Discovering Joy in Philippians Online | Session 9
Welcome to Session 9 of our Discovering Joy in Philippians online Bible study!
In this video, I describe four ways that confidence in the flesh distorts people’s opinions of us. Because of this, we can forget people’s opinions of us and seek approval from God alone.
After you watch the video, please answer the questions you find below the video. Then, during the upcoming week, complete Chapter 9: Embrace Perseverance. When you’re finished, return here for the next video.
If you can’t participate now, that’s okay. I’ll leave these posts up for you to do when you’re ready.
Video: Forget People’s Opinions of You
Questions to answer in the comments:
- Page 139 question 5: How has spending time alone with God in prayer and reading his words drawn you closer to Jesus?
- Page 143 question 21: What has caused you to know Jesus better through suffering?
- Our joy builder on page 130 was to daily rejoice in answered prayers, daily provisions, faith purifiers, and eternal promises. How has that affected your joy and peace?
Before watching next week’s video…
Complete Chapter 9: Embrace Perseverance. Come back next week to discuss.
Related Posts
Books You Might Like
- Basics for Believers by D. A. Carson
- The Freedom of Self-Forgetfulness by Tim Keller
- The Zippered Heart by Marilyn Meberg
1) It has shown me I can trust Jesus. It has shown me his character, which makes me draw closer to him. His words are like letters that reveal his willingness to suffer like us for us. Prayer provides intimate conversation, which draws me closer to God.
2) Rebellious (foster) children; ridicule for preaching the gospel; settling for less income to serve in ministry; false accusations; abuse; being unattractive (according to schoolmates).
3) Praying this way daily reminds me of God’s good care and greatly increases my joy and peace.
Reading his word draws me closer to Jesus and also draws me much closer to him. It helps me to understand better what he wants from me.
Rebellious children and grandchildren. False accusations against me.
Pray this way reminded me that he is always there for me. It showed me how much he cares for me. It also lets me know that no matter what the situation is He is there to take care of it for me as long as I give it to him
1) Yes!
2) Doesn’t it bless you to know Jesus shared in even these?
3)Wonderful!
I am learning to depend on him and tust him. It draws me closer to him.2. False accusation of something I did not so. Being unattracrive but God show me I was verry attractive.3. That he always there and he dose here my pray. And answer my prayers too.
1) That’s wonderful, Becky!
2) Oh, I’m so sorry about the false accusation. Praise God that he moved you from falsehood to truth!
3) Praise God that he blessed you with knowing all this!
1.Prayer is our way of getting to know each other, like chatting or discussion with a friend. His Word gives me guidance and His side of the conversation. I know how much he loves me.
Rebellious children, an unfaithful spouse and ridicule have caused me to know Jesus better through suffering, though I have been blessed with 2 wonderful children who bring me far more joy than pain.
I am experiencing much joy and peace while doing this study but I am going to go back and refresh myself on the earlier joy builders because I think some have gone by the wayside as new ones have come along!
1) Yes–love how you put it “His Word gives…His side of the conversation”!
2) Oh, I’m sorry. Praise God for your 2 wonderful children.
3) I think it’s fun to try new ones and repeat the ones I like best.
Spending time in the word daily keeps Him in the forefront of a busy life. I have a constant awareness of His presence and recall our verses throughout my day.
2.Initially I could not think of a situation in which I had suffered for my faith. So God gave me one. This week for the first time ever, someone I care for and have been ministering to for 2 years looked me square in the eye and rejected Jesus. I am excited to say that it felt like a punch in the gut! Which reassured me that i really do love Jesus! I feel a tiny bit closer to Paul now;-)
3) cultivating a habit of gratitude and rejoicing, helped me this week when for the first time in decades i had a minor fender bender. I was so upset with myself then i regrouped and rejoiced over the many good things that were in the circumstance. Although i am not “happy” it happened, i rejoice that it to is a light and momentary trouble Not worthy to be compared to theGlory which will be revealed in us!
Hi, Lisa!
1) Oh, yes. That is an important aspect.
2) My! Praise God for the reassurance. May the Lord bless this person with further opportunities.
3) Love this story. Thanks for sharing. 🙂