Paul Encourages the Philippians
In the Book of Philippians, Paul writes about having joy even when things are difficult. Where does he say this joy comes from?
The source of joy is found not in circumstances, but in knowing Jesus Christ and living for His glory.
Paul wrote the letter to the Colossians to fight against false teachings. What false idea was he specifically trying to correct regarding Jesus?
He was correcting teachings that claimed Jesus wasn't fully God, or that believers needed secret knowledge or extra rituals to be complete.
What are two important qualifications Paul lists for people who want to lead in the church (like pastors or elders)?
(Any two of the following): Blameless, husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not a drunkard, gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money, manages his own household well.
What is the main difference between being a "steward" of something versus being the "owner" of something?
An owner has ultimate rights to something; a steward manages something that ultimately belongs to someone else (in this case, God).
What two opposing desires are constantly fighting within every Christian, according to Galatians 5?
The desires of the sinful nature (flesh/sin) versus the desires of the Holy Spirit.
Jesus summarized all of God's commands into two simple rules. What are they?
Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength, and love your neighbor as yourself.
What is the general term we use for the study of the end times or final biblical events?
Eschatology.
How does the biblical teaching on Hell help us understand that God is a just and fair God?
It shows that God takes sin seriously and that His perfect justice demands that all sin (which is rebellion against an eternal God) must be punished.
What does the word "consummation" mean when we talk about the end of the Bible story?
It means the completion or the ultimate fulfillment of God’s plan, where everything is made new and perfect.
Paul tells believers to have the "mind of Christ." What does this mean in terms of attitude and humility?
It means having a humble attitude, being willing to serve others above yourself, just as Christ did when He became human and died on the cross.
According to Colossians, where does Jesus stand in relation to all creation? Is He just a part of it, or over it?
Christ is supreme over all creation; He created all things, sustains all things, and is the head of the church.
Why was "sound doctrine" (correct teaching) so important for Timothy and Titus to maintain in their churches?
Correct teaching protects the church from error and false teachers, guides believers in right living, and ensures the true Gospel is preached.
Besides money, what other areas of life did we discuss that God wants us to manage for Him? (Name one).
Time, talents/gifts, physical body/health, and relationships.
Name three specific "fruits of the Spirit" that show up when a person is letting God guide their life.
(Any three): Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.
According to 1 John, can you truly love God if you actively hate a fellow Christian?
No. 1 John states that if someone claims to love God but hates their brother or sister, they are a liar.
What comfort did Paul give to the Thessalonians regarding Christians who had died before Jesus returns?
He assured them that those who have died in Christ will rise first and be with the Lord forever, so they shouldn't grieve without hope.
What is one main characteristic of Heaven that the book of Revelation emphasizes (e.g., no pain, no night, God is present)?
(Any of the following): God's presence is constant; no more death, suffering, crying, or pain; no sun or moon because God’s glory provides light; perfect peace and holiness.
Will the "New Heaven and New Earth" just be a repeat of this world, or completely different?
It will be different in that sin, death, and evil will be absent, and God will fully dwell with humanity in a restored creation.
Paul talks about "pressing on" to a goal. What is the ultimate goal he is striving for?
The goal is to know Christ fully and attain the resurrection of the dead, reaching spiritual maturity and eternal life with Him.
What does the phrase "Set your minds on things above" mean for a high school student's daily priorities?
It means focusing on eternal values and God's will rather than temporary, worldly concerns, guiding choices about activities, entertainment, and goals.
What does Paul tell us about where all Scripture comes from and what it is useful for in 2 Timothy 3:16-17?
All Scripture is God-breathed (inspired by God) and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness.
What should be our main motivation for managing our time, talents, and money well?
Our motivation should be to glorify God, thank Him for His provision, and further His kingdom, not for personal gain or recognition.
What is one practical habit or choice you can make daily to help you "walk in the Spirit"?
Spending daily time in prayer and Bible reading, choosing obedience to God’s commands over sinful desires, or relying on God's strength instead of our own.
What kind of actions did the Apostle James say must accompany our faith to prove it is real?
Works of love and obedience, such as caring for orphans and widows, and helping those in need (e.g., providing food and clothing).
The Bible talks about signs that the end times are near. Can you name a general category of signs mentioned in class?
Increase in wars/conflicts, natural disasters (famines, earthquakes), increase in apostasy (false teaching), global travel and knowledge increase, or the re-gathering of Israel.
What is the only way a person can be guaranteed a place in Heaven according to Christian teaching?
By placing faith in Jesus Christ alone as Savior, believing that His sacrificial death and resurrection paid the penalty for their sins.
What does the promise in Revelation 21, that God will "wipe away every tear," signify for our future state?
It signifies the complete removal of all sorrow, grief, suffering, and pain forever.
What simple advice does Philippians 4:6 give us about dealing with worry or anxiety?
We should not be anxious about anything, but pray about everything, giving thanks to God.
Paul says to "put off" old sins and "put on" new virtues. Give one example of something to put off and something to put on.
Put off: Anger, malice, slander, lying, impurity.
Put on: Compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forgiveness, love.
Paul instructed Titus on how believers should behave in their community. What general attitude were they supposed to have towards all people and authorities?
They were to be subject to rulers and authorities, obedient, ready for every good work, gentle, and respectful toward everyone.
Does the Bible say that Christians have to give away everything they own? Briefly explain the biblical view of giving.
No, but it does teach generous, cheerful, and sacrificial giving (the tithe is a biblical principle) as an act of worship and trust in God.
What is the evidence that someone is truly allowing the Holy Spirit to work in their life?
The visible evidence is the presence and growth of the "fruit of the Spirit" in their character and actions.
The Bible talks about "Agape" love. What makes this kind of love so special and different from typical friendship love?
Agape is unconditional, sacrificial love that gives even when it doesn't receive anything in return (God's kind of love), demonstrated by Christ's death on the cross
Is Jesus’ physical return to Earth for the final judgment the same event as the "catching up" (rapture) of believers mentioned by Paul?
These are generally taught as separate events in the Answers Bible Curriculum framework. The rapture is when Christ takes believers to be with Him; the second coming is when He returns to Earth physically to establish His kingdom and judge the nations.
How does the Gospel message show both God’s perfect justice (His required judgment for sin) and His perfect mercy (His salvation plan)?
His justice is satisfied because sin was punished (on the cross), and His mercy is shown because He provided a way for us to be saved from that punishment through Christ.
How does having a clear picture of the New Creation help give us purpose in our lives right now?
It provides hope and motivation to live for eternal things, knowing that our actions done for God's glory will last into the new creation.
How does the Christian view of "joy in suffering" demonstrate the power of the Gospel to people who don't know Christ?
It shows that Christian belief provides a hope and peace that the world cannot offer, proving the existence of something greater than earthly struggles.
What key takeaway from this lesson assures us that Jesus is all we need for salvation?
The lesson reinforces that Christ is sufficient; we are made complete in Him alone, through faith, and don't need anything else for salvation or holy living.
How does this lesson reinforce that we can trust the Bible as our guide for life?
Because the Bible is "God-breathed" and equips us perfectly for life and ministry, we know it is a reliable and complete guide
How does good stewardship show that we reflect God's own organized and purposeful nature?
God is orderly and purposeful in creation; when we manage our resources wisely, we reflect His order rather than living chaotically.
How does a changed life (showing the fruit of the Spirit) provide proof that Christianity is real?
It shows a supernatural transformation that is impossible by human effort alone, testifying to the reality of the Holy Spirit’s power.
Why is the Christian command to love even our enemies considered so unique compared to what the world teaches?
It’s counter-cultural and goes against human nature, demonstrating a divine standard of morality and a dependence on God’s power to obey it.
How do the many Bible prophecies about the end times give us confidence that God is in control of the future?
Fulfilled prophecies show that God knows the future and has a sovereign plan for history that He is actively carrying out, which makes Him trustworthy.
Why does the hope of Heaven make a difference in how a Christian deals with difficulties and death right now?
It provides eternal perspective, reminding believers that suffering is temporary and that an eternal, perfect life with God awaits them.
What is the final, main point of the entire 20-unit curriculum regarding God's big plan for the world?
What is the whole Bible tells one continuous story of God's redemptive plan to save His people from sin through Jesus Christ and restore creation to Himself.