Smyth and Helwys Uniform Series Lesson Outline for August 8, 2010
Giving of Oneself Philippians 2: 1-13
Focal Outline: Philippians 2:1-4 Looking beyond our selves
Philippians 2:5-13 Christ humbled; us following
Summary Statements: (To help you get a handle on the lesson truths).
1. We humans often think we deserve more than others. We can be rather inner-focused.
2. Unity in Christ suggests like-mindedness. The “details” of our faith can be where that like-mindedness fails.
3. Paul prescribes that our attitude simply must become the same as Christ’s.
4. Humility is a choice. We have to decide to see another person as equally valuable to God.
Questions for Thought: (To help you think of some questions to challenge with a “So What?”)
1. What are some aspects of life that you find yourself feeling entitled to, if you are honest?
2. We are to be “like-minded” in Christ. What are the details of faith/life that make this fellowship difficult?
3. What might Paul mean when he prescribes that we are to have an attitude that is the same as Christ’s?
4. Humility is a choice. What other obediences of the Christian faith come down to a decision on our parts?
Points to Ponder
[NOTE: These suggestions are to help your class be more interactive and discussion oriented. Using 3-5 different ideas will enhance your preferred teaching style and involve class participants. Build excitement and intimacy in your learners!]
I am a fan of the Yale theologian, Miroslav Volf. This happens when you spend 3 years of your life studying one person’s work. So, hear a couple of his theological assumptions that might help here: in order to be faithful—obedient—to Christ, we will often have to “learn to Will rightly.” Paul echoes that we need to take on an attitude that is the same as Christ’s, to which Volf speaks. But, how do we do this in real life?
Sooner or later, we have to make some of the right choices. I believe my upbringing in faith did many good things for me. But one of the points of growth for me was this issue. We lead persons to believe that a right pilgrimage with Christ will bring about a transformation that will be complete. We will just take on the persona of Christ if we try hard enough, pray hard enough and study hard enough. I haven’t found life to work that way. I struggle every day to do even the smallest things as Christ would.
Paul implores us to look beyond ourselves. Yet, we live in a consumer culture that conditions us to see ourselves as the perpetual stars of our own shows! To Paul, unity in Christ will feature us being able to see others as equally valuable to God. That means sharing with each other, doing for each other and occasionally deferring to one another. Now, I don’t know about you—but my transformation isn’t that complete. Yes? So, I think Volf is right. Sometimes, we have to “learn to ‘Will’ rightly.” He’s talking about choosing to do the right thing even when that right thing isn’t primary in our hearts. Or, as one of my bible study group members said, “I’ve learned that part of my faith is that I’ve got to fake it ‘til I make it.” Pains me to admit, but yes!
Introductory Thoughts (5-15 minutes - These are for discussion to introduce this week’s Lesson Ideas.)
1. Think back—when has been a time that you knew someone had placed you above themselves What act, deed, gift or statement has demonstrated selflessness that impressed you? Why was this so meaningful to you?
2. What are some of the “basics” of living like Christ? Being honest with yourself, and your group, what are some of these that just don’t come naturally to you? What can sometimes lead you to be more like Christ?
3. Life has much to offer us! What are some of the things in life that you can catch yourself feeling entitled to? What is right about that? Why? What can be dangerous about that? Why?
4. Take a look at “Beginning the Lesson” on p101. Our lesson author gives us a chance to look closer at the Church specifically. Enjoy the honest discussion, but lead this exercise with skill and sensitivity.
5. Is there a way to “learn to Will rightly”? How?
Studying & Discussing the Passage (20-25 minutes - See Brian Harbour’s Commentary for added insights and explanations.)
1. Share an overview of the Lesson from “Locating the Text” (Teaching Guide) and then examine the Focal Passage using a variety of teaching methods...
Philippians 2: 1-4 Looking beyond our selves
In v1-2, what qualities does Paul say are modeled to us from our faith in Christ? (encouragement, comfort, fellowship, tenderness and compassion) In v1, what difference might translating the word “because” instead of “if”? (some scholars believe this was intended) In v2, what will make Paul’s joy “complete?” What cautions come in v3-4? (selfish ambition, conceit) What is better in those verses? (humility, value of others)
Philippians 2: 5-13 Christ humbled; us following
In v5, what is the standard we are to hold? In v6-8, discuss and identify the hallmarks of this attitude as seen in Christ. In v9-11, what were the results that you can identify for Christ? How do these outcomes relate to us as Believers after Christ? In v12-13, what encouragements does Paul provide to us?
2. On p91 our lesson author says, “While we don’t usually intend to hurt anyone else…we often do so simply by thinking that we deserve more than others.” How does this observation apply to our lives together in church? Discuss how you have experienced this in the past. What has helped in these times?
3. What does Ep 2: 8 have to do with this passage?
4. On p94 our lesson author says, “…Jesus chose to humble himself for us. Humility is a choice; it is a decision to see another person as just as valuable to God as we are.” Do you agree or disagree with this assessment? Why? Why not? What can we do with this insight, so that our life in the Kingdom is more like Christ?
5. In the Uniform Commentary, Brian Harbour sets today’s “emergent church” movement up as an analogy to what Paul is teaching. We are created to be more than to go or seem. Watch for the inversions of how we typically view God, Creation and Salvation throughout this. See 3 lessons in his “Conclusion” (p80).
Applying the Lesson (10-20 minutes - Choose one or two questions to encourage action plans for the coming week!)
Discuss any of the following questions…
1. a. Based on what you have studied today, what is the Church? List your responses.
b. Why does it matter how we view the Church? What is the big deal for us? For God?
- Paul believes that salvation is not a work of humanity for God, but a work of God for humanity. What difference does this orientation make for how we are to live our faith?
- Take a look at “Lesson to Life” on p105 in the Uniform Teaching Guide. She will cause us to challenge our assumptions about the impossibility of following Jesus. And, there is a practical daily challenge, too.
People go where they know they’ve been prepared for and are cared for!
Bo Prosser, series editor, is the Coordinator for Congregational Life at CBF in Atlanta.
Charles Qualls, session writer, is Associate Pastor at Second-Ponce de Leon Baptist Church in Atlanta.
Copyright SS Helps 2010 All references to Smyth and Helwys literature are used by permission of the Publisher.
All materials used are available through Smyth & Helwys Publishing, www.helwys.com, 800-747-3016.
Send Comments to: Center for Christian Education ATTN: Gail Prosser e-mail - gail24@comcast.net
2511 Summeroak Dr. Tucker GA 30084 phone: (770)493-6648
Smyth and Helwys Uniform Series Lesson Outline for August 1, 2010
Sharing God’s Grace Philippians 1: 18b-29
Focal Outline: Philippians 1: 18b-26 Have sufficient courage
Philippians 1: 27-29 Stand firm in one spirit
Summary Statements: (To help you get a handle on the lesson truths).
1. As we face internal or external conflict, finding stable ground on which to stand can be difficult.
2. It is human nature to search for meaning and purpose in days of struggle. Paul’s meaning comes from Christ.
3. For Paul, in this episode “deliverance” will come through knowing that God is working in his life.
4. Our struggles are never the last word. God delivers hope through the promise of new life in Christ.
Questions for Thought: (To help you think of some questions to challenge with a “So What?”)
1. What struggles have challenged your faith? How have you weathered these?
2. Where have you found meaning or purpose as you have searched your soul in hardship?
3. Where has God been in the toughest struggles of your life? What have you learned about God?
4. The prophets always delivered hope along with doom. How have you found hope/new life in your struggles?
Points to Ponder
[NOTE: These suggestions are to help your class be more interactive and discussion oriented. Using 3-5 different ideas will enhance your preferred teaching style and involve class participants. Build excitement and intimacy in your learners!]
Our struggles are never the last word. (p89) That sentence has stood out powerfully to me this week as I write. Our church has suffered the loss of a beloved member at a tragic age. Many of us have walked alongside her beautiful family. Their pain is palpable. I have tasted their grief, and found myself relatively powerless to fix their troubles. So it would seem. But, their pain is not the last word. We will await chances to continue delivering love their way. I trust they will find hope on the other side of despair.
I often tell my divorce recovery participants that their divorce is not all of who they are. But, I offer that knowing many of them feel as though their divorce is the last word. To my young pre-marital couples, I remind them of something important about their conflict: that their fights are always about more than the topic at hand. They can learn from-- and grow beyond-- the moment. They will teach and learn, together, even in the most bitter experiences. My wish is that they will bank up the ability to trust.
But all of these human settings yield common issues: In our struggles, where will meaning and hope be found? The ApostlePaul’s words can be misheard. One could think that Paul is saying that his struggle is not really a problem. That would be wrong. Beatings, imprisonment and threats of death were not pleasant for Paul. Likewise, one could grant Paul “biblical super-hero” status and think that his faith somehow shielded him. Instead, allow him to draw a little closer to you. See him for the frail human he was. Then, and only then, does the power of his faith become relevant to our lives. Listen carefully to his words. Drink in the power available for us, too. How might life appear differently to you, if you trusted the grace of God like Paul did?
Introductory Thoughts (5-15 minutes - These are for discussion to introduce this week’s Lesson Ideas.)
1. To this point in your life, what has been your greatest “valley of the shadow”? This could be death, job, family-related or any challenge that has threatened. What brought you through that time in your life?
2. Christians have been known to have faith that God will “deliver” them. Discuss within your group just what you understand that delivering to be. This answer could vary person-by-person. Enjoy the diversity of faith!
3. Life’s challenges are evident for most of us. In your group, talk specifically about what there is in the bible that speaks to just such tough seasons. Have someone jot these on the board so you can keep track.
4. Take a look at “Beginning the Lesson” on p94. Some groups will enjoy getting a chance to just take a word like “rejoice” and react! Be sure your group takes on some levity with this, beyond mere praise.
Studying & Discussing the Passage (20-25 minutes - See Brian Harbour’s Commentary for added insights and explanations.)
1. Share an overview of the Lesson from “Locating the Text” (Teaching Guide) and then examine the Focal Passage using a variety of teaching methods...
Philippians 1: 18b-26 Have sufficient courage
What has Paul talked about in the first 17 verses? In v18-19, what is Paul resolved about? What hope does Paul have in v20? In v21-24, where does Paul find his peace? In v25-26, what outcome does he predict? (life, continued ministry)
Philippians 1: 27-29 Stand firm in one spirit
Whatever the outcome, what is Paul’s instruction for the Philippians in v27? In v27-28, what specific points of perspective do you hear from him? What 2 realities does Paul cite in v29? (calling, impending struggle)
2. On p86 our lesson author says, “Paul does not use ‘deliver’ to mean that God will necessarily free him from prison…Nor does he expect God to remove all his struggles.” How is this distinction important for Christians in their lives? What can you do with this example for Paul that could strengthen your faith for living?
3. What does Ro 8: 28 have to do with this passage? How about Ge 50: 20?
4. On p85 our lesson author says that Paul, “…never promises it will make everything easy; but Jesus’ Spirit will be present so that even struggles ‘turn out for…deliverance.’” How does your faith come into play when you are dealing with your toughest life moments? (This is not a ‘how should…’ question; this is a ‘how does…?’) What does your faith do for you in crisis? What does your faith not do for you?
5. In the Uniform Commentary, Brian Harbour begins with a gripping story (that I am still pondering what to do with). Catch his text background on p71 in paragraph 2. There is some good Greek word study on p72-4, and 3 lessons in his “Conclusion” section.
Applying the Lesson (10-20 minutes - Choose one or two questions to encourage action plans for the coming week!)
Discuss any of the following questions…
1. a. What parts of your faith give you courage and strength for living the tough moments? Be specific.
b. What does “God’s grace” have to do with the crisis/struggle of life?
- Where has God been in your biggest challenges to this point? What meaning or purpose has life taken on as a result of your faith seeing you through the struggles?
- Take a look at “Teaching Options” on p100 in the Uniform Teaching Guide. See “Finding Peace, Spreading Peace” for a selection of questions you might draw from in closing.
People go where they know they’ve been prepared for and are cared for!
Bo Prosser, series editor, is the Coordinator for Congregational Life at CBF in Atlanta.
Charles Qualls, session writer, is Associate Pastor at Second-Ponce de Leon Baptist Church in Atlanta.
Copyright SS Helps 2010 All references to Smyth and Helwys literature are used by permission of the Publisher.
All materials used are available through Smyth & Helwys Publishing, www.helwys.com, 800-747-3016.
Send Comments to: Center for Christian Education ATTN: Gail Prosser e-mail - gail24@comcast.net
2511 Summeroak Dr. Tucker GA 30084 phone: (770)493-6648
