zion assembly church of god writer: bruce...

May 1, 2016

Topic: Magnify the Lord Texts: Mt. 5:16; Col. 3:17; 1 Pe. 2:12; Ps. 34:1-3; 105:2; 47:6; Ph. 1:20; Ac. 7:54-60; Ps. 104:33 Key Verse: Ph. 1:20 Main Point: Every child of God should seek to draw attention to Christ throughout his/her life and even in his/her death.

May 8, 2016 Topic: The Servant Mindset Texts: Jn. 1:1, 14; Ph. 2:6; 1 Ti. 3:16; Mk. 10:45; 1 Ti. 1:15; 1 Co. 13:5; Ac. 20:35; Ph. 2:3; Ro. 12:10; Jn. 13:2-17 Key Verse: Ph. 2:5 Main Point: Every child of God is to develop the mindset of Christ. We are not to be takers but givers. We are here to serve God and seek the welfare of others.

May 15, 2016 Topic: Living as the Light Texts: 2 Co. 4:4; Ep. 2:2; Mt. 7:13; Ep. 4:17-20; Col. 1:13; Tit. 3:3; Ps. 19:8; 119:130; Mt. 5:14-16; 1 Ti. 2:10; Ph. 2:14-15; 2 Pe. 2:1-2; 1 Co. 6:6-7 Key Verse: Ph. 2:15 Main Point: The people of the world are living in darkness – ignorant of the purpose of God for their lives. As the church, we are called to enlighten them by teaching and living the truth of God’s Word before them.

May 22, 2016 Topic: Righteousness in Christ Alone Texts: Ac. 15:1; Ph. 3:1-9; Ga. 6:12-15; Col. 2:16-17; 2 Co. 5:21; Ga. 2:11-21; Ph. 3:9; Col. 2:10; Ro. 10:3-4; Mt. 11:29; Tit. 3:5-6; Ga. 4:9-11; 2:19-21 Key Verse: Ph. 3:9 Main Point: Christ came and gave his life on the cross for the sins of man. We are made righteous by faith in Christ and his atoning sacrifice. The law was only a teacher to point men to Christ.

May 29, 2016 Topic: Striving for the Resurrection Texts: 1 Th. 4:13-18; 1 Co. 15:35-58; Re. 20:5-6; Ro. 8:11; Jn. 5:28-29; Ac. 24:14-15; Re. 20:12-15; Ph. 3:10-15; Re. 2:10-11; 1 Ti. 6:12; Re. 3:11; Mt. 5:6 Key Verse: Ph. 3:11 Main Point: One day, the dead in Christ will rise from the dead and be changed into incorruptible, immortal beings. In order to experience that glorious resurrection, we must maintain our faith steadfastly to the end!

“Philippians – Part Two”

Faith-N-Focus : E-quip Your Faith Adult Bible Studies “Essentials” Zion Assembly Church of God – Sunday School Services

Writer: Bruce Sullivan

May 2016 Philippians Monthly Summary

This month we continue our study of the letter

to the Philippians. Throughout the month, we will

discuss the “mindset of the believer.” How should we

look at life? In our first lesson, we consider the mindset

of magnifying Christ. We are not here to draw attention

to ourselves but to help the world see Jesus. We do this

by talking and singing about him, and doing good works

in his name. Our lives should serve to testify to the

world of the greatness of our God.

In our second lesson, we discuss the servant

mindset. We should think as Christ thought. He came

not to be served but to serve. He came not to take but to

give. We must all learn to be givers putting the greater

good of God’s purpose above our own wellbeing. Like

Christ, we must be willing to give our lives to save

others.

In the third lesson, we consider the church’s

responsibility to be a light in a dark world. The world is

in spiritual darkness, ignorant about the plan of God.

We are to enlighten them with God’s Word, and we are

to live a life which points people to the right way.

In the fourth lesson we discuss our hope for

righteousness. The Christian must always remember

that our hope for forgiveness and acceptance rests on

Christ’s sacrifice alone. We can only enter God’s

kingdom by grace through faith in Jesus Christ and his

sacrifice. The law taught us of God’s plan for

righteousness; but Christ is God’s means for

righteousness.

Our final lesson is entitled, “Striving for the

Resurrection.” The Bible teaches there will be two

resurrections. There will be a resurrection of the

justified and a resurrection of those who are condemned.

The first is a resurrection of saints to everlasting joy,

and the second a resurrection of sinners to eternal

damnation. We must all strive to be a part of the

resurrection of the saints. Our eyes should be fixed on

this goal, and we must be single-minded in our effort!

To receive your free monthly email subscription to Faith-N-Focus curriculum, please send your request to [email protected]. In addition to the Adult Bible Studies, you will also receive Faith-N-Focus for Teens and for Young Disciples. For more information about Zion Assembly Church of God, please visit our website at www.zionassemblychurchofgod.com.

Introduction At the time of his writing to the Philippians, Paul had hope that he would be released from prison to continue his ministry, but he also was aware he could soon be executed (Ph. 2:23). Though the threat of death was real, Paul’s greatest concern was not whether he lived or died but that Christ would be magnified in him.

Key Verse “According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death” (Ph. 1:20).

Lesson Summary Paul requested the Philippians to pray for him that Christ would be magnified in his body whether he lived or died. When something is magnified, it is made to be seen clearer. This is why people use reading glasses, magnifying glasses, and microscopes. Paul’s greatest desire was for the world to see Jesus and his salvation clearly, and to see his mercy, grace, patience, and love through the way he lived his life and the way he died. For Paul, to live was all about Christ and his purpose (Ph. 1:21). If he was allowed to continue in this life, he wanted to use his time to make people know the greatness of God. The desire of every Christian should be to draw attention to Jesus and his gospel. We do this by doing good deeds such as supporting orphanages, digging wells, feeding the hungry, caring for the sick and hurting, and so on. Though these deeds are good in themselves, Christians should do these things with the ulterior motive of drawing attention to Jesus and the gospel. Jesus said, “Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your father which is in heaven” (Mt. 5:16). Our goal should be to do good works in Jesus’ name in order to magnify him. Psalm 115:1 reads, “Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory, for thy mercy, and for thy truth's sake.” We should also seek to magnify the Lord with our words. This can be in a church service through thanksgiving (Ps. 69:30), praise (Ps. 22:22), testifying (Ps 105:2), singing (Ps. 47:6), and even by lifting our hands toward heaven (Ps 134:2). We should also seek to magnify the Lord outside of church by witnessing to people about what the Lord has done for us and what he can do for them. Ps 34:2-3 says, “My soul shall make her boast in the LORD: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together.” Furthermore, we not only want to magnify Christ in our living, but we should seek to magnify Christ in our death. Paul was an ordinary man with ordinary feelings (Ac. 14:15). No doubt, he feared the pain of death (2 Co. 7:5). At times, he solicited prayers for boldness so he would speak as he ought to speak (Ep. 6:20). In Philippians, he asked the saints to pray for him that Christ would be magnified by how he acted in death (Ph. 1:19-20). He wanted to go out in a “blaze of glory” pointing souls to Calvary. Every child of God should seek to magnify Christ throughout his life, and when death comes, to glorify him still! May God give us the grace to witness to the truth of the gospel to doctors, nurses, and family members who surround us at the time of our departure! Let them see that for us “to live is Christ and to die is gain” (Ph. 1:21). God give us grace to die well.

Scripture Study Magnify Christ in good deeds – Mt. 5:16; Col. 3:17; 1 Pe. 2:12 Magnify Christ with your words – Ps. 34:1-3; 105:2; 47:6 Magnify Christ in death – Ph. 1:20-21; Ac. 7:54-60; Ps. 104:33

Conclusion Tradition says Andrew died by being crucified on an X-shaped cross; and for the three days that he hung on the cross, he preached to all who passed by. While John Wesley was on his deathbed, he sang in whispered tones, “While I have breath I will praise your name.” These, and others, have left us good examples of how to magnify Christ in life and death.

“Magnify the Lord”

Faith-N-Focus : E-quip Your Faith Adult Bible Studies “Philippians – Part Two” Zion Assembly Church of God – Sunday School Services


May 1, 2016 Philippians Student Guide

Introduction I once heard a man tell a story from his childhood. His family was very poor and there were several children. One night at dinner he watched as his mother set plates of food in front of each child, and then she took a seat at the end of the table. He soon became aware his mother was not eating. The fact was, there was not enough for everyone so she sacrificed to make sure each child had what they needed. This is the mindset of love, the mind of Christ, which we are all called to possess and manifest in our actions.

Key Verse “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus” (Ph. 2:5).

Lesson Summary It is always important for the Christian to remember who Christ is. He is “The mighty God” (Is. 9:6). He didn’t come into existence in Bethlehem but has existed as part of the “triune God” from eternity (Re. 1:8). Before he took on the “likeness of men” (Ph. 2:7), he existed in the “form of God” (Ph. 2:6; Jn. 17:5). The great mystery of godliness is that God (the Son) left the glory of heaven and his divine form and was then “manifest in the flesh” (1 Ti. 3:16; Jn. 1:1, 14). John 5:18 records the Jewish leaders were prepared to stone Jesus because he called God his Father – thus making himself “equal with God.” Paul wrote that Jesus never saw it as robbery to claim equality with the Father because he and his Father were one (Ph. 2:6; Jn. 10:30). Though he had existed for eternity in the “form of God,” he humbled himself to take the “likeness of men” (Ph. 2:7). Being in the likeness of men, he went further and took the “form of a servant,” obeying the Father and serving the needs of mankind. He came to serve and not to be served; he came to give his life that we may live (Mk. 10:45; 1 Ti. 1:15). He didn’t come to take from men but to give to them. This is the nature of God. God is love, and love always seeks the best interest of the object of its affection (1 Co. 13:5). Christ was the God of love, manifest in the flesh, who came to do what was in our best interest, even if it meant sacrificing his own life. It is just the way Christ thinks. It is this humble, loving, servant mindset that every child of God is called to possess. We are to be givers and not takers (Ac. 20:35). We are to esteem a brother in Christ better than ourselves and to put his needs above our own (Ph. 2:3; Ro. 12:10). This sacrificial, servant mindset assures our unity and fuels our efforts to reach the lost. But when we lose this servant mindset and begin to live selfishly, problems arise within the church. Because this concept is so important, Jesus instituted the ordinance of “feet washing” (Jn. 13:2-17). On the night of his betrayal, God in the flesh girded himself with a towel and washed his disciples’ feet leaving us an example to follow. If our Lord and Master, the King of the universe, could humble himself to serve man, surely we can humble ourselves to do the same. Though every child of God is to have this mindset, it must be especially demonstrated by the church’s leaders. Overseers (local, regional, and international) must never see themselves as the ones who should to be served, but rather as servants. In fact, the word “minister” and the word “servant” are in many instances derived from the same word in Greek. If you are a minister, you are a servant. Like the parent mentioned in the introduction, we must be willing to “spend and be spent” for those under our watch (2 Co. 12:14-15).

Scripture Study God became flesh – Jn. 1:1, 14; Ph. 2:6; 1 Ti. 3:16 Christ came to serve – Mk. 10:45; 1 Ti. 1:15; 1 Co. 13:5 We are to serve others – Ac. 20:35; Ph. 2:3; Ro. 12:10; Jn. 13:2-17

Conclusion Christ’s servant mindset led him to sacrifice his life on the cross for those he loved. He now calls on every member of the church to take on that same servant mindset. We must all look out for the needs of others in the church while at the same time giving ourselves sacrificially that the lost might be saved.

“The Servant Mindset”




Introduction It is an awesome blessing to be called a child of God but with that blessing comes an awesome responsibility. We must

be careful to live a life that honors his name. We cannot separate preaching the gospel from living the gospel. Thus, we

are not only here to tell people how to live but also to be “an example of the believers” (1 Ti. 4:12).

Key Verse

“That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse

nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world” (Ph. 2:15).

Lesson Summary The world around us is filled with people manipulated by Satan who are on the wide road (“the broad way”) that leads to destruction (Ep. 2:2; 2 Co. 4:4; Mt. 7:13). They live like all of us have lived in the past, foolishly and ignorantly indulging the lusts of the flesh (Tit. 3:3). They are “in the dark,” ignorant of the path to heaven and the right ways of God; enslaved by the powers of darkness (Ep. 4:17-20; Col. 1:13). They have a distorted idea of what life is all about, and a perverted view of right and wrong. As children of God, we are here to shine the light to those who are trapped in such darkness. We are to bring light by “holding forth the word of life” (Ph. 2:16). The Word of God enlightens the sinner to the right way to live and points to the entrance into God’s kingdom (Ps. 19:8; 119:130). However, we cannot simply speak the Word which gives light, but we must be the light. “Ye are the light of the world” (Mt. 5:14). In order to share the gospel, we must live in such a way that people want to hear what we have to say. Jesus said, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (v. 16). Someone once said, “Preach the gospel. If necessary use words.” In other words, the way we conduct our lives should point people to Christ. Not only are we to live lives adorned with good works (1 Ti. 2:10), but we are to make sure we don’t live a life which may cause the “way of truth to be evil spoken of” (2 Pe. 2:1-2). The child of God must live a life of innocence (blamelessness) and gentleness (harmlessness), a life that cannot be spoken against (“without rebuke”). Remember, wherever we go, we represent Christ. Someone once said, “Your actions are speaking so loudly I can’t hear what you’re saying.” In other words, if the child of God conducts himself without integrity or without kindness, no one will give credence to what he has to say about the benefits of the Christian life. Murmuring and complaining by church members can also undermine the faith of the weak and those who are young in the church. Likewise, a bad attitude can discredit the gospel message in the eyes of sinners. Therefore, Paul warned the Philippians to be careful to get along with each other (Ph. 2:14). If Christians don’t show the love of God toward each other, how can we expect to be witnesses of the God of love? In Corinth, people in the church were even suing each other in secular courts (1 Co. 6:6). Paul told them it would be better to allow themselves to suffer wrong or even be defrauded at the hands of another rather than allow sinners to see disputes among God’s people (v. 7 ). The witness of the gospel must be protected at all costs! Murmuring, disputing, dishonest dealing, and a sharp tongue defile the temple of God and hinder the witness of the church, while love and goodness glorify Christ! Remember, we are the light of God in this world! Shine brightly for him!

Scripture Study Sinners are in darkness – 2 Co. 4:4; Ep. 2:2; Mt. 7:13; Ep. 4:17-20; Col. 1:13; Tit. 3:3 Shine the light of God’s Word – Ps. 19:8; 119:130; Live a life of light – Mt. 5:14-16; 1 Ti. 2:10; Ph. 2:14-15; 2 Pe. 2:1-2; 1 Co. 6:6-7

Conclusion The church is the “light of the world.” We are God’s instrument and method for reaching the lost. We bear his name and must be careful not to dishonor it. Paul wrote, “Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity” (2 Ti. 2:19).

“Living as the Light”




Introduction In today’s lesson we discuss “Righteousness by faith in Christ and nothing else!” Man could do nothing to atone for his sins. The sacrifice of animals and the rituals of the Old Testament were only meant to be instruments [types and symbols] to teach about Christ’s forthcoming sacrifice. Today, salvation comes by grace through faith in Christ. No other ritual is necessary.

Key Verse “And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith” (Ph. 3:9).

Lesson Summary One of the great challenges of the early church was the infiltration into its ranks by Jewish men who believed righteousness still came by obeying the Law of Moses. For example, these deceivers claimed to believe in Jesus as the Christ, while at the same time teaching one must still be circumcised, observe the feast days, and keep the Sabbaths in order to be forgiven by God. These men followed Paul into cities where he had won Gentiles to Christ, and they told them that unless they were circumcised and observed the Jewish rites and rituals, they could not be saved (Ac. 15:1). Paul tried to explain to them that the rituals of the law were only “shadows” of Christ’s sacrifice to help prepare man for Christ’s atonement on the cross (Col. 2:16-17). Once Christ came, they were to put away the symbols and accept Christ alone as their means of righteousness (Ga. 4:21-31). Paul told the Philippians, “I once trusted in the works of the law for my salvation obeying its demands flawlessly; however, when I came to understand the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, I gave up pursuing righteousness by the law and accepted by faith God’s means of righteousness through Jesus Christ” (Ph. 3:9). Paul warned the Philippians of these Jewish deceivers calling them, among other things, “the concision,” by which he meant, “mutilators.” Since circumcision didn’t have any value in making one right with God, then those who were compelling the Gentiles to be circumcised were seen by Paul as simply mutilating the flesh of the Gentile believers for no reason. Not only was observance of these Old Testament rites unnecessary, but by teaching their necessity they were insulting the sacrifice of Christ (Ga. 2:21). Paul would give no place to those who implied Christ’s blood was not enough to make one right with God. It was this firm belief which caused him to call for the Jerusalem council in Acts 15 and to later confront Peter publicly for implying otherwise. On that occasion, Peter refused to be seen eating with uncircumcised, Gentile converts. According to the law, uncircumcised Gentiles were considered “unclean.” However, these Gentiles had been washed by the blood of Jesus. By separating himself from the Gentile believers, Peter was implying they were still unclean. He was implying the blood of Jesus was not enough and they needed to do something more in order to be “clean” or righteous (Ac. 10:15). Paul told Peter, “If you act like we still need to observe the rituals of the Old Testament in order to be clean, then you make us all out to be transgressors again” (Ga. 2:18). You are implying faith in Christ’s sacrifice is not enough and we must do something more to be right with God. Paul knew he was already right with God by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. He was dead to the law and crucified with Christ (vv. 19-20). Jesus’ blood was enough. Paul chose God’s righteousness, having now abandoned his own works for righteousness and resting in Christ.

Scripture Study Beware of the Judaizers – Ac. 15:1; Ph. 3:1-9; Ga. 6:12-15; Col. 2:16-17 Righteousness in Christ alone – 2 Co. 5:21; Ga. 2:11-21; Ph. 3:9; Col. 2:10; Ro. 10:3-4 Rest from your works – Mt. 11:29; Tit. 3:5-6; Ga. 4:9-11; 2:19-21

Conclusion Years ago, Robert Lowry wrote a hymn which said, “What can wash away my sins? Nothing but the blood of Jesus.” Edward Mote wrote another which said, “My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.” If you have put your faith in Christ, then rest from works for righteousness! Christ’s sacrifice was enough! He is our righteousness (2 Co. 5:21).

“Righteousness in Christ Alone”




Introduction Jesus has promised eternal life to those who will follow him. Our future is one filled with promises of eternal joy and pleasure in a place where sorrow, pain, suffering, and death have no place. If you are a believer, there is no greater priority than attaining that prize. It is the “one thing” we must do, and we can only win the prize if we hold our faith steadfast to the end (He. 3:14).

Key Verse “If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead” (Ph. 3:11).

Lesson Summary The Bible teaches there will be two resurrections – the resurrection of the just and the resurrection of the unjust (Ac. 24:15). The first resurrection will be the resurrection of the saints of God at the time of Christ’s coming in the rapture (1 Th. 4:16-17). The Lord Jesus will come in the clouds and “catch up” (rapture) his followers to meet him in the air. At that moment, all those who have died in Christ will be resurrected, and we will all be changed into immortal beings with incorruptible bodies (1 Co. 15:51-53). Soon afterward, we will return with Christ to this earth to reign with him a thousand years (Re. 20:6). At the end of the thousand year reign, there will be a “second” resurrection. This is the resurrection of the unjust which is described in Revelation 20:12-13. At that time, the sinners will be resurrected and judged according to their works. They will then be cast into the lake of fire which John called the “second death” (Re. 20:13-15). No one wants to be a part of the “second resurrection.” Instead, all should aspire to be a part of the “first resurrection.” Those who are a part of the first resurrection never have to worry about hell or God’s divine wrath (“second death”); they are raised, not to be punished but to be rewarded (Mt. 25:21, 34). John wrote, “Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years” (Re. 20:6). Every person has been born physically; however, those who accept Christ experience a second birth, a recreation of their spirits by the Holy Spirit. Those who are “born again” spiritually may experience physical death but the “second death” (hell) will never touch them. Someone once said, “You’re either born once and die twice or you are born twice and die once.” Paul knew he wasn’t home yet. He knew that starting the race was not good enough. He had to finish the race in order to receive the prize. In essence, Paul said, “If I don’t do anything else, this ONE THING I must do. I must be a part of the resurrection of the saints.” No matter what he had to lose or what he had to endure, he was going to keep his faith steadfast to the end. He told the Philippians, “Every Christian must have this determined mindset” (Ph. 3:15). We can’t let anyone or anything rob us of experiencing the power of the resurrection (Ph. 3:10; Re. 3:11). We must forget the past, give up this present world, press toward the finish line, and “lay hold on eternal life” (Ph. 3:13-14; 1 Ti. 6:12). Paul reached the end of life, and he wrote to Timothy, saying, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day” (2 Ti. 4:7-8). We must press on until we experience the “power of his resurrection” (Ph. 3:10).

Scripture Study Resurrection of the just – 1 Th. 4:13-18; 1 Co. 15:35-58; Re. 20:5-6; Ro. 8:11 Resurrection of the unjust – Jn. 5:28-29; Ac. 24:14-15; Re. 20:12-15 Pressing toward the resurrection of the just – Ph. 3:10-15; Re. 2:10-11; 1 Ti. 6:12; Re. 3:11; Mt. 5:6

Conclusion The Christian must maintain a focused mindset. We must be determined to be a part of the resurrection of the saints. We must hunger and thirst to be righteous. We must have a “this one thing I do” attitude. We must forget the past and focus on the prize. We must press on until we “apprehend that for which we were apprehended of Christ” (Ph. 3:12).

“Striving for the Resurrection”




zion assembly church of god writer: bruce...

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