2:3-11—Christ: A Study in Contrasts. Three things to glean from these verses:

1. Jesus as God. He possessed the form of God, and He took on the form of man. Jesus is a model of humility.

2. Jesus as man. He took on the outward appearance of a man. Jesus is God’s divine love in selflessness.

3. Jesus as Lord. God raised Jesus to the highest place and gave Him the name above all names, because Jesus took the lowest place to save mankind.

Listen to Mark share how Christ, LORD of all, is a role model for us in humility, selflessness.

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8-22-21 Biblical Literacy

Dr. Robert J. Morgan, hymn historian, shard the teaching platform with Mark in an interview and discussion about the importance of hymns in private and corporate worship. The Apostle Paul instructed the early Christians to address each other in Psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Dr. Morgan grew up as a lover of God and classic hymns. He believes hymns are a Bible lesson and filled with theology. He recommends using a hymnal during devotions and Bible study. Modern music is not to be discounted. Older Christians should take time to study modern music, and the younger generation to study hymns. Listen to the two expert teachers discuss hymns, hymn types, meaningful words, and the stories behind the lyricists.

Synopis

Chapter 10 – Philippians; Christ – the Paradigm

Ref: Philippians 2:5-11

This lesson begins with an understanding of “Christ- the Paradigm “, and how our individual

thought process influences our understanding of our relationship with Christ.

First of all, what is a paradigm and why is it important to understand.

Paradigm (A set of assumptions, concepts, values, and practices that constitute a way of viewing reality

for the community that shares them, especially in an intellectual discipline).

This lesson focuses on the way we as individuals think and interpret the writings in the Bible, similar to

the way the Philippians would have interpreted Paul’s letter in Philippians 2: 5-11.

Mark points out that there are basically two ways people think. Most people are Silo Thinkers or

specialist, if you will, and others are individuals whose knowledge spans substantive number of subjects,

known as a Polymath. Aristotle was a Polymath and was very influential across a broad range of

complex subject matter. The author of the letter to the Philippians, Paul, was also a Polymath.

Most thinkers about Jesus are Silo thinkers and come in different forms of thought:

A-Myth B- Good Man  C- Created by The Church D- God as a Man

As an example: the C: silo thinker would believe that the Church Created the stories and teachings

about Jesus, but they were not reality, just stories.

While Paul was a Polymath, he also was an ardent foe of Christ and did not believe Christ was the

Messiah. This all changed when he had a face-to-face encounter with Christ. Paul’s life completely

changed. Mark makes it clear that specialization is required but that our view and faith in the teachings

of Jesus set forth in the Bible, should be manifested by living in the Gospel letting our manner of life be

worthy of the Gospel of Christ.

If not living based on the Gospel, dig into the gospel and learn how to live under the Cross of Christ.

Only let your manner of life be worthy of Christ.

Points to Ponder

The saving gospel is tied to a well-lived life

Follow Jesus, the model life

Praise God

Biblical Literacy Class Chapter 9 - 08/01/2021 “ Philippians”

Mark continued the study of Philippians and the theme of Philippians 1: 27-29,  Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ. In this weeks lesson, Philippians 2:1-4, Mark addresses Paul explaining what is required to live a life worthy of the gospel of Christ. Such traits are manifested in common sharing in spirit, being liked minded, having love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Mark cited 2 Corinthians 1:5, for just as we share abundantly in the suffering of Christ, so also we share in the Victory.

Continuing to Philippians 2:2, Mark addresses Christ’s joy being complete by being of the same mind, having love in full accord and being like minded.. Same love, translates to having same love for God and for each other. Be sure to watch the Abilene Music Montage which exemplifies all one, one sole. As the class ends Philippians 2: 3-4 drew focus on doing nothing out of selfish ambition but rather in humility value others above yourself.  Don’t look to your own interest, but each of you to the interest of others.

Points to Ponder

Living in the ethics of the Cross   Philippians 1:27, 2:1

The importance of Unity               Philippians 2:2

The Importance of “Otherness”    Philippians 2: 3-4

This week Mark taught Philippians 1:27-29 titled: Olympics, Horses, and Suffering - Connecting the Dots to Living the Gospel. Paul saw all of life through the prism of the death of Christ as shown in the following three verses: Verse 27: Olympics - the Gospel of working together as a team. We should conduct our lives as a citizen of the Gospel, one who follows Christ as though we are living in a kingdom outpost. Verse 28: Horses - horses can get spooked and run. Don’t be afraid to live for Christ. Verse 29: Suffering - Paul called it an honor to suffer for the Gospel. Give graciously for the sake of Christ. Listen to Mark expound on Paul’s beliefs that the church should be the most unified and powerful force on the planet.

Join us Sundays at 9:30am CST! Links below:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfoc...

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Mark continued with his in-depth study of Philippians. This week, Paul gets personal in explaining his perspective in Philippians 1:20-26. “For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” Three concepts are evident in this verse.

1. To live or to die - The center of Paul’s life is Christ, who is his life’s purpose. Everything is Christ. Paul explains his reasoning further in Philippians 3:4-10.

2. The tough dilemma - Paul doesn’t earn Christ but gains Him. Paul is surrounded by stress; what is better for him and what is better for the Philippians.

3. The decision - Paul will remain and continue the work contending for the Gospel with the Philippians.

Mark explains a meaning of J.O.Y. that fits this passage: Jesus first, Others second, and Yourself last.

What was Paul Thinking in Philippians 1:18(b)-19. What illuminated his mind? Throughout the lesson, Mark taught an understanding of Greek by applying the present, future and perfect verb “enses.

Three considerations for Paul’s confidence while he was imprisoned in Rome:

1.  Paul’s confidence – Confidence in the future because of what he’s seen in the past through knowledge and experience with hope for the future. Psalm 42-43.

2. Paul’s source of confidence – Personal prayer and intercessory prayer. God honors prayer through the help of the Spirit of Jesus.

3. Paul’s language – Paul quotes a passage from Job 13:16 to show his heart. He knows life's circumstances will glorify God and be to his benefit.

Mark challenges us to re-up our commitment to pray specifically. Listen to Mark share Paul’s confidence of how we can apply the past, present, and future relationship with God to our lives.

Pastor David Fleming was the guest teacher for today’s Biblical-Literacy class on Philippians 1:12-18. In Paul’s letter to the Philippians, dark things happened to him. But Paul rejoiced in it all because it glorified God. While we may ask the question “why,” Paul offered a road map as the answer. 1. Kingdom mindset. A faith perspective in how we think. Attitude determines altitude. Readers of his letter knew what had happened to Paul. Feared for him. God was in the process. Romans 8:28 is a promise from God. As children of God, all things are God filtered. Wait and see what God will do. 2. Eyes of faith. See the happenings through the lens of God. Paul was a prisoner of Christ which was the sole reason he was a prisoner in Rome. 3. Christ centered priorities. Paul shared that his friends know who he was, why he was in the prison situation - for God’s glory. Paul models what our response should be with dark happenings in our lives. As we relate to others, we should not devalue what we value the most—that Christ be glorified.

Mark continued with the study of Philippians by detailing Philippians 1:3-9 titled: The Macros and the Micros of the Gospel. Mark expanded on both the big and the small/individual picture of Paul’s writings with 3 focus areas: 1. Fellowship of the Gospel. Believers are partners in the Gospel or Good News to humans, and the roots of our foundation is in Christ. Mark compares the partnership to an aspen grove. 2. The fruition of the Gospel. Philippians 1:6, "He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion." God is working in all believers, and He will finish it. 3. Life in the gospel. The key is living in relationship with Christ Jesus and others.  Listen to Mark detail the biblical teachings in Philippians that show we share the cross in our mindset, disposition, and attitude. We are commonly rooted in the Gospel through the cross of Christ Jesus.

Mark taught from Philippians 1:1-3—Paul’s Thank You note. Paul had been sentenced to Roman imprisonment under house arrest, which meant the Philippian church was paying to keep him out of the horrible conditions of prison. Paul thanked God for using the Philippians to meet his needs, emphasizing the word always. Listen to Mark detail the contents of Paul’s joyful letter and how his example inspires us to always thank God for what He has given us.