Philippians Bible Study

Oct 19, 2025 Philippians 3:1-21 Invited Moriah Miller Matthew Miller Ekklesia Attachments Philippians 3:1-21 Meeting records Recording Summary Matthew Miller introduced the Philippians Chapter 3 Bible study, explaining that the "dogs" and "evil workers" refer to those in "great apostasy" who need to be "amputated" from the body of Christ, emphasizing that true circumcision is of the heart and worship extends beyond church buildings. Both Matthew Miller and Moriah Miller highlighted the positive message of having confidence in Christ rather than worldly gains and encouraged believers to look forward to spiritual growth, with Matthew Miller clarifying that the ultimate goal is the "first resurrection" at Christ's return. The discussion centered on understanding Philippians Chapter 3 as a guide for believers, including conforming to the "canon" of the Bible and becoming a "pattern" for others. Details Introduction to Philippians Chapter 3 Matthew Miller introduced the Philippians Bible study, focusing on chapter three, which addresses issues within the church body rather than outside it. He emphasized the chapter's directness and its relevance to current events, such as the Anglican church schism. Understanding the "Dogs" and "Evil Workers" Matthew Miller explained that the "dogs" and "evil workers" mentioned in the chapter refer to those who participate in the "great apostasy," symbolizing individuals who need to be "amputated" or cut off from the body of Christ. He clarified that true circumcision is of the heart, achieved by worshipping God in spirit and through faith, rather than by religious rites. Forms of Worship Matthew Miller discussed that worship should not be confined to church buildings, noting that some denominations inappropriately limit worship to specific locations. Moriah Miller added that worship encompasses many forms beyond singing, such as bowing in reverence, joyful shouting, and dancing. Losing Worldly Gains for Christ Matthew Miller highlighted the apostle Paul’s example of counting all worldly gains as loss for Christ, including high social status as a Hebrew, Pharisee, and persecutor. He lamented that contemporary church leaders rarely acknowledge their past wrongs or fleshly tendencies, fearing job loss. Protecting the Vulnerable in Christ Matthew Miller urged believers to be wary of those who falsely present themselves as righteous within the church, and to shield "babes in Christ" or vulnerable individuals from harm. He suggested that true members of the body of Christ should gather independently, while cautioning against forming exclusive "clicks" that could exclude difficult but not necessarily malicious individuals. Confidence in Christ, Not the Flesh Moriah Miller emphasized that Philippians chapter 3 contains a positive message about not having confidence in one's flesh or worldly gains, but rather in Christ. Matthew Miller affirmed that this chapter provides a standard for believers to apply to themselves, preventing them from becoming the "evil workers" it warns against. The Goal of Christ's Return Matthew Miller clarified that the ultimate goal for believers, as expressed in verse 11, is attaining the "first resurrection" at Christ's return, which is also referred to as the "upward call of God in Christ Jesus". He stressed that this event, often called the "rapture" in the Western church, is consistently referred to as the first resurrection in the Bible. Conforming to the Canon Matthew Miller explained that "walking by the same rule" (Philippians 3:16) means conforming to the "canon" or the Bible. He criticized clergy for compartmentalizing worship and obscuring the true "canon," emphasizing that the Bible itself is the ultimate standard. Being a Pattern for Others Matthew Miller discussed that believers are called to follow Paul’s example and become a "pattern" or "mold" for others, striving to be more like Christ. Moriah Miller added that this process involves continually looking forward to spiritual growth rather than dwelling on past selves or mistakes. The First and Second Resurrections Matthew Miller briefly addressed a question about the "first resurrection," explaining it is a corporate resurrection of believers, distinct from Jesus' personal resurrection. He clarified that the "second resurrection" is for the wicked, occurring after the millennial reign, leading to judgment rather than salvation. Suggested next steps Matthew Miller will do a special Bible study on the resurrection at a later time. Matthew Miller will reschedule the woman of the apocalypse Bible study. You should review Gemini's notes to make sure they're accurate. Get tips and learn how Gemini takes notes Please provide feedback about using Gemini to take notes in a short survey.

Oct 12, 2025 Philippians 2:1-30 Invited Matthew Miller Ekklesia Attachments Philippians 2:1-30 Meeting records Recording Summary Matthew Miller led a study on Philippians, explaining that chapter 2 provides guidance for navigating the "birth pains" and emphasizing the importance of unity, shared interests, and communal survival over individualistic values. Matthew Miller also discussed the humility of Christ in contrast to false leadership, warning against self-appointed leaders, and clarified that the Holy Spirit will confirm true leadership. Dee C and Matthew Miller discussed rebellious believers in the wilderness, confirming they would call themselves believers, using Korah as an example of rebellion with severe consequences. Details Introduction to Philippians Study Matthew Miller introduced the Philippians Bible study, highlighting its concise nature compared to Old Testament books, while noting its deeper prophetic and eschatological themes. They initiated reading from the end of Philippians chapter 1, emphasizing the shift into chapter 2 as a demarcation point leading to tribulation. Guidance for Tribulation (Birth Pains) Matthew Miller explained that Philippians chapter 2 provides instructions for navigating the "birth pains," emphasizing the need for like-mindedness and shared interests rather than selfish ambition. They clarified that during this period, individuals should not seek personal positions or popularity, but rather prioritize communal survival and support, sharing resources like water. Matthew Miller underscored that western societal values of individualism will be detrimental, citing Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 to reinforce the importance of unity and mutual support. Warning Against False Leadership Matthew Miller discussed the humility of Christ as presented in Philippians 2, which contrasts with the actions of figures like Korah from Numbers chapter 16. They asserted that there is only one head, Christ, and warned against self-appointed leaders or "clergy" who might claim authority in the wilderness, emphasizing that the Holy Spirit would confirm true leadership. Matthew Miller suggested that individuals claiming divine appointment without external confirmation are deceitful, mirroring Korah's rebellion, and that the Holy Spirit will provide direct guidance to all true believers. Prophecy and the Day of Christ Matthew Miller stated that Philippians is a book about prophecy and preparation for relocation during the "Day of Christ," which refers to the return of Christ. They further explained that Revelation chapter 7 and Psalm 56 describe a marking of true servants of God, particularly those faithful clergy who will be "poured out as a drink offering," meaning they will be martyred. Matthew Miller connected this to Ezekiel chapter 9, where an angel marks those who mourn over abominations, while others are slain, illustrating a slaughter of "shepherds" who genuinely serve the Lord. Distinction Between True and False Shepherds Matthew Miller lamented that many modern churches, run by "Satan shepherds" (clergy focused on personal gain), fail to prepare their congregations for future persecution. They asserted that true believers will be able to discern the Holy Spirit's guidance and identify false leaders during the flight into the wilderness. Matthew Miller advised listening only to trusted individuals like Timothy and Epaphroditus, mentioned in Philippians, rather than unknown figures with theological degrees. Importance of Emissaries and Community Trust Matthew Miller highlighted the historical practice of emissaries between congregations as described in Philippians, where trusted individuals would visit other churches to foster fellowship and relay important information, including details about public repentances and trustworthy members. They explained that this practice is currently difficult due to various challenges, including financial constraints and the impracticality of travel for those living below the poverty line. Matthew Miller emphasized that such communal trust is crucial for survival during the future flight into the wilderness, where groups of people will encounter each other and mutual support will be essential for tasks like working for food. Discussion on Rebellious Believers in the Wilderness Dee C asked for clarification on whether rebellious individuals in the wilderness would be believers. Matthew Miller confirmed they would call themselves believers, comparing them to "most Christians" who do not sound like Christians. They used Korah as an example, noting that he had initially followed Moses, but later rebelled and was destroyed, signifying that rebellion after reaching the wilderness would result in severe consequences. Dee C and Matthew Miller observed that Korah's actions stemmed from jealousy and complaining, drawing a parallel between Korah's fate and Elijah's ascension as polar opposites. Suggested next steps No suggested next steps were found for this meeting. You should review Gemini's notes to make sure they're accurate. Get tips and learn how Gemini takes notes Please provide feedback about using Gemini to take notes in a short survey.

Sep 28, 2025 Meeting Sep 28, 2025 at 14:27 MDT Meeting records Recording Summary Matthew Miller presented on the prophetic nature of Philippians, emphasizing that it discusses prophecy and the singular return of Jesus Christ, debunking the dispensationalist belief in two returns of Christ and a "partial cowardly return." He highlighted that the book of Philippians contains three primary topics of end-time Bible prophecy linked to the Greek text, asserting that the "gospel" encompasses Jesus Christ's entire agenda, from His first advent to His return. Matthew Miller discussed the translation of "affection" in Philippians 1:8, explaining that in Greek, it is G1721, meaning "in" the affection of Jesus Christ, and clarified that Paul's affection for the Philippians is "in the affection of Jesus Christ." Matthew Miller also connected the word "perdition" in Philippians 1:28 to Judas Iscariot, the "son of perdition," explaining that this signifies an "indication of their perdition" among infiltrated clergy. Carol Lee and Matthew Miller discussed the contemporary relevance of these biblical insights, particularly concerning divisions within the church and the fear of losing a pastor, which can lead congregations to tolerate false teachings. Details Prophetic Nature of Philippians Matthew Miller highlighted that the book of Philippians is profoundly prophetic, particularly emphasizing that it discusses prophecy and the singular return of Jesus Christ. He stressed that the first ten verses establish this concept, debunking the dispensationalist belief in two returns of Christ and a "partial cowardly return". Matthew Miller explained that the Greek text clearly indicates only one return of Jesus Christ, contrary to interpretations that suggest multiple advents. Gospel and End-Time Prophecy Matthew Miller explained that the book of Philippians contains three primary topics of end-time Bible prophecy that are inextricably linked to the Greek text. He clarified that the "gospel" encompasses Jesus Christ's entire agenda, from His first advent to His return, and that any deviation from this timeline, such as the idea of a pre-tribulation rapture, distorts the true gospel. Matthew Miller also noted that the mention of "bishops and deacons" in verse 1 indicates that the false teachings about multiple days of the Lord have infiltrated the clergy. Understanding "Affection" in Greek Matthew Miller delved into the translation of "affection" in Philippians 1:8, explaining that in Greek, it is G1721, meaning "in" the affection of Jesus Christ. He clarified that Paul's affection for the Philippians is "in the affection of Jesus Christ" and that this connection to the gospel signifies prophecy, as the gospel is the "apocalypse of Jesus Christ," which is the knowledge of Him from beginning to end. The Singular Day of Jesus Christ Matthew Miller repeatedly emphasized that the book of Philippians underscores the truth of "one day of Jesus Christ," not multiple. He argued that believing in multiple returns of Christ, as some rapture theories suggest, diminishes the significance of that singular day, similar to how celebrating Christmas every day would diminish Christmas Day itself. Matthew Miller asserted that the Greek text makes this singularity clear, which is not as evident in English translations. Distortion of Truth by "God Haters" Matthew Miller explained that those who invent "more days of the Lord" are "god haters" who have made the concept of Christ's return plural, falsely asserting a secret, partial return of Christ. He contended that these false teachings, such as the pre-tribulation rapture, create confusion, and that understanding the Bible through a "plain reading model" untangles this confusion into a straightforward understanding of the one day of Jesus Christ. Paul's Prophetic Declaration Matthew Miller pointed out the prophetic nature of Philippians 1:26, where Paul speaks of his "paria" or "coming to you again". He interpreted this as Paul prophetically stating that he will die before the Philippians and return with Christ in His singular advent, negating any false narratives of a secret, partial return. Matthew Miller further clarified that this implies all saints who have passed away will return with Christ to rescue those who remain alive. The "Mark of Perdition" in Clergy Matthew Miller identified a connection between the word "perdition" (G684) in Philippians 1:28 and Judas Iscariot, the "son of perdition". He explained that this word, translated as "proof" or "indication," signifies that the people Paul is addressing, specifically referring to infiltrated bishops and deacons, bear an "indication of their perdition". Matthew Miller concluded that this passage serves as a warning to be prepared for end-time clergy who will be "sons of perdition," similar to an apostate who rejects their faith after believing. Relevance to Contemporary Church Issues Matthew Miller and Carol Lee discussed the contemporary relevance of these biblical insights, particularly concerning divisions within the church and the fear of losing a pastor, which can lead congregations to tolerate false teachings. Carol Lee highlighted Jesus's teaching in Mark 9:38 about not forbidding those who cast out devils but do not follow, linking it to Paul's message of standing steadfast in the gospel without contention. Matthew Miller agreed, emphasizing that even those preaching lies, like the "pre-tribers," inadvertently cause people to talk about Jesus, and when their prophecies fail, new converts may seek truth in God's word. Suggested next steps No suggested next steps were found for this meeting. You should review Gemini's notes to make sure they're accurate. Get tips and learn how Gemini takes notes Please provide feedback about using Gemini to take notes in a short survey.