Welcome to a 25-day personal devotional time in Philippians. You are always welcome to follow your own devotional format, but if you feel you need one or even a fresh way of spending time with God in His Word, we’ve provided an option for you using the acrostic, P.R.A.I.S.E.:
Praise – A great way to begin your devotional time is to acknowledge who God is, which will help you to be more spiritually sensitive to what He wants to teach you.
Read the text – To have a better grasp on what the author is saying, it’s best to at least read the section of Scripture before and after the immediate text you focusing on each day.
Ask questions – We have provided questions for you to ponder, but know that you don’t have to address them all each day.
Interpret the context – When you are reflecting on a word, phrase or verse, be sure to remain consistent with the context. It’s important to ask yourself if the author would have intended his original audience to understand him the way you are interpreting him.
Summarize – You will be blessed by committing to writing down the main points and personal application. This exercise will help you think more deeply about the meaning of the passage and your response to it.
Engage with God – It’s so wonderful to begin with the Lord and close this particular devotional time with Him in prayer. This is the moment to talk with God about your response to the passage, asking Him to apply it to your heart, to give you further understanding, faith and obedience. If you need a resource on how to pray, please click here.
Devotionals in Philippians - Week One (Days 1-5)
Week One – Day 1
Praise (What is it about God’s character that I am grateful for?)
Read the text: Philippians 1:1-5 (Jot down key or repeated words and phrases)
Ask questions & interpret the context:
- What does it mean to you to be a servant of Jesus Christ?
- Paul was being thankful for the Philippians financial support (v.3) and their participation in the advance of the gospel (v.5), which fueled his joy. What are you being thankful for?
- In thinking about Paul in his imprisonment, how do you personally experience joy in the midst of your difficult circumstances? (v.4)
Summarize: Now take a moment to go back and pour over your observations as well as your responses to the questions.
Engage with God: Bring your thoughts, questions, and desire for change to the Lord for his forgiveness, wisdom, correction, guidance, and direction. Here are a few extra questions to consider:
- What is the Lord saying to your personally?
- What do you need to pray about?
- With whom does the Lord want you to share this devotional?
- Who has the Lord placed on your heart to pray for and invite to church?
DIGGING DEEPER (Optional)
- Why do you think it’s important for Paul & Timothy to declare themselves as servants of Jesus Christ, rather than a title that conveys more authority? (See also John 13:14)
- In what ways do the words, grace and peace, that come from God, have meaning to you?
- Write your own biblical definition of faith and of joy. (See also I Corinthians 2:5; Romans 10:17; Hebrews 11:1; Proverbs 3:5-6; 2 Corinthians 5:7; Psalm 28:7; Isaiah 12:6; John 16:22; I Peter 1:8-9; James 1:2-3; Hebrews 12:2)
- How did you observe faith and joy playing a vital role in Paul’s prayer life and his work for the Lord?
- Determine the role of faith and joy in your prayers and service.
- How is the Lord speaking to you as a result of reflecting on this passage today?
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Week One – Day 2
Praise (Reflect on what you’re grateful for from DAY 1 with the Lord)
Read the text: Philippians 1:6-8 (Jot down key or repeated words and phrases)
Ask questions & interpret the context:
- What do you suppose good works looks like in a follower of Jesus? (v.6)
- What does verse 6 tell you about God’s faithfulness to His people? (v.6)
- What has ever caused you to have the kind of affection toward others like Paul had for the Philippian believers? (v.8)
Summarize: Now take a moment to go back and pour over your observations as well as your responses to the questions.
Engage with God: Bring your thoughts, questions, and desire for change to the Lord for his forgiveness, wisdom, correction, guidance, and direction. Here are some extra questions to consider:
- What is the Lord saying to your personally?
- What do you need to pray about?
- With whom does the Lord want you to share this devotional?
- Who has the Lord placed on your heart to pray for and invite to church?
DIGGING DEEPER (Optional)
- Develop a Biblical perspective on hope from verse 6 and from the following references (1:14, 25; 2:13, 24; 3:3,4; Isaiah 40:31; Jeremiah 29:11; Romans 5:5; 8:24-25; 15:13; Colossians 3:1-2; I Peter 5:10; Hebrews 11:11)
- List any roadblocks you are experiencing, which have slowed down God’s good works in and through you. (Read and pray out of 4:6-7 and I Peter 5:7)
- In what ways do you see Paul’s joy-filled love being fueled?
- In what ways and with whom do you desire to situate yourself to become more faithful, joyful, hopeful and lovable?
- How is the Lord speaking to you as a result of reflecting on this passage today?
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Week One – Day 3
Praise (Reflect on what you’re grateful for from DAY 2 with the Lord)
Read the text: Philippians 1:9-11 (Jot down key or repeated words and phrases)
Ask questions & interpret the context:
- When you hear the words in verse 9, abound more and more, what picture or substance do you think of? How is love like this?
- Contrast the difference between loving dumbly and loving wisely (vv. 9-10).
- Wise love usually costs something: time, effort money, attention, etc. Why do you think that is the case? Why isn’t it always easy?
Summarize: Now take a moment to go back and pour over your observations as well as your responses to the questions.
Engage with God: Bring your thoughts, questions, and desire for change to the Lord for his forgiveness, wisdom, correction, guidance, and direction. Here are some extra questions to consider:
- What is the Lord saying to your personally?
- What do you need to pray about?
- With whom does the Lord want you to share this devotional?
- Who has the Lord placed on your heart to pray for and invite to church?
DIGGING DEEPER (Optional)
- List and pray about any hurdles to loving more and more that you are facing. (Consider Philippians 1:29-30; 2:1-14; 4:2, 6, 19; Romans 12:2)
- What does Paul’s prayer that our love may abound more and more with knowledge and all discernment, mean to you personally? (See also I Corinthians 13:1-13; 1 Thessalonians 3:12; Ephesians 1:8; 3:17; Romans 5:13-17; 2 Corinthians 8:7, Philippians 3:12-15)
- Determine how you can grow in how wisely you express your love to the Lord and others. (Philippians 2:3-4; 4:8-9; Colossians 1:9-11; Romans 12:1-2; Matthew 22:34-40)
- Since followers of Jesus still battle with their sin nature, how do you think it is possible to be pure and blameless? (Consider Psalm 15)
- In light of being filled with the fruit of righteousness, reflect on the contrasts in Galatians 5:19-24. (See also James 3:10-12; 2 Corinthians 9:10)
- How is the Lord speaking to you as a result of reflecting on this passage today?
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Week One – Day 4
Praise (Reflect on what you’re grateful for from DAY 3 with the Lord)
Read the text: Philippians 1:12-14 (Jot down key or repeated words and phrases)
Ask questions & interpret the context:
- What can the game of life take from you or give you to remove your joy?
- What does it feel like to you when you take your eyes off your circumstances and look to encourage others? (vv. 12-14)
- How can you find joy in the Master’s Plan (the Gospel)? (vv. 13-14)
Summarize: Now take a moment to go back and pour over your observations as well as your responses to the questions.
Engage with God: Bring your thoughts, questions, and desire for change to the Lord for his forgiveness, wisdom, correction, guidance, and direction. Here are some extra questions to consider:
- What is the Lord saying to your personally?
- What do you need to pray about?
- With whom does the Lord want you to share this devotional?
- Who has the Lord placed on your heart to pray for and invite to church?
DIGGING DEEPER (Optional)
- Compare verse 12 to James 1:2-4 in light of having a “positive reality built on faith in the absolute truth of Jesus and His Master plan for your life,” (Mark Foreman).
- What sort of “chains” are you under? Determine whether those chains are binding you in discouragement, resentment or darkness, or being used to live for Christ in your circumstances.
- Describe how you can have eyes on others in spite of your personal circumstances. (See also Leviticus 19:18; Luke 6: 27-28; 22:42; Philippians 2:5-8)
- In what ways can you become more confident in being a witness for Jesus?
- In what ways can you help others see beyond their circumstances, encouraging their faith in Christ and their boldness in their witness?
- How is the Lord speaking to you as a result of reflecting on this passage today?
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Week One – Day 5
Praise (Reflect on what you’re grateful for from DAY 4 with the Lord)
Read the text: Philippians 1:15-18a (Jot down key or repeated words and phrases)
Ask questions & interpret the context:
- What motivates you to share the truth of God’s love?
- Why do you suppose the Lemon Squeezer is more important than the lemons or the lemonade?
- What do you see is the greater joy from these verses?
Summarize: Now take a moment to go back and pour over your observations as well as your responses to the questions.
Engage with God: Bring your thoughts, questions, and desire for change to the Lord for his forgiveness, wisdom, correction, guidance, and direction. Here are some extra questions to consider:
- What is the Lord saying to your personally?
- What do you need to pray about?
- With whom does the Lord want you to share this devotional?
- Who has the Lord placed on your heart to pray for and invite to church?
DIGGING DEEPER (Optional)
- Thinking that there was no way anyone could find Jesus, describe a situation that you actually saw God change a life…yours or someone else’s.
- What do these verses tell you about God? (See Genesis 50:20)
- Reflect on what it is in your life that holds the gospel from being seen and heard from you. (Consider John 16:24; James 1:5-8)
- To produce sheer joy, what help, resources and training do you desire to pursue to become more confident in working with God in His cause?
- How is the Lord speaking to you as a result of reflecting on this passage today?
Devotionals in Philippians - Week Two (Days 6-10)
Week Two – Day 6
Praise (What is it about God’s character that I am grateful for?)
Read the text: Philippians 1:19-22 (Jot down key or repeated words and phrases)
Ask questions & interpret the context:
- Why do you suppose even followers of Jesus fear their futures?
- Describe how joy can raise you above your circumstances.
- What does verse 21 mean to your personally?
Summarize: Now take a moment to go back and pour over your observations as well as your responses to the questions.
Engage with God: Bring your thoughts, questions, and desire for change to the Lord for his forgiveness, wisdom, correction, guidance, and direction. Here are some extra questions to consider:
- What is the Lord saying to your personally?
- What do you need to pray about?
- With whom does the Lord want you to share this devotional?
- Who has the Lord placed on your heart to pray for and invite to church?
DIGGING DEEPER (Optional)
- Paul points to 2 significant means of his deliverance, prayer of the Philippians and the Holy Spirit. What does the roles of God and others look like in your ability to determine to have joy even before you enter difficult moments at work, home or when you’re alone?
- How does verse 21 impact your daily routines? Your service for the Lord
- The Lord provides such freedom in Him from our past, in our present and even for our future, but how is He speaking to you as a result of reflecting on this passage today?
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Week Two – Day 7
Praise (Reflect on what you’re grateful for from DAY 6 with the Lord)
Read the text: Philippians 1:23-26 (Jot down key or repeated words and phrases)
Ask questions & interpret the context:
- How convinced are you that if you departed from this world, you’d be with Christ? (v.23)
- How has the Lord used you even during difficult times in your life to bless others? (vv.24)
- Name someone and then pray for wisdom on how you could encourage that person’s spiritual growth. (v.25)
Summarize: Now take a moment to go back and pour over your observations as well as your responses to the questions.
Engage with God: Bring your thoughts, questions, and desire for change to the Lord for his forgiveness, wisdom, correction, guidance, and direction. Her are some extra questions to consider:
- What is the Lord saying to your personally?
- What do you need to pray about?
- With whom does the Lord want you to share this devotional?
- Who has the Lord placed on your heart to pray for and invite to church?
DIGGING DEEPER (Optional)
- (v. 23) Write down how you would help someone know for certain that when they die they will be with Jesus Christ.
- Describe Christ’s purpose for you at this time in your life in a couple of sentences. (v. 24)
- In verse 25, Paul said he became convinced that he needed to remain on earth. How do you believe he was able to come to that strong of a decision?
- What role can you play in encouraging and motivating joy and faith in those who are in your circles of influence?
- How is the Lord speaking to you as a result of reflecting on this passage today?
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Week Two – Day 8
Praise (Reflect on what you’re grateful for from DAY 7 with the Lord)
Read the text: Philippians 1:27-30 (Jot down key or repeated words and phrases)
Ask questions & interpret the context:
- What does a worthy life look like to you? (v. 27)
- How do you think your faith in Jesus plays a role in your conduct?
- In what ways do you see opposition to your faith pulling you together with other followers of Jesus?
Summarize: Now take a moment to go back and pour over your observations as well as your responses to the questions.
Engage with God: Bring your thoughts, questions, and desire for change to the Lord for his forgiveness, wisdom, correction, guidance, and direction. Here are some more questions to consider:
- What is the Lord saying to your personally?
- What do you need to pray about?
- With whom does the Lord want you to share this devotional?
- Who has the Lord placed on your heart to pray for and invite to church?
DIGGING DEEPER (Optional)
- Jot down your thoughts on how the Gospel of Christ is catalyst to worthy conduct for a follower of Jesus.
- How do you think faith as well as fruitful behavior plays a role in your conduct?
- In what ways do verses 27-28 have in common with Psalm 15?
- Why do you think God allows you, in Christ, to suffer, face opposition and experience persecution? (Vv. 28-30)
- How is the Lord speaking to you as a result of reflecting on this passage today?
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Week Two – Day 9
Praise (Reflect on what you’re grateful for from DAY 8 with the Lord)
Read the text: Philippians 2:1-4 (Jot down key or repeated words and phrases)
Ask questions & interpret the context:
- In what ways do you think joy is experienced through unity? (Vv. 1-2)
- What does humility look like in your life? (v. 3)
- What have you felt after you actually help others before you cared for yourself? (v. 4)
Summarize: Now take a moment to go back and pour over your observations as well as your responses to the questions.
Engage with God: Bring your thoughts, questions, and desire for change to the Lord for his forgiveness, wisdom, correction, guidance, and direction. Here are some more questions to consider:
- What is the Lord saying to your personally?
- What do you need to pray about?
- With whom does the Lord want you to share this devotional?
- Who has the Lord placed on your heart to pray for and invite to church?
DIGGING DEEPER
- In the church today, how would you strive for more unity in Christ?
- Describe the impact on the church if followers of Jesus experienced such encouragement through His love, fellowship and compassion?
- How does Paul’s directive for unity, being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind mean to you personally?
- In addition to love being an ingredient for unity, Paul adds in humility. What do actions with and without selfish ambition and conceit look like to you?
- What are some ways you can put others’ interests before yours?
- How is the Lord speaking to you as a result of reflecting on this passage today?
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Week Two – Day 10
Praise (Reflect on what you’re grateful for from DAY 9 with the Lord)
Read the text: Philippians 2:5-11 (Jot down key or repeated words and phrases)
Ask questions & interpret the context:
- Why do you think God so freely emptied Himself, when we have so much trouble humbling ourselves?
- From your perspective, what makes the incarnation (Jesus coming into this world fully man, at the same time being fully God) so radical?
- What do you struggle with letting go of? Before whom do you have the most trouble humbling yourself? Why?
Summarize: Now take a moment to go back and pour over your observations as well as your responses to the questions.
Engage with God: Bring your thoughts, questions, and desire for change to the Lord for his forgiveness, wisdom, correction, guidance, and direction. Here are some more questions to consider:
- What is the Lord saying to your personally?
- What do you need to pray about?
- With whom does the Lord want you to share this devotional?
- Who has the Lord placed on your heart to pray for and invite to church?
DIGGING DEEPER (Optional)
- What does it mean to you to have the same mindset as Christ Jesus, who is God? (Vv. 5-6) (Consider Mark 10:43)
- Christ gave up His position to become a servant (v.7) (See also 2 Corinthians 8:9; Matthew 20:25-28). What can this look like in your life?
- What are some risks in humbling yourself to serve others?
- How do you think you can overcome those risks?
- What can you apply to your life in Christ from verses 9-11?
- How is the Lord speaking to you as a result of reflecting on this passage today?
Devotionals in Philippians - Week Three (Days 11 - 15)
Week 3 – Day 11
Praise (Reflect on what you’re grateful for from the weekend with the Lord)
Read the text: Philippians 2:12-14 (Jot down key or repeated words and phrases)
Ask questions & interpret the context:
- Have you ever been a “performer”? (That is, acted like a better Christian around certain people or even at church.) How did you feel about that?
- Explain why you think love, obedience and servanthood are the marks of our salvation in Christ.
- How do you practice obedience to Jesus when no one is around to keep you accountable? (v. 12)
Summarize: Now take a moment to go back and pour over your observations as well as your responses to the questions.
Engage with God: Bring your thoughts, questions, and desire for change to the Lord for his forgiveness, wisdom, correction, guidance, and direction. Here are some more questions to consider:
- What is the Lord saying to your personally?
- What do you need to pray about?
- With whom does the Lord want you to share this devotional?
- Who has the Lord placed on your heart to pray for and invite to church?
DIGGING DEEPER (Optional)
- What do you think you should do when you don’t feel like obeying the Lord?
- The words, your own, in the phrase, work out your own salvation, are plural (v.12). In these words, we find the Christian life was not meant to be lived out alone. What does it look like to you to be part of a community of believers?
- What would you say is God’s good purpose (or pleasure) for your life? (v.13)
- Understanding that Paul wrote to the Philippians about their potential traps of complaining and arguing, how do you suppose the church today should face these issues?
- How is the Lord speaking to you as a result of reflecting on this passage today?
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Week 3 – Day 12
Praise (Reflect on what you’re grateful for from DAY 11 with the Lord)
Read the text: Philippians 2:15-18 (Jot down key or repeated words and phrases)
Ask questions & interpret the context:
- We can’t ignore the fact that we live in a warped and crooked world, but where have you seen or experienced God’s presence and joy? (v. 15)
- What has been your experience in holding out the Word of Life (The Bible/Gospel) to others? (v. 16)
- Paul invites the Philippians to join him in being joyful during hard times. How can you apply that to your present situation? (v. 18)
Summarize: Now take a moment to go back and pour over your observations as well as your responses to the questions.
Engage with God: Bring your thoughts, questions, and desire for change to the Lord for his forgiveness, wisdom, correction, guidance, and direction. Here are some more questions to consider:
- What is the Lord saying to your personally?
- What do you need to pray about?
- With whom does the Lord want you to share this devotional?
- Who has the Lord placed on your heart to pray for and invite to church?
DIGGING DEEPER (Optional)
- In verse 15, Paul called followers of Jesus as well as the church to be blameless (beyond reproach) and pure (innocent). How can you play a significant role through your life to help the church remain strong in its actions and steadfast in the Truth, while being exhibiting grace?
- How do you truly live in this world (shine like stars), but not be of this world (holding firmly…)? (v. 16)
- How do you go about experiencing gladness and joy in a world that disappoints in so many ways? (v. 18)
- How is the Lord speaking to you as a result of reflecting on this passage today?
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Week 3 – Day 13
Praise (Reflect on what you’re grateful for from DAY 12 with the Lord)
Read the text: Philippians 2:19-24 (Jot down key or repeated words and phrases)
Ask questions & interpret the context:
- What do you observe about Timothy and Paul’s relationship?
- How do you think is it possible for two different personalities, two different upbringings and from two different generations to serve together with one mind and one heart?
- How is it possible to be responsible for your own affairs and still effectively look out for the interests or welfare of others?
Summarize: Now take a moment to go back and pour over your observations as well as your responses to the questions.
Engage with God: Bring your thoughts, questions, and desire for change to the Lord for his forgiveness, wisdom, correction, guidance, and direction. Here are some more questions to consider:
- What is the Lord saying to your personally?
- What do you need to pray about?
- With whom does the Lord want you to share this devotional?
- Who has the Lord placed on your heart to pray for and invite to church?
DIGGING DEEPER (Optional)
- Describe what a kindred spirit with other followers of Jesus should look and act like to you. (v. 20a)
- Based on where the Lord has your right now (work, home, school, sports, etc.), what are some ways you can advance the gospel? (v. 20b) (Consider your attitude and actions, not just your words.)
- What is it that should be considered in someone’s character being proven worthy? (v. 22)
- The phrase, as a son with his father, (v. 22), speaks of the importance of mature followers of Jesus mentoring Christians who are young in the faith. What have you learned from others that you can pass on to encourage and build up younger followers of Jesus?
- Timothy’s character and actions are a reflection of what the church should look like. How can you play a role in the further growth and development of your church reflecting this kind of character and actions?
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Week 3 – Day 14
Praise (Reflect on what you’re grateful for from DAY 13 with the Lord)
Read the text: Philippians 2:25-30 (Jot down key or repeated words and phrases)
Ask questions & interpret the context:
- After reading about Timothy and Epaphrodites, which one do you identify with and why?
- Is there someone you currently know who models Christ to you? How?
- Are there people you can serve in ways you’re not doing now?
Summarize: Now take a moment to go back and pour over your observations as well as your responses to the questions.
Engage with God: Bring your thoughts, questions, and desire for change to the Lord for his forgiveness, wisdom, correction, guidance, and direction. Here are some more questions to consider:
- What is the Lord saying to your personally?
- What do you need to pray about?
- With whom does the Lord want you to share this devotional?
- Who has the Lord placed on your heart to pray for and invite to church?
DIGGING DEEPER (Optional)
- Besides calling Epaphrodites his brother (in Christ), Paul also calls him a fellow worker and fellow soldier. What would you say it the difference between these two types of partnership with Paul for the sake of the Gospel? (v.25) (See also, Philippians 4:3; Romans 16:3; I Thessalonians 3:2)
- What does a ministry of encouragement look like to you in your sphere of influence?
- What opportunities have you taken to minister to friends or loved-ones for which you’ve long to be with but are not able to?
- Who do choose to honor in your circles of influence?
- How is the Lord speaking to you as a result of reflecting on this passage today?
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Week 3 – Day 15
Praise (Reflect on what you’re grateful for from DAY 14 with the Lord)
Read the text: Philippians 3:1-3 (Jot down key or repeated words and phrases)
Ask questions & interpret the context:
- After reading verses 1-3, why do you think Paul was again motivating his readers to rejoice in the Lord? (V.1)
- List some ways the world has tried to draw you into thinking there must be more to achieving salvation than by believing and following Jesus Christ.
- Why do you think self-boasting is antithetical to true spirituality?
Summarize: Now take a moment to go back and pour over your observations as well as your responses to the questions.
Engage with God: Bring your thoughts, questions, and desire for change to the Lord for his forgiveness, wisdom, correction, guidance, and direction. Here are some more questions to consider:
- What is the Lord saying to your personally?
- What do you need to pray about?
- With whom does the Lord want you to share this devotional?
- Who has the Lord placed on your heart to pray for and invite to church?
DIGGING DEEPER (Optional)
- In Biblical history, a Judaizer was one who lived according to Jewish customs and often taught new Gentile believers that salvation was by grace, plus conforming to the Mosaic Law, of which circumcision played a big role. Read Acts 15:1-9; Romans 11:6; Galatians 2:16, 21; 5:1 to understand the contrast between the Truth about Salvation by grace or by grace + something else. (V. 2)
- What does mean to you as a follower of Jesus to be the circumcision? (v. 3)
- Describe in your own words what worshipping by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus mean to you. (V. 3)
- What do you see are the differences between being successful in using your God-given abilities and putting no confidence in the flesh? (V. 3)
- How is the Lord speaking to you as a result of reflecting on this passage today?
Devotionals in Philippians - Week Four (Days 16 - 20)
Week 4 – Day 16
Praise (Reflect on what you’re grateful for the weekend with the Lord)
Read the text: Philippians 3:4-9 (Jot down key or repeated words and phrases)
Ask questions & interpret the context:
- Mainstream society has its own boasting built around beauty, brains, brawn and bucks. What are some examples you have observed?
- How have you tripped over yourself by boasting in what you have, what you do, or have done to make yourself look good to others or even God?
- Read verses 7 and 8 again. Why do you think Paul considered his earthly accomplishments as loss or rubbish in contrast to knowing Jesus?
Summarize: Now take a moment to go back and pour over your observations as well as your responses to the questions.
Engage with God: Bring your thoughts, questions, and desire for change to the Lord for his forgiveness, wisdom, correction, guidance, and direction. Here are some more questions to consider:
- What is the Lord saying to your personally?
- What do you need to pray about?
- With whom does the Lord want you to share this devotional?
- Who has the Lord placed on your heart to pray for and invite to church?
DIGGING DEEPER (Optional)
- Notice that in verses 5-6, Paul describes his pedigree, his position, his works/achievements and his conscience. Why do you think this self-description is often a common perspective for anyone who is religious but does not know Jesus personally?
- In your own words contrast Paul’s view of himself in light of his relationship with Jesus Christ before and after his Damascus Road experience. (See Acts 9:1-22; 22:3-5; 1 Timothy 1:15-16; Titus 3:3-4)
- What does a surpassing worth (or value) of knowing Jesus mean to you personally? (V. 8)
- What do you believe is the difference between right living according to your ways versus according to God? (V. 9)
- How is the Lord speaking to you as a result of reflecting on this passage today?
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Week 4 – Day 17
Praise (Reflect on what you’re grateful for from DAY 16 with the Lord)
Read the text: Philippians 3:10-11 (Jot down key or repeated words and phrases)
Ask questions & interpret the context:
- What do you understand is the difference between knowing about your favorite sports or movie hero and being a friend of that athlete or movie star? (V. 10 on knowing Jesus)
- Why do you think the cross of Christ and His resurrection are central to knowing Him?
- The ultimate transformation (V. 11) will be when Christ’s followers will be resurrected to be in His presence forever. How do you feel about that? How does this impact how you want to live?
Summarize: Now take a moment to go back and pour over your observations as well as your responses to the questions.
Engage with God: Bring your thoughts, questions, and desire for change to the Lord for his forgiveness, wisdom, correction, guidance, and direction. Here are some more questions to consider:
- What is the Lord saying to your personally?
- What do you need to pray about?
- With whom does the Lord want you to share this devotional?
- Who has the Lord placed on your heart to pray for and invite to church?
DIGGING DEEPER (Optional)
- What do the following references say about how you can know Jesus: Romans 5:8; 10:9; I Peter 2:24; John 1:12; 3:16; Ephesians 2:8-9.
- As you can see from Philippians and from these other references, knowing Jesus is about a dynamic relationship with Him. How do you personally cultivate your personal relationship with Jesus in order to truly know him?
- Becoming like Him in His death (V. 10) refers to the life-long process of dying to self. What does this mean to you? (See John 3:3-7; Romans 12:1-2; Galatians 2:20; Mark 8:34-38)
- In what ways to you understand that suffering for Christ’s sake leads to being glorified with Him, the final goal of gaining Christ? (See Romans 8:17, 23).
- How is the Lord speaking to you as a result of reflecting on this passage today?
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Week 4 – DAY 18
Praise (Reflect on what you’re grateful for from DAY 17 with the Lord)
Read the text: Philippians 3:12-16 (Jot down key or repeated words and phrases)
Ask questions & interpret the context:
- There is nothing static about Paul’s pursuit of Christ. Can you recall a time when you got complacent?
- In what ways have you found yourself looking back “in your rear-view mirror?”
- What spurs you on to know Jesus more? And what steps do you plan to take to move in that direction?
Summarize: Now take a moment to go back and pour over your observations as well as your responses to the questions.
Engage with God: Bring your thoughts, questions, and desire for change to the Lord for his forgiveness, wisdom, correction, guidance, and direction. Here are some more questions to consider:
- What is the Lord saying to your personally?
- What do you need to pray about?
- With whom does the Lord want you to share this devotional?
- Who has the Lord placed on your heart to pray for and invite to church?
DIGGING DEEPER (Optional)
- Paul’s primary life goals were relentlessly focused on Jesus. What’s yours? (Consider I Corinthians 9:24-27; 1 Timothy 4:7-10; 2 Timothy 4:7-8)
- What sins or failures from your past are still haunting you that you have not allowed the Lord to forgive you and help you overcome?
- As you can see in verse 12, Paul rightly viewed himself in the process of becoming more like Jesus. In what ways have you been sensing the Lord wanting to shape you lately to become more like Him?
- Consider how you would counsel a friend on letting go of his/her past in order to experience freedom and victory in Christ alone. (Vv. 13-16)
- How is the Lord speaking to you as a result of reflecting on this passage today?
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Week 4 – DAY 19
Praise (Reflect on what you’re grateful for from DAY 18 with the Lord)
Read the text: Philippians 3:17- 4:1 (Jot down key or repeated words and phrases)
Ask questions & interpret the context:
- What godly character have you benefited from in others that you’d like to emulate? (v. 17)
- Why do you think pride is at the root of so much of our godlessness? (Vv. 18-19)
- Describe in your own words what it means to you to be a citizen of Heaven. (V. 20)
Summarize: Now take a moment to go back and pour over your observations as well as your responses to the questions.
Engage with God: Bring your thoughts, questions, and desire for change to the Lord for his forgiveness, wisdom, correction, guidance, and direction. Here are some more questions to consider:
- What is the Lord saying to your personally?
- What do you need to pray about?
- With whom does the Lord want you to share this devotional?
- Who has the Lord placed on your heart to pray for and invite to church?
DIGGING DEEPER (Optional)
- What do you believe are key factors in imitating others or following their examples? (Consider I Corinthians 10:1-6; 11:1; John 13:12-15)
- What do you understand is the difference between true follower of Jesus who still battles his/her sin nature and someone who claims to be a follower of Jesus yet do not exhibit the fruits of the Spirit? (See Galatians 5:22-23; Philippians 4:8-9) (Vv. 18-19)
- Describe how the Kingdom of Heaven is here, but not fully here. (V. 20)
- Read Revelation 21:1-27 jotting down key words and phrases about the coming Kingdom of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. (V. 21)
- How do you, as a follower of Jesus, stand firm in Him? (4:1)
- How is the Lord speaking to you as a result of reflecting on this passage today?
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Week 4 – DAY 20
Praise (Reflect on what you’re grateful for from DAY 19 with the Lord)
Read the text: Philippians 4:2-3 (Jot down key or repeated words and phrases)
Ask questions & interpret the context:
- Has there ever been a Euodia or a Syntyche in your life? What efforts have you made to bring about peace, without trying to control people or needing to be right?
- What other sorts of stressors have you experienced, even when walking close to Jesus? (Keep John 16:33 in mind)
- What does it look like to you to labor side by side with other followers of Jesus? (V. 3)
Summarize: Now take a moment to go back and pour over your observations as well as your responses to the questions.
Engage with God: Bring your thoughts, questions, and desire for change to the Lord for his forgiveness, wisdom, correction, guidance, and direction. Here are some more questions to consider:
- What is the Lord saying to your personally?
- What do you need to pray about?
- With whom does the Lord want you to share this devotional?
- Who has the Lord placed on your heart to pray for and invite to church?
DIGGING DEEPER (Optional)
- We don’t know the details of the disagreement between Euodia and Syntyche, two wonderful godly women and leaders in the Philippians church. But the real focus here is on repairing and building unity. Putting yourself in the shoes of Paul’s true companion (or yokefellow) (V. 3), how would you advise or encourage followers of Jesus to reconcile and strive for unity?
- How would you incorporate the following verses in the process of coming alongside others, who are in dispute? (See Galatians 6:1; Hebrews 3:13; James 4:17)
- In what ways can the advice you came up with lead non-Christians, who are in dispute to see the Love of Jesus in you and hear the Gospel message in some fashion?
- How is the Lord speaking to you as a result of reflecting on this passage today?
Devotionals in Philippians - Week Five (Days 21 - 25)
Week 5 – Day 21
Praise (Reflect on what you’re grateful for from the weekend in Philippians)
Read the text: Philippians 4:4-7 (Jot down key or repeated words and phrases)
Ask questions & interpret the context:
- What does joy in Christ mean to you? (V. 4)
- What do you think gentleness (V. 5) (or being reasonable, merciful, or peaceable) should look like in your life?
- What do you tend to worry about the most? How is it related to trusting God’s love and provision for you?
Summarize: Now take a moment to go back and pour over your observations as well as your responses to the questions.
Engage with God: Bring your thoughts, questions, and desire for change to the Lord for his forgiveness, wisdom, correction, guidance, and direction. Here are some more questions to consider:
- What is the Lord saying to your personally?
- What do you need to pray about?
- With whom does the Lord want you to share this devotional?
- Who has the Lord placed on your heart to pray for and invite to church?
DIGGING DEEPER (Optional)
- Why do you think followers of Jesus experience joy and are able to rejoice in the midst of trials and heartache?
- In what ways can you express and model gentleness for others to see the love of Jesus through you?
- When it comes to dispelling worry what do you think prayer and supplication looks like?
- Rewrite the conditions (Vv. 4-6) with a promise (V. 7) in your own words:
- How is the Lord speaking to you as a result of reflecting on this passage today?
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Week 5 – DAY 22
Praise (Reflect on what you’re grateful for from Day 21 in Philippians)
Read the text: Philippians 4:8-9 (Jot down key or repeated words and phrases)
Ask questions & interpret the context:
- What type of thoughts would you prefer not to think about?
- Make a short list of what you think applies to verse 8.
- How do you plan to pre-occupy your mind with these thoughts?
Summarize: Now take a moment to go back and pour over your observations as well as your responses to the questions.
Engage with God: Bring your thoughts, questions, and desire for change to the Lord for his forgiveness, wisdom, correction, guidance, and direction. Here are some more questions to consider:
- What is the Lord saying to your personally?
- What do you need to pray about?
- With whom does the Lord want you to share this devotional?
- Who has the Lord placed on your heart to pray for and invite to church?
DIGGING DEEPER (Optional)
- According to 2 Corinthians 10:5, write down how you go about taking any ungodly, hurtful, anxious thought captive.
- In what ways do you choose to love God with your mind? (Reflect on 3:19; Colossians 3:2-10)
- Make a personal list of what the words and phrases, in verses 8-9, mean to you and how you would think on them. Then PRAY! (Example: Whatever is lovely…God’s creation, my wife and children, etc.)
- How is the Lord speaking to you as a result of reflecting on this passage today?
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Week 5 – DAY 23
Praise (Reflect on what you’re grateful for from Day 22 in Philippians)
Read the text: Philippians 4:10-13 (Jot down key or repeated words and phrases)
Ask questions & interpret the context:
- Who or what have you turned to when your friends and family aren’t able to be there for you in your troubled times?
- How can you personally experience joy in the midst of heartache, stress, anxiety, hurt, etc.?
- What does contentment look like to you?
Summarize: Now take a moment to go back and pour over your observations as well as your responses to the questions.
Engage with God: Bring your thoughts, questions, and desire for change to the Lord for his forgiveness, wisdom, correction, guidance, and direction. Here are some more questions to consider:
- What is the Lord saying to your personally?
- What do you need to pray about?
- With whom does the Lord want you to share this devotional?
- Who has the Lord placed on your heart to pray for and invite to church?
DIGGING DEEPER (Optional)
- Consider 1 Timothy 6:6-10. In what ways do godliness and contentment work together?
- How can a follower of Jesus learn contentment in want and need or in blessing and abundance? (Reflect on Ecclesiates 5:10)
- How do you take the words from our lord, “I will never leave you or forsake you,” (Deuteronomy 31:6) in light of Him empowering (V. 13) you through life?
- How is the Lord speaking to you as a result of reflecting on this passage today?
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Week 5 – DAY 24
Praise (Reflect on what you’re grateful for from Day 23 in Philippians)
Read the text: Philippians 4:14-17 (Jot down key or repeated words and phrases)
Ask questions & interpret the context:
- When and how have you supported someone in his/her stressful time?
- What did you receive from the Lord before, during and after that experience? (Example: a nudge from the Spirit, patience and the power to comfort, and the joy of helping another)
- Take a moment to reflect back on how the Lord has supplied your needs. Then thank Him!
Summarize: Now take a moment to go back and pour over your observations as well as your responses to the questions.
Engage with God: Bring your thoughts, questions, and desire for change to the Lord for his forgiveness, wisdom, correction, guidance, and direction. Here are some more questions to consider:
- What is the Lord saying to your personally?
- What do you need to pray about?
- With whom does the Lord want you to share this devotional?
- Who has the Lord placed on your heart to pray for and invite to church?
DIGGING DEEPER (Optional)
- When and how has someone gone the extra mile for you in the midst of your angst, even helped handle the burden with you or for you at times? (V. 14)
- What do verses 15-17 say to you about receiving and giving?
- In what ways could you step out to partner with someone, the church or an organization to share the love and joy of Jesus?
- How is the Lord speaking to you as a result of reflecting on this passage today?
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Week 5 – Day 25
Praise (Reflect on what you’re grateful for from Day 24 in Philippians)
Read the text: Philippians 4:18-23 (Jot down key or repeated words and phrases)
Ask questions & interpret the context:
- What does it mean to you to be generous, not just with your money, but also with your life?
- What do you suppose makes sacrifice acceptable, a fragrant offering to the Lord?
- Consider how grace could be considered the most precious gift God has given you.
- How has this devotional in Philippians impacted you? We’d love to hear from you. You can email your responses to pastor Jim at jim@northcoastcalvary.org.
Summarize: Now take a moment to go back and pour over your observations as well as your responses to the questions.
Engage with God: Bring your thoughts, questions, and desire for change to the Lord for his forgiveness, wisdom, correction, guidance, and direction. Here are some more questions to consider:
- What is the Lord saying to your personally?
- What do you need to pray about?
- With whom does the Lord want you to share this devotional?
- Who has the Lord placed on your heart to pray for and invite to church?
DIGGING DEEPER (Optional)
- Consider the following references on sacrifice, giving up something for the sake of others: (1 Samuel 15:22; 2 Samuel 24:24; Psalm 51:17; Romans 12:1; Hebrews 13:15; Romans 3:25)
- How would you explain that both obedience in giving and receiving the Lord’s rich supply is to His glory? (V. 20)
- Notice that Paul began and ended his letter to the Philippians with grace that comes through Jesus Christ. Write down in a sentence or two what grace of the Lord means to you personally. Turn it into a prayer of thanksgiving.
- How has this study impacted you? We’d love to hear from you, if you like to share with us. Email pastor Jim at jim@northcoastcalvary.org.