So starting in January I will be facilitating Matt Chandler's study of Philippians as a discipleship class.
Why Philippians? I'll let Matt field that one himself. The following is from his blog.
Last year I was invited by The Hub (www.gotothehub.com) to pick a book of the Bible and teach it via video for small groups. I wrestled quite a bit and landed on the book of Philippians. Here are the 10 reasons I wanted to teach the book of Philippians:
- How the church began. Acts 16 – Lydia is a wealthy Asian (Thyatira); the slave girl is an oppressed Greek, and the jailer was a middle class Roman. All were transformed by the gospel of Jesus Christ…I love the diversity of that cast.
- The book teaches that the gospel advances regardless of circumstance (Philippians 1:12-18). In an age where it is not uncommon to hear that you can put God into your debt by behaving, I thought this was extremely important.
- Paul’s cry “To live is Christ and die is gain”! How could he not say that! Lydia was wealthy, religious and empty; the slave girl was bitter, oppressed and angry, and the Roman jailer was indifferent and cruel. All were lost in their lives. What else would you live for?
- The book clearly teaches humility in the life of a believer. We can’t hear that topic enough. (Philippians 2)
- Paul ferociously outlines the reasons to pursue Christ. (Philippians 3:1-11)
- Then, he follows it up by teaching how to pursue Christ. (Philippians 3:12-21)
- Chapter 4 talks about what the heart and mind of a man of God looks like. This is invaluable information as there seems to be some confusion on this matter.
- Contentment is a gift more precious than jewels. (Philippians 4:10-19)
- It gave me a chance to remind everyone that Philippians 4:13 isn’t about playing sports, making the team or being successful in business.
- Because if I can help us be "the lights of this world holding fast to the word of life" I would humbly and gladly spend my life doing so.
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