And finally, ...Paul's benediction to the Philippians is found in chapter 4, verse 21-23.
Salutations: Paul, the brothers and all the rest of the 'saints' send their greetings to the Philippians. Tucked in there is a clue about the Christian movement in Rome..."especially those who belong to Caesar's household." Looks to me like Paul had been busy with more than just writing letters! Paul had been told by the Spirit that he would go to Rome. Paul was on mission, while in chains under guard, in Rome. He didn't let his circumstances or resources deter him from that mission. How often do we (I) wilt under the 'have nots' or 'can nots' when opportunities to minister come our way? Shouldn't we, as Christ followers, look for ways (even the smallest) to work for Jesus each day? This isn't about our salvation or even rewards in heaven. This is about doing something eternal with this finite life we've been given. How wonderful to come to the end (every day we get closer!) and know that how we spent our time made a difference in God's eyes.
Blessings: "The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen."

Philippians 4:19 - this one is worth memorizing! "And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus." Shall we pull this one apart a little? It's personal: notice the word, 'my'. It's positive: God will (not may, or could - will). It's specific: all your needs. It's plentiful: "His glorious riches". And it's powerful: in Christ Jesus. That word 'according' is interesting to me. As rich and wonderful as Jesus is, that is the resource for our needs to be met. Wow!

Are you lacking abundance right now? What kind of abundance do you need? Abundant joy? Check out Psalm 36:8. Abundant life? John 10:10. Abundant grace? 2 Corinthians 9:8. Abundant power? Ephesians 3:20. Abundant acceptance? 2 Peter 1:11. Look up some of these verses. I'll bet you'll sleep better tonight. See if you can say Philippians 4:19 from memory when you close your eyes....

You gotta give a little to get a little.... If you've been studying Scripture for any length of time, you've probably picked up on this fact: Investing in others brings a high return to yourself. This is what Paul is talking about in verses 10, 14-18. Yes, he appreciated the gifts they sent via Epaphroditus, but more than that he was happy to know that they got this concept down. They thought about him, sympathized with him and then put those good intentions into action and sent something. Their motivation wasn't to receive a reward, it was to help. Yet, that's what Paul is indicating here: "I am looking forward to what may be credited to your account." ..."They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God."

I'm wondering about those "opportunities to show it" (verse 10) that come along. We who are so busy with, well, busy-ness find it easy to put these opportunities aside and depend on 'others' to do it. The meal for those new parents, the check to that missionary in Russia, the shoebox for some child who needs to hear about Jesus...it's easy to let another handle it while we cope with the business of life. But it seems to me that this must be put to the top of our list, this should be the business of our lives as Christ followers.

• Who are you helping today? Who or what should be on your prayer list that isn't?

"I have learned the secret..." Philippians 4:11-13 I can keep a secret, but this one should definitely be shared with everyone. We are in the middle of financial woes in our country, and many folks are learning to tighten belts, do without, suffer through it. Paul was no stranger to living with plenty or poverty, and even worse, but he claims he could be content no matter what his circumstances were. I wonder how many of us could make that claim. Surely, we have much - anyone of us - to be thankful for. The fact that we're citizens of this country alone is cause for thanksgiving. But Paul's point here is that we don't have to produce contentment alone - there's a secret, a help, a rescue waiting for us: "I can do everything through Him who gives me strength!" Ph 4:11 Certainly an attitude of gratitude for what we do have is key. But sometimes we find ourselves in the depths of despair and finding gratitude doesn't seem to lift us. There is One who will, who gives us the strength to endure and even soar victoriously through our trouble. Paul knew to lean even more heavily when things got tough - he wasn't disappointed. He rejoiced!

• How are you coping with circumcstances today? Are you content or not?
• What can you find to be thankful about right now?
• In what area do you need Christ's strength?

Week 5 - Philippians 4:8-23

"Finally, sisters...." Paul brings us around to the bottom line in verses 8 & 9: Practically speaking, we control our joy! Here is what I see him saying: choose what you put your mind on, "think about such things", put it into practice. Then, "the God of peace will be with you." Joy!

I have grown into the habit of watching TV at night. As a cable subscriber, you pay plenty of money each month, so you'd think there would be something worth watching. Sadly this is not the case. In fact, most programming is not "true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent or praiseworthy!" This concerns me, as I see the flavor of entertainment really going, well, dark! And not dark chocolate, but gross and spooky dark. This to me is not lovely or excellent, but a waste - even a danger - for my mind. So, as Fat Tuesday approached, I decided to give up TV for Lent. I will choose 'excellent' activities to fill that time now. I will 'think about' what we've been learning in Philippians - pursuing a true knowledge of our Lord Jesus, and 'practicing' joy.

• How about you? There's plenty to worry about in a day, are you practicing joy? These two verses make an excellent prescription for worry. Choose, think, practice and the God of peace (ah, blessedness!) will be with you!

Now, Girls!
If you've been involved with church for any length of time, you've seen people disagree. Well, come on, people are involved with church! No different for the Philippians. Paul scolds two girls, Euodia and Syntyche, for some sort of disunity. Kind of interesting that their names mean sweet fragrance and easy to get along with! Whoops! These are good girls, it seems, hard workers for the cause of Christ. But somewhere along the line a disagreement occurred and the word got back to Paul. The remedy? Choose to agree in the Lord. The church was instructed to help them get there. We are responsible, as the Church, to help the cause of unity within the body of Christ. After all, it was Jesus who taught, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons (daughters) of God." (Matthew 5:9) This is about reminding our fellow workers of the big picture, the grand purpose, the most excellent way. Like Paul said, "I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things." (3:8) We can give up the right to be right more easily, when we realize that it's all about Jesus.

• If you've been in a disagreement in church, how was it resolved - or was it? What did you learn from it?

I love this next little section - verses 4-7. More joy, less worry. There's a verse here everyone should know: verse 6. Got trouble? Don't worry! Take it to God, and don't forget to say 'thank You'! (This is my very rough paraphrase.) The outcome? Verse 7 - Peace. Peace that transcends understanding. Peace that guards, not only your mind, but also your heart. I'll bet Euodia and Syntyche would have loved a dose of that!

Women are notorious worriers. It's true, you know it. The last thing we would think to do in the middle of a 'situation' is to offer a prayer of thanksgiving. So, it's interesting to me that it's included in the remedy. Pondering it a bit more, if we're tuned in to what we have to be thankful for, we've tuned out - or at least, pushed to the side - the thing we're worrying about. There's the opening for peace to come in. Look at how faithful God's been in the past. Look at the good possiblities that can come out of the 'situation.' Look at Who is in charge of outcomes. One of my most favorite things about God is His sovereignty - His control over everything. I love Him for that! Why should I worry?

• What are you worried about today? Try this remedy on your knees and let us know how it turns out.

Eye on the prize!

Paul writes in verse 20 through the end of the chapter some words that thrill me! My citizenship is in heaven! Hallelujah! I've always felt a little odd here - well, no wonder! I don't really belong here, I'm just on mission. And get this: I get a glorious body someday! Whoohoo! No more calories to count! No more pimples! A good hair day every day! Actually, we can only guess what this means - "glorious body". We do know that our bodies will be like Christ's body.

• How do you think you'll look/feel when you get yours?

Paul reminds the Philippians of his great love for them and his great joy in them and then encourages them to stand firm in the Lord. Here is where we can be grateful to be participants with others in following Christ. We help each other stand firm through intercessory prayer, study blogs (!), teachings on Sunday, women's gatherings (men's gatherings too) - all these 'church' activities help. How blessed we are to have this freedom in our country! What about those underground Christians in Muslim lands or communist China or wherever? More difficult there, I'd say. It is good for all of us to know that our Holy Spirit is there helping us stand firm. God holds us jealously, unwilling to let us fail. All He needs from us is that cry that says 'I feel weak here, I need You.' God is into the rescuing business. It occurs to me that we may be in greater 'danger' than those Christians in far away lands. It may be easier to slip when you stand on the gradual slope that our culture seems to offer. Our greatest danger may be that we don't know we're in danger. The safeguard is to go back to what God says, and choose to stand firm there.

• As you travel through the Scriptures, have you found a verse that has helped you 'stand firm?'

I'll share one of mine: Romans 12:1-2. In fact, I love all of chapter 12 of Romans - I think it describes an attitude toward God and each other that shows specifically how to live according to the pattern Christ has set down for us. Hope you get a chance to read it and be blessed, too.

Week 4 - Philippians 3:17-4:7

Following his example - Paul encourages the Philippians to watch him and imitate him. This is not out of arrogance or self-confidence. Paul knows that he's following Christ's example (remember verse 10 of chapter 3?), and therefore, the example he presents to the Philippians is not of his design, but God's. How wonderful for these folks to have a living, breathing example of what a Christian looks like right in front of them! I'll bet there is someone you could name who offers you that example, as well. This is God's plan for us, our mission, if you will, while occupying earth - to be discipled and to disciple others.

• Who are you an example for? Who is your example?

There are plenty of poor examples, and this is where our reference to Christ needs to be completely clear. We need to know enough of Christ to be able to identify poor examples: Christians (or those who claim to be) who consistently deal with things as any other person might. I must confess my example to my daughters or neighbors or friends may be very similar to what a non-believer might offer them. To myself (and to you) I would say to go back and study Jesus' pattern of living; the frequency and regularity in His prayer life, His compassion, His obedience. "Shine like stars" as Paul wrote in chapter 2.

Did you like Paul's words: their god is their stomach - verse 19? Yikes! As one who enjoys food, this convicts me somewhat. I believe he's referring to their preoccupation with fleshly endeavors, which isn't exclusively food. It does cause me to stop and think about what things in my world have come to own me, and wonder if some inventory down-sizing is in order. Ah, spring cleaning!

• What areas (habits) could you name that maybe need to be eliminated?

Week 3 - Philippians 3:1-16

"I say again, 'Rejoice!'" - I think I'm beginning to get a message here! Paul says 'it is a safeguard for you (3:1).' Could rejoicing, remembering who we are in Christ and celebrating that each and every day, could that be our protection, our safety net? I think in this crazy world we're in today, it is a great defense and the perfect witness.

Paul goes on to warn the Philippians about the 'mutilators of the flesh' (3:2) referring to the Judaizers who insisted that converts to Christianity who were Gentile would be required to endure circumcision (as God required of the Jews - Genesis 17:9-10). Paul counters that circumcision is a heart matter. I think it's important to mention here that there are many versions of Christianity around us (like the Judaizers) who add their own ideas, mixing them in with the truth of God's Word. Peeling back their ideas, underneath it is either a lack of belief in the complete truth of the Scriptures - so they need alterations; or a display of pride ('we can improve it') or even plain old ignorance - that is, lack of Biblical knowledge. For me, denominations are unimportant, but teaching the Word correctly and completely is essential in a church. One can't determine if this is the sort of church we want if one doesn't know what the Bible says about life and salvation! We are the ones responsible for the truth we've received (between the covers of your Bible, not on TV or even in church on Sunday), so shame on us if we never check it out. So, here I go again - you can't study the Bible enough!

• How big a priority is Bible study in your week? What changes will you make to move it to the top of your list?

Paul recites his resume in verses 5-6. It's pretty impressive, he seems to have had it all - but he counts it all loss, worthless, rubbish, - when he compares all that human effort to knowing Christ. Philippians 3:10 is one verse I keep revisiting. Years ago, I participated in a 24-hour prayer relay during the Gulf War. It was during my time segment that this verse's address popped into my head, so I turned to it, read it and, quite honestly, didn't really get it. But I knew God wanted me to have it, to keep it and so I have continued to keep it close and He's revealing more and more of the truth of it to me. You see, I think Jesus wants us to know Him more than Paul wanted to know Him. He wants us to realize that the very best thing this life can offer us is a chance to walk in intimacy with Him, through whatever comes, experiencing everything - good or bad - in His power. Jobs, homes, even family are loss compared to this. I would encourage you to keep this verse close, memorize it, live it.

• How well would you say you 'know' Christ?

In verse 11-16, Paul explains that this is a process that requires some focus and discipline on our part - much like an athlete needs to train to win a race. Even Paul wasn't 'there' yet, nor will we be. But the journey waits for us every morning. Yesterday doesn't matter and we can't touch tomorrow. Today's the day.

• What's on your list today? How can you make this a day when you included Jesus in each item?

Chapter 2:19-30 My boy, Timothy ~ In verses 19-24 we get a little insight on Timothy, the young man that was really Paul's right-hand-man. Paul exposes some character qualities in Timothy to us that we should pause a minute to discuss. Look at verse 20. Not a casual interest. Not a passing interest. No, a genuine interest in the welfare of other Christians. Paul was so confident of Timothy's care-giving qualities that he felt Tim was the only one to adequately care for this loving group of believers. At a time when I know Paul would have liked to keep him close, he prepared to send him along to the Philippians as their new pastor.

• Are there some ways you could express or develop an interest in other Christians' welfare? In your church? Across the world?

E-paph-ro-di-tus - means charming. I think he must have been at least that. Obviously, he was trustworthy & reliable or the Philippian church wouldn't have sent him all that way with the help they offered Paul. Verse 26 describes his distress at the church's distress! It is apparent that they loved the guy, and worried when they heard he was ill. I think I'll enjoy visiting with him someday in heaven. How about you?

• Who is depending on you today? Would you describe yourself as trustworthy and reliable? How do you deal with another's distress?

It concerns me today that we leave people alone too much. I mean, here I am writing some ideas about the Scriptures on a computer - not seeing your faces or hearing your reactions. This misses the opportunity to 'be distressed' for someone else, to 'genuinely care' in a real way for another. Have we gotten too remote, too isolated? We can blame technology, I suppose, for offering us this crutch. Or should we place the blame on a culture that moves soooo fast, that we don't feel like we have time to make a real difference in someone else's life? I think it's just me. I'm the one who doesn't elevate another's concerns above my own, go the extra mile, actually pray when I promise to. Join me in looking for opportunities to show the kind of concern Timothy and Epaphroditus showed - and let us know how it goes!

Week 3 - Philippians 2:12 - 30

Shining stars - Just as stars illuminate a dark night, so Christians are to illuminate a dark culture. One of the things that makes my blood boil the most is to see public figures who have said they follow Christ then do something, publically, that denounces Him! If you're going to behave that way then don't claim to be a Christian! Paul writes about being the same no matter who's watching and to take our salvation seriously. See how he writes - "continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to His good purpose." Notice, he said 'work out' not 'work for' your salvation. The work we do because of our faith is work God is doing through us for His purpose. And we take it seriously - with fear and trembling!

• What are you doing today because you've been saved by grace?

God can't work in a grumbling, complaining arguer. He needs us to be "blameless, pure, children of God without fault". We have to be in the world, but we don't want to be of the world. I understand that we have to know how to 'speak the language' of the world, but the danger lies in spending time and energy learning the lingo. Pretty soon we forgot who we're working for and how we are to respond.

I joined facebook recently, and I've got to say it can really suck up your time! Plus, the stuff written there seems, well, like fluff. No one wants to really speak their heart - out in open like that - or ask for prayer, or anything really relevant. I do like that it helps re-connect with those who have moved away, or are distant in some other way. But, if we aren't spending time studying the Bible or talking to Jesus, can we justify the time we spend with fluff?

Cultural relevance, in other words, must be tempered with the attitude of Christ. Remember Philippians 2:5-11? Jesus knew where true north was - He continually went back to His reference points - His Father, His mission, His purpose. These are our reference points too.

• What is your day filled with? Are you 'holding out the word of life' to someone else today? Who needs to hear that from you?

Philippians 2:1-11
All for one...and One for all - Now, this is a recurring theme in the New Testament: the unity of believers. John 17 - Jesus' prayer describes a state of being one with each other and one with the Father; 1 Corinthians 1:10 - Paul exhorts about 'no divisions' and 'perfectly united in mind and thought;' 1 Peter 3:8 - Peter writes about living in harmony with one another...loving as brothers.

• How would this ('being one in spirit and purpose') look in our church? In the big 'c' Church?

A key ingredient to achieving this is what Paul describes next in Philippians 2:3-4 - humility. I love his definitions of what that means here: not indulging in 'selfish ambition or vain conceit, but consider others better than yourself.' He goes on, 'look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. In other words, "get over yourself and take care of someone else first for a change."

• I bet you've done this already today (especially if you're a mom). But, are there areas where 'selfish ambition' sets the course of action? How are you at 'considering others better than yourself?'

The next seven verses in chapter 2 (5-11) are some of the most precious in the Bible, I think. Take a minute to read them a few times right now. Let us know what phrase thrilled you the most, or convicted you, or encouraged you, OK?

Hanging in there...yeah, I know - who wants to talk about suffering? Paul felt compelled to explain to the Philippian church that it is a part of the deal. He was going through it, they would go through it - and we go through it. I read a book once containing story after story of Christian martyrs through the centuries - horrendous physical anguish, death. The thing that amazed me about each of the stories was the strength of conviction each one displayed at 'the moment' he or she needed it. That may be what Paul is talking about in verse 28 of chapter 1 when he writes, "you will be saved - and that by God." Suffering is a frequently visited topic - don't you love that God doesn't pull any punches with us, lays it all out? - in Scriptures. Jesus pointed out that we should expect it (Matthew 10:22, John 16:33).

So how do we deal with it? I like to look at the up side of things generally, but suffering isn't good on any level - or is it? One thing I've observed many times is that when things are going badly, our relationship with God gets very important, true? Perhaps suffering's 'up side' is that we get back to our 'first love.' We're talking to Him more, pouring over His Word more, meditating on Him more. I know that this is what God wants most from us - this intimacy.

Suffering could also be a true identifier of a Christ-follower. (I guess you could be labeled a nut-case, too - but God knows our hearts!) 1 Peter 4:14 says we are blessed if we are reproached for the name of Christ, because His glory rests on us. Romans 8:17 identifies us as heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ if we share in His sufferings. Sounds more like an honor than a problem. I don't think God intends that we 'prove' our devotion to Him by getting ourselves burned at the stake (that would be the nut-case scenario), but He does expect us to follow Christ. Even Jesus' family thought He was a nut-case!

• Have you ever been ostracized or penalized because of a stand you took on your path of following Christ?

I guess the most beautiful part about suffering is the promise God makes regarding it. Romans 8:18 talks about a 'glory that will be revealed in us.' For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. (2 Corinthians 4:17) I like that one. It reminds us to keep these trials in perspective, and keep our eyes on the prize.

Ok, I've inflicted enough suffering by all this rambling - hope it helped you, if you are enduring something hard for Christ's sake right now. If you are, get closer to the One Who Saves.

I would be encouraged to read your ideas of any or all of this - you are welcome to comment!

Week 2 - Philippians 1:27 - 2:11

Watch your walk - "Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ." (Philippians 1:27) Sounds like Paul expects the Philippians to establish a code (even a strategy) of behavior that reflects what they believe in their heart and mind. I read that 'conduct' here is from the Greek verb politeuo which translates "to live as a citizen."

As a nation, we have turned a new page, we're told. Paul's words here would remind us that we are citizens of the United States and should consider loyalty to our nation a mark of integrity. I would urge all of us to pray for our new President - it seems a lot of expectations have been placed on his shoulders already. I would pray for his tasks, his decisions, and his heart to be fully yielded to the will of God the Father.

On a bigger screen, we are, as believers, citizens of heaven. There are times when we all get bogged down with the details, frustrations, weariness of our day to day lives. If we could retain a vision of who we really (eternally) are (you are a daughter or son of the King!), wouldn't it put these daily sufferings in perspective? Wouldn't it keep us on the track of living what we believe - no matter who is watching?

• How's your conduct today? What struggles challenge you and how do others see you handling them?

To be or not to be... Paul debates with himself about the pros and cons of being rescued from prison and death in verses 19-26. He expresses a hope that I share with him: that should the choice come down to my life or allegiance to Christ, that I will have the courage to offer my life - and more that Christ would be glorified whether through my death or my life. (verse 20)

• Have you ever asked yourself that question - given an ultimatum, would you choose Christ or your life?

We all hope our answer would be the brave one, but honestly, in my own strength I fear failure. Thankfully, we won't be alone, depending on our own strength. 1 Peter 4:16 tells us that suffering we endure because of Christ is a 'blessing' because the Spirit of God rests on us. Paul understood this clearly. Read what he writes in verse 21.

• What do you look forward to most when you reach heaven?
• What is your greatest ambition while here on earth?

Paul loved the Philippians and wanted to continue his work with them and the other churches he'd begun around the Mediterranean. He wanted to 'love on' Jesus with them. He would have put off his own pleasure of being face to face with Jesus in order to help their faith develop.

• Who in your family or circle of friends do you love enough to share Jesus with them?

Making lemonade when you get lemons: Paul comments in verses 12 through 19 that it's all good, he's a prisoner and that's a good thing. Good thing!

Look at the reasons he gives: vs.13 "it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ."

• So, what's most important to Paul?


• What is it that you portray clearly to everyone else? On a good day? On a bad day?

Paul gives another reason: his chains are encouraging other Christians to speak the Word of God with more courage (vs. 14). Again, we see what's important to Paul. Also, we get a little insight into his level of humility. For a guy that sometimes comes off as a little cocky, a little prideful, I think his true colors shine here. Check out the next few verses - 15 to 19.

• How would you say 'the ends justify the means' is the theme of verse 18?


• Look at Genesis 50:20. Who's in charge of outcomes, anyway?


• What comfort/assurance can you take away from these verses?

In verses 9-11 Paul prays for the Philippians that their "love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight."

• Knowledge of what?
• How would you describe this sort of love?

He goes on, "so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ - to the glory and praise of God."

• Being pure and blameless, seems like a tall order. What's your initial reaction to this expectation?

CS Lewis describes God's interest in making us perfect like this: "Our Lord is like the dentists...Dozens of people go to Him to be cured of some one particular sin... Well, He will cure it all right: but He will not stop there. That may be all you asked; but if once you call Him in, He will give you the full treatment." (Mere Christianity)

Oswald Chambers puts it like this: "Many of us prefer to stay at the threshold of the Christian life instead of going on to construct a soul in accordance with the new life God has put within." (My Utmost for His Highest)

So, as Christ followers, we must expect to follow Christ! This isn't lofty thinking, it is the practical way of living life - with God's help - to begin looking, thinking, acting more and more like Jesus.

And, "He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Philippians 1:6b Is that a verse you'd like to memorize?

Week 1 - Philippians 1:1-26

Let's find out a little about this New Testament book, written by the Apostle Paul. It is a letter to the little church (group of Christ followers) in the town of Philippi. (Look at Acts 16 to learn how Paul first met them.)

• What do you notice Paul prays for these believers? (verses 3-11)

• What part of this prayer would you pray for our church?

• In verses 12-26, Paul describes his 'chains'. What would you say is the 'theme' of his attitude in these circumstances?

• What's your attitude in adversity? Any examples you can share?