Christian Debate

Biblical Debate

Christianity Oasis provided this Christian Debate Bible study on the Biblical Debate in the Bible bringing forth truth, understanding and peace within.


Daily Bread Devotional Bible Study
The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Philippians
Chapter 4


Christian Debate Bible Quest

Biblical Debate in the Bible

Welcome to our Christianity Oasis Daily Bread study program. This is our very intriguing and provocative Christian Debate Bible study taking an in depth look into the Biblical Debate in the Bible. The absolutely awesome Christian Debate Bible message will truly bring a smile to the lips and heart and shine the LIGHT of Truth upon your be-YOU-tiful Christian walk path.

Christian Debate Bible Truth
Biblical Debate in the Bible Explained

Great to have you here again at Daily Bread and this time we'll be finishing up our study of Paul's letter to the Philippians. Paul starts the conclusion of his letter by telling the Philippians how close they are to his heart.

Philippians 4:1-2

1 Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for [missed], my joy and crown, so stand fast in [faithful to] the Lord, my dearly beloved.
2 I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord.

From that last sentence, we might assume that these two people had a disagreement that was serious enough for Paul to find out about it all the way in Rome. It only takes two people in a church, being at odds with one another, with the doctrine or with others, to interfere with the progress of the whole congregation and their service to the Lord. Of course there will always be small disagreements about things, but if they get in the way of the common goal, that's a more serious issue.

Christian Debate Bible Facts
Biblical Debate in the Bible And You

Be aware of whether you're ever hindering the church from moving forward because of something that you're not like-minded about and fix it fast. Do what you have to do, pray, read the Bible, research, ask questions, etc. That's a good thing to remember in any situation.

Philippians 4:3-5

3 And I intreat thee [request] also, true yokefellow [helper], help those women which laboured with me in the Gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the Book of Life.
4 Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.
5 Let your moderation [gentleness] be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand [near ... He sees all].

Now, there's a challenge for us. Let our gentleness be known to all? But what about our toughness? What about our independence? What about our physical and emotional strength? These things are sometimes necessities, but don't let them overshadow your meekness. Think of Jesus. He wasn't demanding, abrasive, adamant, insistent, loud or controlling in any way. He was meek. Show your Jesus side.

Christian Debate Bible Lesson
Biblical Debate in the Bible Concerns

Philippians 4:6-7

6 Be careful for nothing [do not worry]; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
7 And the peace of God, which passeth [is beyond] all understanding, shall keep [preserve] your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Do you ever pray with thanksgiving? Thank means do you thank God in advance for the things you ask Him for? When you do this, you're showing the strength of your faith and your lack of doubt (James 1:5-7). (Make sure) you're not being presumptuous by doing this, you're showing praise. Here's an example:

Christian Debate Bible Study
Biblical Debate in the Bible Warning

Now, back to Paul:

Philippians 4:8-13

8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest [noble], whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report [good reputation]; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise [honor], think [ponder] on these things.
9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do [follow my example]: and the God of peace shall be with you.
10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last [lately] your care of me [concern] hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful [anxious to help], but ye lacked opportunity. [When Paul was in Corinth, the Philippians helped Paul by providing some things that he needed. If Paul didn't have to work for his necessities, it gave him more time to dedicate to spreading the Gospel, 2 Corinthians 11:9.]
11 Not that I speak in respect of want [not that I was ever in need]: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. [1 Timothy 6:6 Godliness with content is great gain.]
12 I know both how to be abased [be humble], and I know how to abound [be prosperous]: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.
13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

This reminds me of something. How many times has there been something you wanted (not needed, just wanted) so badly, you just had to have it. Then once you got it, two weeks later it meant nothing to you. Imagine how much of the time and money you spent on those things could have been used to better serve God. And we do it repeatedly! Now let's get back to Paul's letter.

Christian Debate Bible Discussion
Biblical Debate in the Bible Blessing

Philippians 4:14-18

14 Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction. [Nevertheless, you did well in helping me with my troubles.]
15 Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated [cooperated] with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only.
16 For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity [sent things I needed].
17 Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account. [I'm not looking for a handout, I just want your treasures in Heaven to increase.]
18 But I have all, and abound [I have all I need]: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell [generosity], a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.
19 But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

This is an interesting thing that Paul is saying. Pay close attention here because this may help you to understand something that you may have experienced. Paul just said (in so many words), You've given me a gift and it made God happy. I'm not going to return the favor, but God will supply all your needs according to His riches.

Christian Debate Bible Hope
Biblical Debate in the Bible Gift

Have you ever received a gift from someone and felt like it was so thoughtful or so expensive or so much that you couldn't possibly accept it or ever give them anything in return that would compare? You get this feeling in the pit of your stomach that you'll be obligated forever to that person. You're almost ashamed.

Perhaps that wasn't their intent, and they don't expect anything in return, they were just being generous out of the kindness of their heart. Okay now, put that thought away and ask yourself, has there ever been a time when you helped someone (not the same person we were just talking about a second ago), and you knew that the depth of their gratitude could never be expressed or paid back to you?

Well, you really didn't expect them to pay you back, you did it out of genuine love in your heart. Alright, now, from God's perspective, do you think things are even? You may not ever in a million years be able to pay someone back for something they've done for you or given you, just as there are those who cannot pay you back, but it all balances out because somewhere down the line, or in the past, in the eyes of the Lord, you will do something, or have done something of equal value.

Christian Debate Bible Tips
Biblical Debate in the Bible Help

It may not be money for money, or time for time or gift for gift, but God makes sure that we all get what we need, and we also get the opportunities, not always to pay it back to the same person who gave to us, but to pay it forward to another of His children in need.

So, to repeat the wisdom that Paul wrote to the Philippians:

Philippians 4:19-23

19 But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
20 Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
21 Salute every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren which are with me greet you.
22 All the saints salute you, chiefly they that are of Caesar's household.
23 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

Christian Debate Bible Conclusion
Biblical Debate in the Bible Summary

Thanks for studying along and congratulations on completing another book of the New Testament. Join us again next time as we begin our study of The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Colossians, right here at Daily Bread. God Bless.