SUNDAY BIBLE STUDY LESSONS

THE MARKS OF CHRISTIAN COMMITMENT

In the last five lessons, we examine, through Jesus' example, how God calls and sustains the faithful in all circumstances. We also note how, through serving others, Christian commitment draws believers into a future preoccupied with God's mission in Christ. The joy and peace of our human commitment is upheld by God's commitment and faithfulness.

August 1, 2010
Sharing God's Grace
Philippians 1:18b-29

While he was a prisoner, Paul wrote this letter to the church at Philippi. He drew encouragement and strength from the faith of the Philippians with whom he had a very close friendship. Paul hoped his faith could provide some encouragement for the Christians at Philippi. We learn from the text that as we remain faithful, God sustains us in all circumstances.

August 8, 2010
Giving of Oneself
Philippians 2:1-13

This lesson is a powerful synopsis of Christ's life and mission. Verses 5-11 of the text present a hymn to Christ as Paul called the church to have the "mind of Christ." The mind of Christ means to be like Christ in service and humility. Paul reminded the church that Christ's humility resulted in His exaltation.

August 15, 2010
Living into the Future
Philippians 3:7-16

Paul had reason to boast and yet in contrast to the joy of serving Christ, he saw the relative unimportance of his accomplishments. The thrust of this passage is that Christ is the basis of our future in this life and the next.

August 22, 2010
Growing in Joy and Peace
Philippians 4:2-14

In pastoral encouragement, Paul wrote that the peace that comes from God is superior to anything else to which it might be compared. He then listed the qualities that should indicate the attitudes and actions of Christians (vv. 8-9).

August 30, 2010
Upheld by God
Acts 28:16-25a, 28-31

Paul believed Christ is sovereign (in control) over all the circumstances of his life; therefore, he viewed his imprisonment as serving the cause of Christ. He used this occasion in a Roman prison to preach the Gospel of Christ. In recognizing God's commitment and faithfulness to us, the apostle Paul challenged believers to commit our lives to God's care.