We work out way through the big ideas of chapters 1-2 and the birth of Samuel. Samuel is a transitional figure – he is the last of the Judges and the first of the “classical prophets.” We also hear about the downfall of the priestly line of Eli. Samuel will anoint the first king of…

We situate the books of Samuel in the larger context of the Former Prophets and the Hebrew Scriptures. We also talk about how the books of Samuel have come to us in their present form.

We conclude our study by looking at Paul’s final instructions. He urges Euodia and Syntyche to “agree in the Lord.” He then gives some final instructions about thinking on all “good things.” Finally, he thanks the church for their financial gifts while also telling them, “I am doing fine; you have done more than enough!”

Paul discusses “attaining to the resurrection” by any means necessary. We have not been made perfect/complete, yet. So Paul strives forward, running as hard as he can to “win the prize.” We are being saved In Christ. But that does not mean that we just sit around and do nothing. Part of “working our salvation…

We dig deeper into Paul’s warning about the “Judaizers.” This leads to an important discussion about one of the “Faith of Christ” passages in this paragraph. Our righteousness comes THROUGH Christ’s faith/faithfulness and our trust in Him.

Paul discusses his plans to send Epaphroditus back to the Philippians and eventually Timothy and himself. He then moves on to talk about the negative examples – the dogs, evil workers, mutilators – who could potentially lead the church astray.

Paul continues to explain and illustrate what it means to “live worthy of the Gospel of Christ.” Paul’s prime example is Jesus Himself. Although He was God, He did not cling to His “Divine Prerogatives” – instead He emptied Himself and became a human and a slave. He sacrificed Himself for the welfare of others.…

Paul explains how his circumstances have providentially advanced the Gospel! Then he gets to the “main thing” in his exhortation: “Live as citizens worthy of the Gospel of Christ, striving together as ONE.” Everything else Paul says in this letter is an amplification of this main idea.

We begin our study of Philippians by reading the letter together. We then take a look at Paul’s introductions and prayers.

We complete our brief overview of Ephesians by considering Paul’s last admonitions to stand firm in the Lord’s power and put on the full armor of God. Paul tells us that we are standing firm and wrestling against the Spiritual Forces of evil in the Heavenly places.