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?