Bible Study Questions and Notes

Small group Bible studies meet each week to discuss topics relating to the weekend service.  These study notes act as a guide for the Bible study participants.  Note that on weeks where there is a guest speaker or the Bible studies are not in session, there may not be a set of study notes posted.

Scripture passage: Philemon 1-7
Speaker: Pastor John Neufeld

We live in a culture where the expression, “alternate lifestyle” seems either seedy or edgy.  But in reality, “alternate lifestyle” is a way of living that rejects the wider norms of the culture.  And this is exactly where the book of Philemon comes in.  In the face of abusive social institutions, Christianity established a completely different way of living.  It formed a kind of counter culture that was so attractive that it simply changed the world.  The same challenge rests before us today.  If Christianity is to be truly expressed, it must spawn a radically alternate lifestyle to the culture we live in.  Today we learn what that alternate Christian lifestyle must look like.

A.  A lifestyle expressed in a new culture

            1.  True and real equality

            2.  Reconciliation as the highest good

            3.  Harmony of truth and experience

B.  Lifestyles based on a different kind of friendship

            1.  Evangelism leads to friendship

            2.  Friendship includes family

            3.  Family includes church and faith

C.  Lifestyles that instigate admirable virtues

            1.  Thankfulness for what is praiseworthy in others

            2.  Faith that is corporate and shared

            3.  Lives that are changed through sacrificial love

“An Alternate Lifestyle” (Philemon 1-7)

Pastor Jonathan Neufeld

This week Pastor John introduced to us Paul’s letter to Philemon and the background behind the letter.  As Christians we are to live a radically alternate lifestyle, one that reflects Christ in every aspect.  This week in our Bible study we want to look at what that meant for Philemon and Onesimus and what it means for us. 

Thinking – developing a biblical approach to all areas of life

1. Read Philemon.  Paul sends Onesimus back to Philemon as a slave who has run away, but also as a brother in Christ.   
   1. What are the range of emotions that Philemon might have felt upon receiving this letter and seeing Onesimus?  What are the decisions that he would have had to weigh in his mind?  
   2. How might Onesimus have felt, knowing that he was returning to Philemon?  What decisions would he have had to weigh in his mind?
   3. Why is this event ‘radical’ and noticeably different in the eyes of the world?   

2. Is the lifestyle of Christians in our culture noticeably different than that of the world?  Why or why not?
   1. Read Colossians 3:5–17.  What elements describe the lifestyle that Christians are called to live?
   2. Which item(s) would you say that we as Christians are most known for?  Why?
   3. Which item(s) would you say that we as Christians are least associated with?  Why?

Community – pursuing these things (thinking, acting and being) together

3. One of the most attractive aspects of the Christian lifestyle is that it takes place within the context of community.  What is it about authentic Christian community that is attractive to the world around us?
4. In our small group, what are some ways that we can increase the sense of community / friendship / family among one another? 
   1. What are some obstacles to achieving a greater sense of community?
   2. What are the benefits? 

To Small Group Leaders: 

You can pick up your Small Group Leader Resource CD/Cassette at the

Info Desk (or at www.willingdon.org/smallgroups/mp3.asp),

and as many Prayer Logs you need for your group.

Download mp3

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