Read

Philippians 1:1-2

 

Reflect

Hmmm… that was easy, huh?  Only two verses?  It's not that we don't want to challenge you, but there's a lot going on in these two verses.  It's easy to just skip over the introduction and not even notice the significance of these few words.

 

You see, the book of Philippians isn't actually a book.  The first two verses explain it.  It's a personal letter written by Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ to friends in Philippi, located in Greece.  As you go through this study, keep in mind that Paul was writing this letter from a prison cell to his friends in Philippi.  Knowing this, it will give new meaning when you read it. 

 

But the most significant words in these first couple verses are "slaves of Christ Jesus."  Paul didn't consider himself a prisoner of the state, he considered    himself a bondservant of Christ.  A bondservant, or slave as Paul refers to it, is someone who willingly gives themselves for the service of their master - in this case, the Master Jesus Christ.  He wasn't a slave against his will.  He was a    servant who had such incredible faith that he suffered imprisonment, and   eventually death for his dedication.  Paul's faith had shifted into high gear, and nothing would stop him from living his life for Christ.

 

Soul Search

Where's your faith at?  On a scale of 1-10, where would you rank your relationship with God?  Are you ready to shift it to the next level? 

 

Pray

Pray that over the next two weeks you will experience God's love in a new and fresh way and that your faith will be brought to a new level.

 

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Read

Philippians 1:3-11

 

Reflect

Friends can play an amazing role in our spiritual lives. Paul encourages his friends and basically tells them, "Hey, you can do it!  I believe you're going to finish what you've started."  Paul is not telling his friends what they're supposed to get out of life.  He's telling them what they should give.  This is opposite of human nature.  So, how can we do it?  It's  written in this passage... "I am sure that God, who began the good work, will continue his work…"

 

There's a verse that tells us to understand what really matters. Isn't that what we all want to know?  So, what really matters?  "…I pray that your love for each other will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in your knowledge and understanding… so that you may live pure and blameless lives."   Paul is encouraging believers to keep seeking, keep growing, keep learning, and most importantly, keep loving.

 

Soul Search

Who are friends in your life who have encouraged you?  How have they given of themselves to show you they care?  Have you thanked them lately?  What are some ways to increase in your knowledge, understanding and love?

 

Pray

Pray a prayer of thanksgiving for those in your life who have encouraged you.  Pray for their faith to be strengthened as well.

 

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Read

Philippians 1:12-19

 

Reflect

Have you ever been in a situation where someone has had a wrong motive?  We've seen it on a national scale… the politician who gets into public office just to feed his need for power and authority instead of truly wanting to help others - the surgeon who went into medicine for the money, but really could care less about his patients - the athlete who just wants fame and notoriety and doesn't really care for his team.

 

We're pretty good at sensing when others have impure motives, but we tend to have a lot less insight when impure motives are present in our own lives.  So how can you test whether or not a motive is pure?  Love.  Care.  Compassion. "Motive" is a form of the word "Motivation."  When love is our motivation, the motive will be pure.

 

Soul Search

What are some decisions or conversations that you have had in the past week?  What motivated you to make those decisions or have those   conversations?  Examine those motives and see whether or not you made the loving choice.

 

Pray

Pray for God to remind you to use love as your guide and motivation.  After examining areas of your life where you feel your motivation may have been selfish, ask God's forgiveness.

 

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Read

Philippians 1:20-26

 

Reflect

Do your friends know you're a Christian?  If so, why?  If not, why?  Maybe you've told people about your faith or brought up spiritual conversations, and that's great.  God asks us to do that.  But in these verses, Paul isn't necessarily telling us to talk about our faith.  He's telling us to live it. There's a quote that says, "People say that what we're all seeking is the meaning of life. I think that what we're really seeking is the experience of being alive."  Do others look at you and see that you're truly experiencing the fullness of life?  Or do they not even notice a difference between you and those without Christ?

 

We can tell people about Jesus and how he can change their lives, but until we show them the change in our own lives, it will often fall on deaf ears.  Many people believe that a life of faith is a bunch of do's and don'ts.  It's time to show the world the freedom that Christ offers us and that a life lived for Christ is truly an adventure worth taking.

 

Soul Search

What are areas of your life that demonstrate to others that you are a Christ follower?

 

Pray

Ask God for the courage to follow him and not follow the crowd.  Pray for your life to be an example to others.  Pray for opportunities to share your faith.

 

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Read

Philippians 1:27-30

 

Reflect

Whatever happens…  We hear the stories of missionaries held hostage for their faith and the underground church in China where believers are tortured.  This is not a phenomenon of the past.  It's still very true today.  They're persecuted for their belief in Jesus and told to renounce their faith or die.

 

Most of us like to think that we're strong enough to withstand such   persecution.  But truth be told, it's much easier to succumb to lesser pressures.  It may be the discussion on politics that suddenly turns to a scathing rebuke of religion. Or perhaps it's in the science lab at school where the concept of a loving creator is mocked.  What then?  Are we silent?  Or are we willing to step up and say what we believe and know to be true despite the ridicule?  Paul says that it's a privilege to trust Christ, but also a privilege to suffer for him.  Notice Paul encourages believers to stand side by side.  Let's support and encourage each other to stand firm in our faith and fight for the king.

 

Soul Search

Can you truly say that you consider opposition to your faith a privilege?  Can you think of times when you were ridiculed or suffered for your faith?  Do you know of others who you can trust that will stand with you in your faith?

 

Pray

Pray for courage to speak the truth about Christ.  Pray for others to stand with you.  Thank God for those times you may have suffered for Christ in the past.

 

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Read

Philippians 2:1-2

 

Reflect

Unity.  If you attended Life! Promotions youth event in November, you know that's the overall theme of Power of One (www.powerofoneonline.com).  Students from different churches, schools and cities all come together for one reason: Jesus.

 

As Paul writes to the people of Phillipi, he encourages them to be united for that same reason as well.  There were some struggles going on among the people in the church, but he calls them to unity in Jesus.  Just think for a few minutes about what the Church would look like if there were a real unity in what matters most.  Can you imagine what impact that would have on the world?

 

Paul says he will take joy in the people of Phillipi as they live in unity with each other under Jesus.  It would probably bring him great joy to see that being true between you and other followers of Jesus, no matter where they are from.

 

Soul Search

What does it mean to be 'like-minded' about Jesus?  What would it look like to have people sharing the 'same' love toward Jesus and others?  What would be possible if all people were of 'one accord; of one mind?"

 

Pray 

Pray that there would be growth in unity between you and other followers of Jesus in your school and community.  Pray that God would show you how you can lead the way.

 

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Read

Philippians 2:3-11

 

Reflect

Look again at verse 6.  It talks about how Jesus modeled a humble spirit for us.  If Jesus - who was God himself - didn't strive for 'equality' with his Heavenly Father, then we need to be careful of our jealousy toward those around us.  If you think about it, selfishness was not a part of Jesus' DNA.  He gave up everything for the sake of others.  You can look through the gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John but you will never find an instance where he chose his own desires over those of God the Father or those who asked of him.  He always put others first. 

 

Verse 3 of this passage says we are to see others as more important than ourselves.  But that takes real humility.  It's important to examine our opinion of ourselves in comparison with others.

 

Soul Search

Would you say you are generally a "me first" or an "others first" person?  Which is Paul calling you to be?  Can you think of someone in your life who is a great example of humilty? 

 

Pray

Pray for a humble attitude and spirit.  Ask God to show ways that you can put others first in the next day or so.

 

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Read

Philippians 2:12-18

 

Reflect

There are some pretty tough things to hear in this passage.  Ask yourself a few questions after you've read it.  As we discovered yesterday, Paul wants us to have a humble attitude.  Part of that kind of attitude is not being arrogant or prideful before God or toward others.  That's why we're supposed to take a posture of 'fear and trembling.'  Compared to the greatness of God, we are quite small.  And if we have that in check, we would serve him without grumbling and complaining and disputing with others. 

Why are we to do this?  So we can be innocent in this world, and shine like stars as the light of the world.

 

Soul Search

What do you think Paul means when he says to "work out your salvation with fear and trembling?"  When it comes to following God and serving others, what does it mean to do all things without complaining and disputing (like Paul says in verse 14)?  How can you balance this with expressing legitimate concerns?

 

Pray

Pray for a great attitude and a willingness to serve God and others cheerfully, no matter what.  Ask God to help you be innocent, blameless, and without fault so others will see Jesus in you.

 

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Read

Philippians 2:19-30

 

Reflect

Paul is sending 2 men - Epaphroditus (imagine that guy's signature!) and his dear friend Timothy to help care for the church at Phillipi.  Epaphroditus even came close to death for the sake of Jesus.  Timothy was a dear friend whom Paul described as "like minded" as Paul and someone of strong proven character.  Paul wants to see the best brought out in these people as they try to follow after the heart of Jesus.  But they needed some help.  And so do we.

 

Look a second time at verse 29.  What does it say about how the people should treat these two men?  They should be received with all gladness, and they should be held in esteem because of their work for Jesus.  They should be held in high regard.

 

Soul Search

Who are the people in your life that have impacted your faith?  Who are the people that you should hold in high regard because they have faithfully served Jesus?  How have you shown your thanks to them?

 

Pray

Pray for those who teach, lead, or guide you in your understanding of God.  Thank God for bringing them into your life.  Ask God to show you how you can show your appreciation for all they have done for you.

 

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Read

Philippians 3:1-11

 

Reflect

Wow.  Paul's really giving some stern warnings here.  And what's up with all that circumcision stuff?  Well, the basic gist is that Paul is trying to make it clear that our human effort doesn't guarantee anything.  We can do a lot of symbolic religious stuff, but it's not about what we do!  It's about what Christ has done for us on the cross.

 

Even Paul points this out by talking about how he went through all the rituals required of a man of God for his day.  But he came to the conclusion that all those things that he once thought were so important were now considered worthless compared with the priceless gift of knowing Christ.  He no longer counted on his own goodness, but he trusted Christ to save him.

 

Soul Search

Have you relied on religious rituals to please God?  If so, which ones?  God's love is unconditional.  How can these rituals become acts of worship in response to God's love rather than an act to try and earn his love?

 

Pray

Pray for God to help you realize what is really important in life -     knowing Him and receiving His love.

 

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Read

Philippians 3:12-21

 

Reflect

Paul encourages us to press on in the race of life and not let past hurts and regrets define who we are.  While we can't forget the past, we don't have to allow the past to define our future.  Too many people have remained victims of their past and claimed their past as their identity.  Because of Christ, we can leave the past behind and start each day new, and cling to our new identity as a child of God.  That's hope!

 

This passage also talks about our god being our appetite, bragging about shameful things, and thinking only about this life.  We can often get caught up in circumstances that seem overwhelming, and that's usually when we give into temptations to sin, gossip, and engage in selfish behavior.  But Paul reminds us that our time here on earth is fleeting and that we should live each moment for Christ.

 

Soul Search

Have you held on to past hurts that have kept you distant from Christ?  Can you think of occasions where Jesus may have been hurt in the same way while on this earth?  What will it take for you to release your circumstances to God and allow him to heal you?  Are you ready to shift your faith to the next level and leave the past behind?

 

Pray

Pray that the hurts of your past are healed and ask God to bring people into your life that can help you through your hurt.

 

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Read

Philippians 4:1-9

 

Reflect

So who are these chicks, Euodia and Syntyche?  We don't really know, but apparently they had a pretty big disagreement.  Something important to note here is that both of these women were Christians.  They even helped Paul and others evangelize.  So, just because we are Christians doesn't mean we won't disagree at times.  Here, Paul enlisted the help of others to help them solve their disagreement.  In a culture that often tells others to "butt out," here Paul says we should be involved in the lives of others.  If you're in a disagreement, don't shun the help of others to resolve the conflict.

 

Paul also talks about joy.  Woo Hoo!  Sometimes we overlook this part of our faith.  We, of all people, should be joyful!  We know the maker of the universe personally!  So, how can we have joy and peace?  Paul makes it pretty clear here… "Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable and right.  Think about things that are pure and lovely and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.  Keep putting into practice all you learned, heard and saw, and the God of peace will be with you."

 

Soul Search

Are you having a disagreement with someone?  Are you willing to have a trusted friend help you resolve the conflict?  Does your spirituality only focus on dealing with crisis in your life?  What will it take for God's joy and peace to   penetrate your spiritual life?

 

Pray

Pray for someone to help you resolve conflict with someone you may know.  Thank God for those moments in the past couple days that have brought joy to your life and begin to see Him as the giver of life in all its fullness.

 

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Read

Philippians 4:10-20

 

Reflect

Contentment.  In our culture it's something that doesn't come too easily.  One of the richest men in America was once asked, "How much money will be enough?"  His answer… "Just a little more."  Most of us have more than we need, yet we complain when we don't get what we want.  But look at Paul. Here's a guy who's writing this while in prison.  I imagine that most of us would have been complaining about the cold floor, bad food, poor treatment, and injustice.  But Paul was talking about how blessed and thankful he was.  Why?  People.

 

He knew what was most important in life… relationship.  It's our relationships that bring us purpose and meaning.  First and foremost is our relationship with God, and secondly is our relationship with others.  It's God and those we love who help us in our times of trouble.  They can lift us up and encourage us.  But in our "pull yourself up by your bootstraps" society, we often shun the help of others.  Why?  We think we should be able to do everything ourselves.  But the entire bible is a continual lesson of how God wants us to rely on him and others.  Even Paul, one of the greatest evangelists of all time, accepted help and charity from those who cared for him.  He didn't let pride stop him from receiving their love.  Don't feel like you have to go through this thing called "life" alone.  Let God and others in.

 

Soul Search

Are there situations in your life that you have tried to "fix" on your own?  Are you willing to allow others to know that part of you and your life?

 

Pray

Ask forgiveness for trying to handle life's difficult circumstances alone and ask God's wisdom to know who you should share your circumstance with.  Pray that God will help you be open and honest and receive help for your circumstance.  Pray that God will take control of your life and release your hurts to him.

 

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Read

Philippians 4:21-23

 

Reflect

Once again it's easy to skim over the words and not see their significance.  Paul concludes his letter with this, "May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit."  Although the book of Philippians is encouraging believers to keep running the race, to be good examples to those around them, and to be "good" Christians, Paul ends the letter by reminding them that their salvation and hope is not found in doing all this stuff.  Our hope is in grace, not works or good deeds. Paul knew that our tendency as humans is to think that we need to somehow "earn" love from others and from God.  But God loved us while we were still sinners!

 

Should we demonstrate our faith through good works?  Yes!  Should we rely on those good works to gain God's favor?  No.  God loves us no matter what.  Our service to God goes back to the issue of motives.  When we do good works for others, it shouldn't be done begrudgingly out of some sense of duty.  God desires for our motivation to be love.  In response to God's love to us, we desire to demonstrate our love to him through service and devotion.  It's true of our relationship with God and our relationship with others.  It doesn't matter how much good we do.  It will never be enough to earn God's love.  His love is there for the taking.

 

Soul Search

Do you tend to do good works expecting to get something in return?  How do you feel when someone gives you an undeserved gift?  Do you reject it or receive it with heartfelt thanks?  How have you responded to God's gift of grace?

 

Pray

Thank God for his grace and if you haven't already, ask to receive his gift of grace into your heart and life.  Thank God for sending Christ to take away your sin and ask God to help you live a life fully devoted to him.

 

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