Scripture Studies in Romans - A Verse-by-Verse Bible Study

A verse-by-verse Bible study class. This study covers Hebrews 4:3-10. These studies focus on what the Bible says, and what it means. If you want to follow along, a written transcription of the study can be found here: https://www.mediafire.com/file_premium/a6bzhrw4r41937d/Hebrews_04_03-10.pdf/fileThe visual slides of this study can be found here: https://www.mediafire.com/file_premium/wjm3lffx0nhyoqi/Hebrews_04_03-10_SLIDES.pdf/fileTopics covered: The aspects of God's rest that we can experience in this life -- The limitations to the rest that we can experience in this life -- The Sabbath rest for the Christian -- The chiastic structure in verses 2 through 6, and how it helps us to interpret the passage -- Our rest in Christ on earth, a type and shadow of our eternal rest. For more Bible studies, visit ScriptureStudies.com

A verse-by-verse Bible study class. This study covers Hebrews 4:1-3. These studies focus on what the Bible says, and what it means. If you want to follow along, a written transcription of the study can be found here: https://www.mediafire.com/file_premium/c0fh1hfn4om7pgp/Hebrews_04_01-03.pdf/fileThe visual slides of this study can be found here: https://www.mediafire.com/file_premium/w35sl3s4clfscv1/Hebrews_04_01-03_SLIDES.pdf/fileTopics covered: The promise of rest to the Israelites, and the same promise to Christians -- The importance of combining the hearing of the promise with faith -- The textual issues with the last phrase in verse 2 -- The two possible translations of that verse -- The parallel nature of verse 1 and verse 2 -- The “good news” tied to the “promise of rest” -- The two aspects of rest: eternal rest; and present rest -- Promises in the NT of eternal rest -- Christ's promise of the present aspect of entering rest in Him -- Present rest as a result of our faith in Christ's work of atonement. For more Bible studies, visit ScriptureStudies.com

A verse-by-verse Bible study class. This study covers Hebrews 3:14-19. These studies focus on what the Bible says, and what it means. If you want to follow along, a written transcription of the study can be found here: https://www.mediafire.com/file_premium/882unc1sr4jzf8o/Hebrews_03_14-19.pdf/fileThe visual slides of this study can be found here: https://www.mediafire.com/file_premium/4fexluxy7f2pluc/Hebrews_03_14-19_SLIDES.pdf/fileTopics covered: The parallelism of verse 14 with verse 6 -- The united nature of Christians, as expressed in both verse 6 and 14 -- The importance to “hold firmly” to our faith, to the very end -- A fickle faith is not true faith -- The necessity of the testing of our faith, in order to prove its genuineness -- The differences between the original Greek words in verses 6 and 14, which can both be translated as “confidence” -- The three questions and answers, in verses 15 through 18 -- The relationship between disobedience and unbelief -- The cyclical nature of disobedience and unbelief -- Ways to avoid this cycle. For more Bible studies, visit ScriptureStudies.com

A verse-by-verse Bible study class. This study covers Hebrews 3:12-13. These studies focus on what the Bible says, and what it means. If you want to follow along, a written transcription of the study can be found here: https://www.mediafire.com/file_premium/hf91b828058dfx3/Hebrews_03_12-13.pdf/fileThe visual slides of this study can be found here: https://www.mediafire.com/file_premium/5cy4bl95s8njief/Hebrews_03_12-13_SLIDES.pdf/fileTopics covered: The literary structure of Hebrews 3:6-14 -- The anger of God against the Israel's rebellion -- Instructions to us, related to the example of the Israelites in the wilderness -- The relationship between “unbelief” and “disobedience” -- How Israel's unbelief led to their disobedience -- What true belief in God entails -- The necessity of a perseverant faith -- A cost of unbelief: inability to enter God's rest -- God as a “living” God -- Mutual encouragement by believers as a resource to remain obedient -- The deceitfulness of sin. For more Bible studies, visit ScriptureStudies.com

A verse-by-verse Bible study class. This study covers Hebrews 3:8-11. These studies focus on what the Bible says, and what it means. If you want to follow along, a written transcription of the study can be found here: https://www.mediafire.com/file_premium/mj0brvy2fr7y19g/Hebrews_03_08-11.pdf/file The visual slides of this study can be found here: https://www.mediafire.com/file_premium/qyy93ctmpjq8ox2/Hebrews_03_08-11_SLIDES.pdf/file Topics covered: Why the citation of Psalm 95 in Hebrews is different than the Psalm 95 text in our English Bibles -- What the children of Israel witnessed that God did on their behalf -- The overrating of the ability of witnessing miracles to create faith -- The symptoms of the hardening of one's heart -- The significance of the number 40 in the Bible -- The necessity of testings and trials in the proving of faith -- The danger of the last straw -- The ways that the children of Israel rebelled against God -- The seroiousness of the moment in time when salvation is forever lost. For more Bible studies, visit ScriptureStudies.com

A verse-by-verse Bible study class. This study covers Hebrews 3:7-8. These studies focus on what the Bible says, and what it means. If you want to follow along, a written transcription of the study can be found here: https://www.mediafire.com/file_premium/345i0ufuyp7e52k/Hebrews_03_07-08.pdf/file The visual slides of this study can be found here: https://www.mediafire.com/file_premium/86a5ex8vwbsm7bb/Hebrews_03_07-08_SLIDES.pdf/file Topics covered: The “anti-example” of the children of Israel in the wilderness -- The themes continued/introduced in this example: Jesus' superiority over Moses; enteriing God's rest; the significance of the word “Today”; their history as a warning -- The significance of the introducing words: “…as the Holy Spirit says” -- The Holy Spirit as the common author to all books in the Bible -- The current applicability of this passage, as signalled by the use of the present tense: “The Holy Spirit says” -- The importance of immediate response to the voice of God, as signalled by the word “Today” -- How does God speak to us? -- How can we confirm that it is God speaking to us? For more Bible studies, visit ScriptureStudies.com

A verse-by-verse Bible study class. This study covers Hebrews 3:1-6. These studies focus on what the Bible says, and what it means. If you want to follow along, a written transcription of the study can be found here: https://www.mediafire.com/file_premium/17xrhscz5hafd2y/Hebrews_03_01-06.pdf/file The visual slides of this study can be found here: https://www.mediafire.com/file_premium/5mlgralyuc06qox/Hebrews_03_01-06_SLIDES.pdf/file Topics covered: Our response to the information about Christ's incarnation given in chapter 2: "Fix your thoughts on Jesus" -- We as "holy brothers and sisters" -- The "heavenly calling" we share in -- Christ as "apostle" and "high priest" -- The importance of confessing/professing Christ -- Jesus' superiority to Moses -- Jesus as the builder of the "house" of the New Covenant -- "Holding firmly" to our faith, in the face of persecution: a major theme going forward in the book of Hebrews. For more Bible studies, visit ScriptureStudies.com

A verse-by-verse Bible study class. This study covers Hebrews 2:10-18. These studies focus on what the Bible says, and what it means. If you want to follow along, a written transcription of the study can be found here: https://www.mediafire.com/file_premium/g9im87wvc78am0f/Hebrews_02_10-18_pt_2.pdf/file The visual slides of this study can be found here: https://www.mediafire.com/file_premium/39c8gmhoibpi6h4/Hebrews_02_10-18_pt_2_SLIDES.pdf/file Topics covered: The reality of Christ's incarnation -- Jesus' suffering integral to the fulfillment of His mission -- Christ acknowledgement of us as “brothers and sisters” -- Prophecies about Christ's close relationship with His people -- The importance of Christ's humanity, with respect to His atoning death -- The freedom from fear of death available to believers -- Three reasons Christ had to live as a man: To be a “merciful and faithful” high priest; To make atonement for our sins; To help those who are being tempted. For more Bible studies, visit ScriptureStudies.com

A verse-by-verse Bible study class. This study covers Hebrews 2:10-18. These studies focus on what the Bible says, and what it means. If you want to follow along, a written transcription of the study can be found here: https://www.mediafire.com/file_premium/2m8kqf1vok5cehs/Hebrews_02_10-18_pt_1.pdf/file The visual slides of this study can be found here: https://www.mediafire.com/file_premium/pe7m3a0mkdhl8im/Hebrews_02_10-18_pt_1_SLIDES.pdf/file Topics covered: The importance of this passage in explaining Christ's incarnation -- The Theological density of verse 10 -- All in verse 10: the goal of God's plan of salvation; the logic of it; its purpose in glorifying God; aspects of Christ's role; the process by which Christ brought about our salvation -- Our inheritance through Christ -- The mystery of glory -- The three reasons (given in verses 17 and 18) that Christ suffered for us -- The various connotations of the word translated “pioneer” -- The meaning of the verb translated as “made perfect”. For more Bible studies, visit ScriptureStudies.com

A verse-by-verse Bible study class. This study covers Hebrews 2:5-9. These studies focus on what the Bible says, and what it means. If you want to follow along, a written transcription of the study can be found here: https://www.mediafire.com/file_premium/0gt4jb7rjus3bmm/Hebrews_02_05-09.pdf/file The visual slides of this study can be found here: https://www.mediafire.com/file_premium/nw5c1e520tmc0uf/Hebrews_02_05-09_SLIDES.pdf/file Topics covered: The multiple fulfillments of passages/prophecies in the Old Testament -- Analysis of Psalm 8, as it applies to David -- Problems with latest NIV translation of Psalm 8: not accurate to the text, in a way that hides interpretive possibilities -- The grace of our magnificent God caring for insignificant humans -- The word translated “man” is “Adam” in Hebrew, thus tying to the “name” theme in Psalm 8:1 -- The contrast of “Adam's” name with God's name -- The limits of David's dominion -- The role of the Holy Spirit in inspiring David to write a Messianic psalm -- Jesus as “the Son of man” -- The supreme dominion of Christ -- Christ as the ultimate fulfillment of Psalm 8. For more Bible studies, visit ScriptureStudies.com

A verse-by-verse Bible study class. This study covers Hebrews 2:1-4. These studies focus on what the Bible says, and what it means. If you want to follow along, a written transcription of the study can be found here: https://www.mediafire.com/file_premium/vzwfo7qukv4iw24/Hebrews_02_01-04.pdf/file The visual slides of this study can be found here: https://www.mediafire.com/file_premium/qmtga348eua3ipz/Hebrews_02_01-04_SLIDES.pdf/file Topics covered: Making application from Theological concepts -- Word picture given by the phrase “drift away” -- The danger of even solid Christians “drifting away” -- The danger and foolishness of “ignoring such a great salvation” -- How the Gospel message was communicated -- The role of the three persons of the Trinity in transmitting the Gospel message -- The clues about the authorship of the Epistle to the Hebrews found in this passage. For more Bible studies, visit ScriptureStudies.com

A verse-by-verse Bible study class. This study covers Hebrews 1:5-14. These studies focus on what the Bible says, and what it means. If you want to follow along, a written transcription of the study can be found here: https://www.mediafire.com/file_premium/j1dmsudwkwe3egw/Hebrews_01_05-14_pt2.pdf/file The visual slides of this study can be found here: https://www.mediafire.com/file_premium/w7ayfvlire4nx0d/Hebrews_01_05-14_pt2_SLIDES.pdf/file Topics covered: The application to the Messiah of some New Testament citations of the Old Testament are difficult -- The reference to the Messiah in the cited verse from 2 Samuel 7 is not immediately obvious -- The multiple levels of reference in 2 Samuel 7: Solomon; the royal line (in general); the Messiah -- The citation of difficult Old Testament prophecies teach us about the great depth of the prophetic writings -- The superiority of Christ's mission over that of the angels -- The angels as “ministering spirits”. For more Bible studies, visit ScriptureStudies.com

A verse-by-verse Bible study class. This study covers Hebrews 1:5-14. These studies focus on what the Bible says, and what it means. If you want to follow along, a written transcription of the study can be found here: https://www.mediafire.com/file_premium/2mzdyxw7pmq67ct/Hebrews_01_05-14_pt1.pdf/file The visual slides of this study can be found here: https://www.mediafire.com/file_premium/nh0q6qiinxcluh4/Hebrews_01_05-14_pt1_SLIDES.pdf/file Topics covered: Christ's superiority over angels, demonstrated in seven Old Testament citations -- God the Father's declaration of Jesus as His Son -- Jesus as the only true Son of God -- The Greek denotes that Jesus, as Son, was made of the same “stuff” as God -- Jesus appointed by the Father as His Son -- The roles of the three persons of the Trinity -- The significance of the word “Today” in verse 5 -- What “Today” references -- Psalm 2 as a Messianic psalm -- The three persons of the Trinity speaking in Psalm 2. For more Bible studies, visit ScriptureStudies.com

A verse-by-verse Bible study class. This study covers Hebrews 1:3-4. These studies focus on what the Bible says, and what it means. If you want to follow along, a written transcription of the study can be found here: https://www.mediafire.com/file_premium/u1mb5nwoednx6d5/Hebrews_01_03-04.pdf/file The visual slides of this study can be found here: https://www.mediafire.com/file_premium/bsjl9318s77cm9p/Hebrews_01_03-04_SLIDES.pdf/file Topics covered: Christ as priest, in the words, “… he provided purification for sins” -- The great blessing of being purified from our sins -- The superiority of Christ's atoning sacrifice over the sacrifices offered by Levitical priests -- The exaltation of Christ tied to Christ's sacrifice -- The meaning of being “at God's right hand”: Christ given authority over all things -- Preview of the rest of the chapter. For more Bible studies, visit ScriptureStudies.com

A verse-by-verse Bible study class. This study covers Hebrews 1:2-3. These studies focus on what the Bible says, and what it means. If you want to follow along, a written transcription of the study can be found here: https://www.mediafire.com/file_premium/hxueckitd79habg/Hebrews_01_02-03-pt_2.pdf/file The visual slides of this study can be found here: https://www.mediafire.com/file_premium/5zgtgeu5qsmz500/Hebrews_01_02-03-pt_2_SLIDES.pdf/file Topics covered: Christ as Creator and Sustainer of the Universe -- Knowing that Jesus is Creator of the Universe affects our view of His life on earth -- Knowing Christ as Creator reveals the marvel of Christ as human -- The created “through” Christ -- The connotations of the word translated universe: has a time element -- Christ as creator of the “eons” and “ages” -- Christ as sustainer of all things. For more Bible studies, visit ScriptureStudies.com

A verse-by-verse Bible study class. This study covers Hebrews 1:2-3. These studies focus on what the Bible says, and what it means. If you want to follow along, a written transcription of the study can be found here: https://www.mediafire.com/file_premium/8gqqmbepswbhpwc/Hebrews_01_02-03-pt_1.pdf/file The visual slides of this study can be found here: https://www.mediafire.com/file_premium/9j5whaph3ztzw0g/Hebrews_01_02-03-pt_1_SLIDES.pdf/file Topics covered: The single sentence in verses 2 and 3, expressing the greatness and glory of Christ -- The chiastic structure of these verses -- The seven aspects of Christ's characted expressed in these verses: Christ as Prophet, Heir, Creator, Deity, Sustainer, Priest, King -- Christ as Heir -- Christ as Deity -- The glory of Christ. For more Bible studies, visit ScriptureStudies.com

A verse-by-verse Bible study class. This study covers Hebrews 1:1-2. These studies focus on what the Bible says, and what it means. If you want to follow along, a written transcription of the study can be found here: https://www.mediafire.com/file_premium/wbc9exszwd09s3g/Hebrews_01_01-02-pt_2.pdf/file The visual slides of this study can be found here: https://www.mediafire.com/file_premium/cia61mmtwmmlg2n/Hebrews_01_01-02-pt_2_SLIDES.pdf/file Topics covered: How God spoke -- The piecemeal revelation in the Old Testament: “… at many times and in various ways…” -- The centrality of Christ in the New Testament revelation -- With Christ, the end of God's revelation -- By whom God spoke -- The authority of “a Son” -- The glory and majesty of Christ, as depicted in verses 2 through 4 -- The four key Christological passages of the New Testament -- The agreement and consistency of these four passages. For more Bible studies, visit ScriptureStudies.com

A verse-by-verse Bible study class. This study covers Hebrews 1:1-2. These studies focus on what the Bible says, and what it means. If you want to follow along, a written transcription of the study can be found here: https://www.mediafire.com/file_premium/hhot8effrocrsme/Hebrews_01_01-02-pt_1.pdf/file The visual slides of this study can be found here: https://www.mediafire.com/file_premium/l11d9qwzy2yqtrm/Hebrews_01_01-02-pt_1_SLIDES.pdf/file Topics covered: General outline of the Epistle to the Hebrews -- The literary beauty of the first four verses -- The importance and majesty of Christ, as described in the first four verses -- The most important words in verses 1 and 2: “God spoke” -- The significance of the fact that God speaks to us -- To whom God spoke -- When God spoke -- The arc of history reflected in the two eras in which God spoke. For more Bible studies, visit ScriptureStudies.com

A verse-by-verse Bible study class. This study introduces the Epistle to Hebrews. These studies focus on what the Bible says, and what it means. Topics covered: What we don't know about the book of Hebrews -- The inspired nature of Hebrews -- The New Testament Canon and how it came about -- Analysis of the “Apostolic Origin” criteria for a NT canon candidate -- The importance of the Council in Rome (382 AD) in determining the NT canon -- Who wrote Hebrews? -- Paul? Luke? Apollos? -- To whom was Hebrews written? For more Bible studies, visit ScriptureStudies.com

A verse-by-verse Bible study class. This study covers Philippians 4:13-23. These studies focus on what the Bible says, and what it means. Topics covered: The importance of context, in the Bible -- The contextual tie of verse 13 to the previous verses -- The Philippians' financial support of Paul -- Principles concerning Christian giving -- God's sovereignty over our ability to produce wealth -- Giving, and our business partnership with the church -- Bible guidelines about giving to our local place of worship -- The tithe -- Tithing and “robbing God” -- The permission to “test God” concerning financial giving -- The rewards of giving -- The promise that God will “meet our needs” -- Final greetings to the Philippians -- Those of “Caesar's household”. For more Bible studies, visit ScriptureStudies.com

A verse-by-verse Bible study class. This study covers Philippians 4:8-13. These studies focus on what the Bible says, and what it means. Topics covered: What we should think about, and what we should filter out -- The importance of internal purity -- The importance of “learning” and “receiving” -- The importance of being a godly example -- The importance and value of contentment -- Being content with the situation in which God has put you -- “Learning” contentment. For more Bible studies, visit ScriptureStudies.com

A verse-by-verse Bible study class. This study covers Philippians 4:1-7. These studies focus on what the Bible says, and what it means. Topics covered: Paul's true love for the Philippians -- The harm of squabbles within a church -- General instructions by Paul, at the end of Philippians -- The importance of Christians to “Rejoice” -- The importance of a “gentle and selfless” spirit -- The antidote for anxiety -- The privilege of being able to “present our requests to God” -- The importance of “thanksgiving” in prayer -- The importance of praying for “everything' -- A consequence of praying for everything: Peace. For more Bible studies, visit ScriptureStudies.com

A verse-by-verse Bible study class. This study covers Philippians 3:17-21. These studies focus on what the Bible says, and what it means. Topics covered: The importance of Christian mentors and examples -- Jesus as the ultimate example -- Many professing Christians are not worthy examples -- In the Bible, the use of the word “walk” to represent one's spiritual journey -- What it means to be “an enemy of the cross of Christ” -- Characteristics of enemies of the cross of Christ -- The Christian frame of mind: “citizenship in heaven”, rather than “mind of earthly things” -- The eventual transformation of our bodies through Christ's power. For more Bible studies, visit ScriptureStudies.com

A verse-by-verse Bible study class. This study covers Philippians 3:12-16. These studies focus on what the Bible says, and what it means. Topics covered: Paul's continued Christian growth -- The goal of perfection in sanctification -- The importance for all of us to “press on” -- “Forgetting what is behind”: Not letting past failures or successes hinder our Christian growth -- Acknowledging that all Christians are at different levels of maturity in their faith -- Taking advantages of modern technology to aid in our Christian growth. For more Bible studies, visit ScriptureStudies.com

A verse-by-verse Bible study class. This study covers Philippians 3:7-11. These studies focus on what the Bible says, and what it means. Topics covered: Paul's reconsideration of his previous accomplishments: all things a “loss”, even “rubbish” -- The scope of Christ's identity in the four words “Christ”, “Jesus”, “my”, “Lord” -- What it is to be “in Christ” -- The value of a “righteousness from God” -- Paul's deep desire to “know Christ” -- “The power of His resurrection” -- “The fellowship of His sufferings” -- “Becoming like Him in His death” -- The humility of the phrase, “… and so somehow, attaining the resurrection of the dead”. For more Bible studies, visit ScriptureStudies.com

A verse-by-verse Bible study class. This study covers Philippians 3:1-6. These studies focus on what the Bible says, and what it means. Topics covered: Paul's diversion -- Warning against the Judaizers -- The incompatibility of “works” and “grace” -- Is faith a “work”? -- Faith as the acceptance of God's grace -- Christians as “the circumcision” -- Circumcision of the heart -- Boasting in Christ Jesus, and putting no confidence in the flesh -- Paul's previous qualifications to “put confidence in the flesh”. For more Bible studies, visit ScriptureStudies.com

A verse-by-verse Bible study class. This study covers Philippians 2:19-30. These studies focus on what the Bible says, and what it means. Topics covered: A comparison of two servants of God -- The true-to-life depictions of God's servants in the Bible: strengths and weaknesses -- Timothy's importance to Paul's service -- Timothy as Paul's “kindred spirit” -- Timothy's “selflessness” in a world of “selfishness” -- The importance of a pure heart in service -- Timothy “proven” character -- Epaphroditus's plans -- The myth that God's servants have a supernatural force-field around them -- The universality of affliction against those who serve God -- Perseverance in service -- Why God allows trials to afflict His faithful servants -- The importance of the preparation for opposition when serving God. For more Bible studies, visit ScriptureStudies.com

A verse-by-verse Bible study class. This study covers Philippians 2:14-18. These studies focus on what the Bible says, and what it means. Topics covered: How to carry out Paul's instruction from verse 5, to have the same attitude as Christ Jesus (see verses 14 to 16) -- The strict, unambiguous teaching in verse 16 -- God's hatred of complaining and grumbling, as shown in Numbers 11 -- A reason to follow Paul's instruction: a better Christian witness -- Two groups of people: “children of God” vs. “a warped and crooked generation” -- Christians as “lights in the world” -- “Holding firmly” and “holding forth” the word of life -- Contrast between Paul's situation in Philippians, versus when he wrote 2 Timothy -- The circumstances which should bring Christians to rejoice. For more Bible studies, visit ScriptureStudies.com

A verse-by-verse Bible study class. This study covers Philippians 2:12-13. These studies focus on what the Bible says, and what it means. Topics covered: What our reaction should be to Paul's hymn about Christ in verses 6 to 11 -- The controversy about verse 12 -- Reconciling verse 12 (about “working out your salvation”) with Ephesians 2:8-9 -- The scope of our salvation -- Normally, we only consider one aspect of our salvation -- The aspect of our salvation here on earth -- Why we need to “work”, concerning the current aspect of our salvation -- This struggle, as described in Romans 6 -- Why “with fear and trembling”? -- God's help in all of this. For more Bible studies, visit ScriptureStudies.com

A verse-by-verse Bible study class. This study covers Philippians 2:9-11. These studies focus on what the Bible says, and what it means. Topics covered: How Christ's humility leads to the exaltation of Christ -- It is God the Father who exalts Christ, just as it is God the Father who will raise us up -- Jesus exalted to the highest place -- Jesus' name above every name -- The uniqueness of the name of Jesus in the world -- The two aspects of worship: “bowing the knee” (actions), and “confessing with the tongue” (words) -- The importance of verbal acknowledgement of Christ as Lord -- In the end, acknowledgement of Christ as Lord will be universal. For more Bible studies, visit ScriptureStudies.com

A verse-by-verse Bible study class. This study covers Philippians 2:5-8. These studies focus on what the Bible says, and what it means. Topics covered: The first half of Paul's poem: The humbling of Christ -- Christ, our example in this -- The deity of Christ, before he came to earth: affirmed many places in the Bible -- The vast gulf between who Christ was before He came to earth, and His humble life as a man on earth -- Satan's temptations of Christ all encourage Christ to give up His humble existence, and live on earth in glory -- Acting in Christ-like humility, in our day-to-day lives -- Meditation on why Christ died the humiliating death that He did, rather than a more honorable death. For more Bible studies, visit ScriptureStudies.com

A verse-by-verse Bible study class. This study covers Philippians 2:1-4. These studies focus on what the Bible says, and what it means. Topics covered: Four motives for unity in the church -- How Paul's style of writing in verse 1 leads to meditation -- The specific connotations of the words “consolation” and “comfort” in verse 1 -- The strong emotional words “tenderness” and “compassion” in verse 1 -- The omission of the “basics” of Christianity in the four motives to unity -- The three ways to unity, laid out in verse 2 -- The strength of Paul's instruction against faulty motives in service -- The importance of humility in service -- Looking ahead: Christ as our example of humility. For more Bible studies, visit ScriptureStudies.com

A verse-by-verse Bible study class. This study covers Philippians 1:27-30. These studies focus on what the Bible says, and what it means. Topics covered: A meditation: What it means to “live in a manner worthy of the Gospel” -- Our dual citizenship -- The imagery of the Macedonian phalanx, applied to the unity of Christians -- Paul's words to the Philippians, to prepare them for the trials ahead -- The “granting” to us of suffering -- In what ways is our suffering a “granting” or gift of God to us. For more Bible studies, visit ScriptureStudies.com

A verse-by-verse Bible study class. This study covers Philippians 1:21-26. These studies focus on what the Bible says, and what it means. Topics covered: Meditations on the phrase “… to die is gain” -- Our natural instincts versus the ways we are called to live as Christians -- Paul's hypothetical choice: To “depart and be with Christ”; to “go on living in the body” -- The reason Paul believes he will continue in the body: God's not finished with him on earth -- Paul's “fruitful labor” in service to God, giving his life purpose -- A meditation on where those of the world seek to find “purpose”: fame, power, riches -- The history of the city of Philippi as a metaphor for this. For more Bible studies, visit ScriptureStudies.com

A verse-by-verse Bible study class. This study covers Philippians 1:19-21. These studies focus on what the Bible says, and what it means. Topics covered: Paul's attitude while facing a possible imminent death -- Paul's reasons for thinking that his time on earth is not done -- The sources of Paul's confidence in this -- The effectiveness of prayer -- The help of the Holy Spirit to Paul -- Paul's acceptance of either outcome: life or death -- The goal through either outcome: the exaltation of Christ -- Paul's overriding attitude in life: “To live is Christ, and to die is gain” -- Meditations on the phrase: “To live is Christ.” For more Bible studies, visit ScriptureStudies.com

A verse-by-verse Bible study class. This study covers Philippians 1:12-18. These studies focus on what the Bible says, and what it means. Topics covered: The Gospel advancing, despite Paul's trials -- Proofs of this, in vss. 13 and 14 -- Paul's ability to reach people with the gospel, because of his trials -- Boldness of the witnesses of Paul's behavior during his trials -- Varying motives of those preaching the Gospel -- God's use of flawed teachers -- The focus of any service: glorifying God, rather than oneself. For more Bible studies, visit ScriptureStudies.com

A verse-by-verse Bible study class. This study covers Philippians 1:11-12. These studies focus on what the Bible says, and what it means. Topics covered: The outworkings of Christian love: the fruit of righteousness -- The purity and blamelessness of that love -- The fullness of that love -- This fruit coming to us through Jesus Christ -- This fruit done to the glory and praise of God -- Trials and suffering in the lives of Christians: not necessarily a sign of displeasure from God -- The discipline of God, described in Heb. 12:5-12 -- The advance of the Gospel through Paul's trials -- The providence of God overseeing Paul's trials -- Other examples of this: Joseph, and the early Christian church in Jerusalem -- A possible motto of the church: “… what has happened to me has served to advance the Gospel.” For more Bible studies, visit ScriptureStudies.com

A verse-by-verse Bible study class. This study covers Philippians 1:7-11. These studies focus on what the Bible says, and what it means. Topics covered: The koinonia of Paul and the Philippians -- This partnership resulting in the Philippians sharing with Paul in his ministry -- The strong partnership, extending both to Paul's defending the Gospel and extending also to Paul being in chains -- Paul's chains, a part of his ministry -- The unity of the Philippian church, expressed in Paul's addressing them often as all of you -- The strength of Paul's feeling for the Philippians, through his statement that his longing for them comes from the bowels -- What the bowels meant for the Greeks -- Paul's prayer for the Philippians in vss. 9-11: That their love may abound -- The importance of having a growing love -- Love based on knowledge and depth of insight. For more Bible studies, visit ScriptureStudies.com

A verse-by-verse Bible study class. This study covers Philippians 1:3-6. These studies focus on what the Bible says, and what it means. Topics covered: Paul's message of thanksgiving -- The importance of thanking God -- Paul's close relationship with God -- Praying at all times -- The strong partnership all Christians have, expressed in the Greek word koinonia -- How the Philippians expressed this koinonia relationship -- This strong partnership implies active participation -- God's role in beginning a good work in us -- The perseverance of God in supporting us in our service to God. For more Bible studies, visit ScriptureStudies.com

A verse-by-verse Bible study class. This study covers Philippians 1:1-2. These studies focus on what the Bible says, and what it means. Topics covered: Background on the city of Philippi -- Paul in Philippi -- The variety of people who founded the church in Philippi -- The background of the writing of the epistle -- The elements of the greeting: the senders; the addresses; the greeting -- Timothy and Paul -- Paul's identity as a “slave of Christ Jesus” -- The true meaning of the words “saint” in the New Testament -- The phrase “in Christ Jesus” -- Paul's trademark blessing: “grace and peace.” For more Bible studies, visit ScriptureStudies.com

A verse-by-verse Bible study class. This study covers Romans 16. These studies focus on what the Bible says, and what it means. Topics covered: The wide variety of people that Paul greets -- Phoebe -- Priscilla and Aquila, and their long partnership with Paul -- Hints about the church of Rome found in these greetings -- The church as an equalizer, bringing together into fellowship those of varied cultures and backgrounds, each greeting each other “with a holy kiss” -- A warning against false teaching -- Characteristics of false teachers -- How to detect false teachers -- “Be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil” -- The crushing of Satan -- A prayer of grace -- The doxology which concludes the book of Romans. For more Bible studies, visit ScriptureStudies.com

A verse-by-verse Bible study class. This study covers Romans 15:16-33. These studies focus on what the Bible says, and what it means. Topics covered: The elements of Paul's service to God -- The chiastic structure in verses 16-21 -- The distinction between the teaching about Christ, and preaching the Gospel -- The Christian sacrifice: a living sacrifice -- Paul's desire to go to Rome -- The hindrances of Paul carrying out his plans -- God's sovereignty over our plans -- How Paul's plans worked out in real life, as documented in Acts 21 -- God's possible purpose in thwarting Paul's plans -- Paul's plan to help the church in Jerusalem, despite the tension of their relationship -- Paul's prayer for his journey -- How the three elements of his prayer were answered: not as Paul planned -- So with us, many of our plans are answered differently than how we foresee them answered -- The purpose of prayer: seeking to carry out God's will. For more Bible studies, visit ScriptureStudies.com

A verse-by-verse Bible study class. This study covers Romans 15:3-15. These studies focus on what the Bible says, and what it means. Topics covered: Working out the chiastic structure of this passage -- The center of the structure, giving the emphasis of the passage: The Jews and Gentiles praising God together -- The anchor of the structure in verses 5 and 6, parallel with verse 13 -- The parallel blessings in these parallel statements -- The description of God in both passages -- The specific blessing in each -- The end result in each -- The tie to the emphasis of the chiastic structure -- The mention of the Trinity -- The C level of the structure: Jesus bringing about the praise of the Gentiles -- The message of the outer level of the structure: Paul's writing is on par with the writings of the Old Testament. For more Bible studies, visit ScriptureStudies.com

A verse-by-verse Bible study class. This study covers Romans 14:13-15:2. These studies focus on what the Bible says, and what it means. Topics covered: The six-level chiastic structure of this passage -- The emphasis in the passage (the center of the chiastic structure) in verse 17: What the kingdom of God is not, and what the kingdom of God is, under the New Covenant -- How other levels of the structure support this main point -- In our behavior, we need to take the weaknesses of others into account -- How this passage applies to Christian life today -- The Holy Spirit deals with Christians individually, concerning the weaknesses of each person -- Based on our weaknesses, we may have prohibitions specific to us, that aren't prohibitions to others -- Prophecy in Jeremiah, that the Holy Spirit would “write the Law on our hearts”. For more Bible studies, visit ScriptureStudies.com

A verse-by-verse Bible study class. This study covers Romans 14:1-12. These studies focus on what the Bible says, and what it means. Topics covered: Cross-cultural unity in Christ -- The evidence of a chiastic structure in this passage -- How to work out the chiastic structure in the passage -- The purpose of analyzing the chiastic structure: to better understand the passage -- The emphasis of the passage, according to the structure -- Deriving the main points of the passage from the chiastic structure -- Some points in this passage: don't judge, don't show contempt, based on the style of worship of others -- The validity of worshiping God according to cultural traditions -- The Lord as ultimate judge of proper worship -- The small chiastic structure of verses 10 to 12. For more Bible studies, visit ScriptureStudies.com

A verse-by-verse Bible study class. This study covers Romans 14:1-12. These studies focus on what the Bible says, and what it means. Topics covered: Paul addresses a dispute in the Roman church -- Peter learns that the food laws are not part of the New Covenant -- One purpose for the food laws in the Old Covenant: to keep the children of Israel unified, and separated from the pagan cultures -- This illustrated in the history of Daniel -- In the Christian era, the people of God are not to be isolated from other cultures, but rather to preach the Gospel to all cultures and nations, thus no need for the separating aspect of the food laws -- The Sabbath in the Christian era -- The Sabbath fulfilled by the rest we find in Christ. For more Bible studies, visit ScriptureStudies.com

A verse-by-verse Bible study class. This study covers Romans 13:11-14:4. These studies focus on what the Bible says, and what it means. Topics covered: The imagery of light/day and darkness/night in the Bible -- The value of daylight in ancient times -- The day/night image, as it applies to the coming end-times -- The imagery of putting on and taking off attire -- The odd image of “armor of light” -- The harm of “deeds of darkness” -- The historical importance of Romans 13:13-14: the conversion of Augustine -- The meaning of the phrase “clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ” -- The “dissension and jealousy” in the Roman church at the time -- The pioneering nature of the Christian church -- Normally, religion was tied to culture -- The Christian church: a religion for all cultures -- Romans 14 teaches that those who come to Christ can maintain their cultural identity. For more Bible studies, visit ScriptureStudies.com

A verse-by-verse Bible study class. This study covers Romans 13:8-14. These studies focus on what the Bible says, and what it means. Topics covered: The never-ending debt to love one another -- Who is the creditor for this debt? -- Love as the fulfillment of the law -- The two greatest commandments -- Applying the fact that these are the two greatest commandments to solving ethical dilemmas -- Examples of solving ethical dilemmas in this way -- The four “colors” of lies -- Justifying some white and gray lies, given that the laws of love are the greatest commandments -- The example of the Hebrew midwives -- The ethical dilemmas of smuggling Bibles, and holding Bible studies in countries where Bible studies are forbidden -- Obedience to God is pre-eminent -- “Understanding the present time” -- The uniqueness of the knowledge about when Christ will return -- What the Holy Spirit wants us to know about when Christ will return. For more Bible studies, visit ScriptureStudies.com

A verse-by-verse Bible study class. This study covers Romans 13:1-7. These studies focus on what the Bible says, and what it means. Topics covered: The Christian's relationship to governing authorities: obey them, honor them, pray for them -- What it means to “submit to authorities” -- Exception to the requirement of Christians to submit to authorities -- God's active role in establishing all authorities here on earth -- Advancing the Gospel is not a role of government -- The corrupting influence of power -- The separation of church and state in the Bible -- Because of their divisive nature, politics needs to be kept out of the church -- The teaching of history is that God does not establish Christian governments -- The primary purposes of government: keep order; maintain justice. For more Bible studies, visit ScriptureStudies.com

A verse-by-verse Bible study class. This study covers Romans 12:15-21. These studies focus on what the Bible says, and what it means. Topics covered: Rejoicing/mourning with enemies -- The church somewhat unique, in that it contains people of all stripes -- Not avenging / Keeping peace: following in Christ's steps -- Do right in the eyes of everyone: Don't be “an ugly American” -- Ways to keep peace -- Leaving “revenge” up to God -- Faith and patience in this -- The effect of kindness on our enemies -- Good, as the most powerful weapon against evil. For more Bible studies, visit ScriptureStudies.com

A verse-by-verse Bible study class. This study covers Romans 12:9-14. These studies focus on what the Bible says, and what it means. Topics covered: The sparse style of writing in this passage -- A translation of the passage which reflects the original style of writing -- The continuation of the parse style suggests that verses 9-14 are closely tied to verses 6-8 -- In general, literary style can give us clues to interpretation, so translations should reflect the original literary style -- The instructions: “Unhypocritical love” -- How does one cultivate a sincere love? -- “Hate evil / cling to good”: deceptively obvious statements -- Fervency in service, serving “the Lord” -- The gift of “hope” -- The gift of “patience” in affliction - The gift of “prayer” -- The gift of “hospitality” -- Verse 14, reflecting the teachings of Christ -- Praying for enemies. For more Bible studies, visit ScriptureStudies.com