Category: Philippians

  • Rest Day

    Rest Day

    Rest Day

    Today is a Rest Day. There is no new Bible reading to do. Today, the goal is simple: rest in the presence of God. Maybe you need to use today to get caught up on the reading plan if you’re behind, maybe you want to journal what you’re learning so you don’t forget what God is teaching you, or maybe you want to spend time in concentrated prayer–do that. Above all, just spend time in God’s presence. Each Rest Day, we will also introduce a memory verse for the week. Meditate on this week’s verse and begin to memorize it.

    Memory Verse

    Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

    ‭‭Philippians‬ ‭2:3-4‬ ‭NIV‬‬

    Memorization Tip

    Use community as a tool to help you in your Scripture memorization journey! Pick a few friends, or your Life Group, with whom to memorize Scripture. Practice together, hold each other accountable, and encourage one another as you work together. Remember that the best way to stick with a challenge is not to go at it alone!

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  • Philippians In Review

    Philippians In Review

    Philippians In Review

    Now that we have finished reading Paul’s letter to the Philippians, it’s important to reflect on the key themes and ideas from this book. Today, in lieu of a particular passage to read, take some time to answer the following questions:

    Questions
    1. How would you summarize the book of Philippians in one sentence?
    2. What did you learn about God throughout the book of Philippians?
    3. What did you learn about humanity throughout the book of Philippians?
    4. How did studying this book stir your affections for Jesus? 
    5. Go back to Acts 16:11-40. Why did Paul care so deeply about the church at Philippi? Which of those characters do you most identify with? Why? 
    6. What are 2-3 practical applications for you to take from Philippians today? 
    7. If you were to try to memorize just one verse from the entire book of Philippians, which one would it be? Why did that one speak to you?
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  • Philippians 4

    Philippians 4

    Read Philippians 4

    Closing Appeal for Steadfastness and Unity

    1 Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends!

    I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life.

    Final Exhortations

    Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

    Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

    Thanks for Their Gifts

    10 I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

    14 Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. 15 Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; 16 for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need. 17 Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account. 18 I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.19 And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.

    20 To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

    Final Greetings

    21 Greet all God’s people in Christ Jesus. The brothers and sisters who are with me send greetings. 22 All God’s people here send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar’s household.

    23 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.

    Go Deeper

    “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again, I say, Rejoice!”

    Really, Paul? Rejoice ALWAYS? At all times? In every circumstance? That feels impossible sometimes. Yet, Paul makes a connection in Philippians 4 that we find throughout Scripture: what we meditate on affects our behavior and attitude. Much of the Christian life comes down to the battle for the mind. Behavior follows belief. 

    So many of us spend our whole lives longing for peace of mind. Others of us spend our whole lives asking God to bring peace to our anxious heart, to settle our emotions. Don’t miss the instruction Paul gives us: pour it all out to God, not just in prayer but in petition. Two, similar but distinct directives. Prayer is all of our communication with God, but petition (or supplication) specifically asks God to do something. He wants you to tell Him everything. He knows anyway. 

    Giving over to Him in prayer and petition gives way for His peace to guard our heart and our mind. If we want the peace that passes all understanding, we have to discipline our minds to dwell on whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable. We have to feed our minds what is praiseworthy and excellent because what we feed grows. Because…behavior follows belief. 

    It’s why Paul was able to exclaim, “Rejoice always. Rejoice!” His belief informed his attitude. After all, he knew and believed he could do anything through Christ who gave him the strength. 

    So can we. Let’s rejoice in that today!

    Questions

    1. What do you meditate on? What do you think about most? How does it compare to what Paul calls us to think about?
    2. What is Paul’s secret of being content? What can you learn from it? 
    3. What do you learn from Paul’s example that you need to “put into practice?” (Vs. 9)

    Did You Know?

    It’s important to remember Paul’s situation as he’s imploring the Philippians to rejoice. At the time he was writing this he was in prison after being wrongfully arrested, shipwrecked, snake-bitten, and under house arrest. It wasn’t a flippant statement, but encouragement based on his own experiences.

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  • Philippians 3

    Philippians 3

    Read Philippians 3

    Further, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you. Watch out for those dogs, those evildoers, those mutilators of the flesh. For it is we who are the circumcision, we who serve God by his Spirit, who boast in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh— though I myself have reasons for such confidence.

    If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless.

    But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. 10 I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.

    12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

    Following Paul’s Example

    15 All of us, then, who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. 16 Only let us live up to what we have already attained.

    17 Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do. 18 For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things. 20 But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.

    Go Deeper

    A lot of us love checklists. There is great satisfaction that comes from checking off a task. We love to say the three little words that fill our hearts with joy: “I did it!” And that spurs us on to do more, be more, achieve more. Our world rewards and reinforces this idea. Think about the thousands of books, workshops, classes, videos, articles, and dollars devoted to how to achieve tiny check marks and the pride that comes from them. This is how the world works for worldly things; the problem lies in us applying this worldly method to our gospel purpose. Go to church? Check. Read the Bible? Check. Listen to Christian music? Check.

    These are all good things when done to learn and demonstrate how to love God and love people more. But so often we stop at that tiny check mark. The Philippians struggled with this as well. Circumcised? Check. Follow the Law? Check. Denounce those who don’t? Check.

    But they stopped at that tiny check mark. And worse, they used that tiny check mark against people, rather than for them. Do we do the same? Do we focus on the check marks of worldly Christianity to the detriment of the heavenly purpose of Christianity? It’s such an easy distraction that comes with great human satisfaction. All ending with those three little words: “I did it!” But when we have our eyes fixed on the check mark, we do not have our eyes fixed on Christ. Paul shares, “not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith.”

    The Holy Spirit thriving in us and working through us is our heavenly check mark. It is the thing we should strive to attain. Paul tells us this is an indicator of faith maturity (verse 3:15).  As we mature in our relationship with Christ, we develop from the elementary check mark mentality to the advanced faith perspective that reflects Christ in us and through us. Faith–true, deep, rich faith in God–is the prize. Let us not be distracted by so focusing on check marks that we lose sight of this true prize.

    Questions

    1. In what ways do you focus on “checking the boxes” of worldly Christianity? 
    2. In what ways do you demonstrate the heavenly purpose of Christianity?  
    3. What does faith maturity look like?  On a scale of 1-10, with 1 being immature in faith and 10 being the most mature faith possible, where do you currently fall?

    Did You Know?

    Paul’s mini-biography in verses 4-6 are meant to reinforce the idea of our salvation being by faith alone and not by our works. When it came to upholding the Law, no one had a better resumé than Paul, but he considers that to be worthless in comparison to knowing Christ.

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  • Philippians 2

    Philippians 2

    Read Philippians 2

    1 Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

    In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:

    Who, being in very nature God,
        did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
    rather, he made himself nothing
        by taking the very nature of a servant,
        being made in human likeness.
    And being found in appearance as a man,
        he humbled himself
        by becoming obedient to death—
            even death on a cross!

    Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
        and gave him the name that is above every name,
    10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
        in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
    11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,
        to the glory of God the Father.

    Do Everything Without Grumbling

    12 Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.

    14 Do everything without grumbling or arguing, 15 so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky 16 as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain. 17 But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. 18 So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.

    Timothy and Epaphroditus

    19 I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you. 20 I have no one else like him, who will show genuine concern for your welfare. 21 For everyone looks out for their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. 22 But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel. 23 I hope, therefore, to send him as soon as I see how things go with me. 24 And I am confident in the Lord that I myself will come soon.

    25 But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, co-worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs. 26 For he longs for all of you and is distressed because you heard he was ill. 27 Indeed he was ill, and almost died. But God had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me, to spare me sorrow upon sorrow. 28 Therefore I am all the more eager to send him, so that when you see him again you may be glad and I may have less anxiety. 29 So then, welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor people like him, 30 because he almost died for the work of Christ. He risked his life to make up for the help you yourselves could not give me.

    Go Deeper

    We all like different styles of clothing and dress. Some like to dress fancy, and some are more casual. Some of us look good in flashy clothes, and others in something completely different. However, there is one item we wear that looks good on everyone. It always fits, never goes out of season, the size is just right, and it goes with everything. What is this all-encompassing “clothing” we can all wear well?

    Humility.

    In Philippians 2 we read about the greatest demonstration of humility in the history of the world. In the most ridiculous and unjustified act ever, Jesus Christ, the perfect Son of God, humbles himself by becoming obedient to death on a cross. Fully God and fully man, Jesus takes our sin upon Himself and dies for you and me. In Philippians 2:3-4 we see that we should have this very same mindset as Jesus Christ. And while we don’t need to die on the cross for our sins, we are to have the same mindset as Christ (v.5). We are to clothe ourselves with humility. In Colossians 3:12, Paul writes, “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”

    It’s often been said that humility doesn’t mean we think less of ourselves, but rather that we think of ourselves less. When we do, we keep our mind steadfast on Christ and on others, and in doing so become more like Jesus Christ. Paul reminds us that this very attitude of humility is observed foremost in Jesus.

    The rest of Philippians 2 is filled with great wisdom, but it’s hard to get past the significance of Philippians 2:1-11. The rest of the chapter describes what happens when we live with humility. If we do, then we get to see Philippians 2:12-30 lived out. Our humility should make us stick out in a twisted, perverse, crooked generation. When we humble ourselves like Jesus did, then the world takes notice and God gets the glory.

    Questions

    1. Would others consider you to be a humble person? Why or why not?
    2. In verse 14, Paul says “Do everything without grumbling or arguing.” Do you think this means we can’t argue with others or ever complain/grumble?
    3. What encourages you the most as you consider the humility of Jesus Christ?

    Did You Know?

    Epaphroditus (mentioned in verses 25-30) delivered this letter to the Philippian church. He demonstrated the exact type of sacrificial humility Paul writes about in verses 3-11 as he risks his own life for the sake of the Gospel and for others.

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  • Philippians 1

    Philippians 1

    Read Philippians 1

    Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus,

    To all God’s holy people in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons:

    Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

    Thanksgiving and Prayer

    I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

    It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart and, whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me. God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.

    And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, 10 so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.

    Paul’s Chains Advance the Gospel

    12 Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. 13 As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. 14 And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear.

    15 It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. 16 The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17 The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. 18 But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.

    Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, 19 for I know that through your prayers and God’s provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. 20 I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. 21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. 22 If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! 23 I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; 24 but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. 25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me.

    Life Worthy of the Gospel

    27 Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel 28 without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God. 29 For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him,30 since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.

    Go Deeper

    Philippians is known as the happiest book in the Bible because Paul writes with a tremendous amount of joy. In this book he’s just so overtly excited and optimistic about life. In this first chapter we read that he says, “In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy” (v. 4). Clearly, Paul has such a depth of friendship with the Philippians that it gives him genuine joy. And we also read him say,I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith” (v. 25). So not only does he enjoy his relationship with his friends, but he wants them to enjoy their relationship with God, just as Paul does.  

    We can learn a lot here from Paul’s joy. He’s found joy in his relationship with God, and he’s found joy in his relationship with other believers. What’s evident is that he doesn’t find his joy from his circumstances. As Paul is writing this he is chained up in prison in Rome. He has every reason to complain and be discouraged. Surely God has forsaken him and his friends have forgotten him! But rather than letting his situation determine his belief, his belief trumped his situation. He knew that God was God over the perceived “good times” and the perceived “bad times.” Paul knew that God would work through it all. So whether he was in chains or not, whether he was alive or not, he was convinced that God would work it together for his good.

    As we read Philippians, we need to ask ourselves where we find our joy. Would we be able to have joy if we were in prison – apart from comfort, coffee, and our cell phone? Would we be able to rejoice in our Savior even when our situation feels bleak? Our joy shows us that which we rely upon. As Christians we can have joy in every season because we know the One we trust in is good. He’s with us, for us, and working all things for our good. And if that’s true, we can rejoice in the Lord whether we’re dead or alive, in chains or free. 

    Questions

    1. How do circumstances tend to affect your joy?
    2. Why do you think Paul is relatively unaffected by his situation?
    3. When have you seen God work in your life through a difficult situation?

    Did You Know?

    Notice Paul’s description of the gospel advancing in verse 12. The gospel doesn’t merely spread like other information. It advances and moves forward, building upon itself and then spreading throughout the world (all the way to Rome, the capital of the Empire).

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  • Philippians Preview

    Philippians Preview

    Getting Started

    Welcome to the Bible Reading Plan! We are so glad you are joining us for this quick journey as we read and study Paul’s letter to the Philippians this week. Each day, you will read one chapter of the Bible followed by a short devotional, answer a few questions, and if you want, record any observations or insights using the interactive comments section. We believe God will use this resource to grow our knowledge and affection for Him. We know God’s Word does not return void (Isaiah 55:11). Sign up with a friend, your Life Group, or your family, and let’s dig in!

    Make sure to download our Harris Creek App and turn on push notifications, or visit us at biblereadingplan.org and sign up to receive the BRP in your inbox. Also, don’t forget to follow us on Instagram (@harriscreek) for some fun, creative ways to interact with the readings. 

    Let’s Go, Church!

    Overview

    Around 49 AD the apostle Paul was in Philippi, a Gentile-heavy Roman colony, on a missionary journey and he was looking to start a new church. Alongside Lydia (a merchant who dealt in only the finest of cloth), a jailer, and a formerly demon-possessed slave girl, the church at Philippi began inside Lydia’s house. It was an odd group to start a church with, but these were Paul’s people. He loved these people. Twelve years later, from a Roman prison, Paul wrote them this letter to encourage them, cheer them on, and thank them for their support over the years. 

    There are a couple of different ideas repeated throughout this letter to the Philippians. One prominent theme is the importance of suffering well, for the sake of Christ. Paul, imprisoned, was a prime example of how to do that. Paul knew that the outside world was going to be antagonistic towards Christians because he was experiencing that firsthand. He viewed it as an opportunity to suffer in the same way Jesus did. 

    The other idea that’s repeated throughout the letter is the importance of unity for the believers. He stresses the importance of being of one spirit and one mind. As we’ll read in chapter four, there was a conflict amongst two women within the church and word had gotten back to Paul. Paul was fully aware that relationships can be messy and it’s easy to drift into relational dysfunction within the church. He also understood the importance of cutting that out quickly in order to advance the gospel. 

    There is so much in Philippians that we can learn from today. All four of these chapters are loaded with theological truths and practical applications for us. This week, we’ll read the book from start to finish. Pay attention to every word on the page–you don’t want to miss anything. 

    Thanks for journeying along with us!

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  • Rest Day

    Rest Day

    Rest Day

    Today is a Rest Day. There is no new Bible reading to do. Today, the goal is simple: rest in the presence of God. Maybe you need to use today to get caught up on the reading plan if you’re behind, maybe you want to journal what you’re learning so you don’t forget what God is teaching you, or maybe you want to spend time in concentrated prayer–do that. Above all, just spend time in God’s presence. Each Rest Day, we will also introduce a memory verse for the week. Meditate on this week’s verse and begin to memorize it.

    Memory Verse

    I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.

    ‭‭Philippians‬ ‭1:20-21‬ ‭NIV‬‬

    Memorization Tip

    Take the verse with you throughout your day. Write it on a post-it note and put it on your fridge, or your mirror, or your steering wheel–anywhere that you’ll see it and be reminded of what you’re memorizing throughout the day. Set it as the lock screen on your phone. And when you see it during the day, say it out loud, meditate on it, and work on memorizing it.

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