October 22
Philippians 1
Today's Reading
Philippians 1
Reflection
Pray: "Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law."
Intro to Philippians:
Paul, the author of Philippians, first visited Philippi on his second missionary journey after he saw a vision in a dream of a man calling him to come to Macedonia. The first city Paul stopped in was Philippi, and you can read about his trip in Acts 16. Luke, the author of Acts, describes Philippi as "a leading city of the district of Macedonia and a Roman colony" (Acts 16:12). Acts 16 also shows that there were only a few Jewish and Gentile converts in the city. When Paul's traveling companions left Philippi to continue their journey, Paul stayed a little longer to help establish the new believers in their faith. Sometime later, Paul finds himself back in Rome and in prison. From prison, Paul writes to the church in Philippi to encourage them. When he had been with them, he was imprisoned for a short time. Now he wanted to assure them that, though he was imprisoned again in Rome, he was rejoicing because Christ had given him strength. He also wanted to tell them they were fellow partners with him in the sharing of the gospel; and in this he greatly rejoiced. He encouraged them to withstand any difficulty they may face by following his example of resting in Christ for your strength and finding joy in Him.
- 1
What do you learn about God (the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) from this chapter? His thoughts, ways, or actions toward us, as His creation? How can you respond to God in prayer and praise?
- 2
In verses 1-11, why does Paul thank God for the believers in Philippi? What is Paul sure of in verse 6? In verses 9-11, Paul prays for the Philippians. What does he want them to abound in? Why does he pray this? Ponder: Consider praying this prayer for yourself and others.
- 3
In verses 12-14, what does Paul see as the purpose for his imprisonment? What is the outcome of his imprisonment?
- 4
In verses 15-18, Paul describes two reasons people may be preaching about Christ; what are the two reasons? What is Paul's attitude toward this division?
- 5
According to verses 19-26, what does Paul rejoice in? What has "hard pressed" Paul?
- 6
In verses 27-30, Paul encourages the believers to stand firm in their faith. What is a clear sign to the opponents of their destruction? What is this same sign for the believer? What has been granted to every believer?
- 7
Ponder: In verse 29 we see that suffering is part of the believer's life; but not just any kind of suffering. The verse says we will suffer for His sake. Read Romans 8:18, Romans 5:3-5, John 16:33, and Revelation 21:4. Suffering, in various ways, is part of a believer's walk; but suffering can draw us closer to the Lord as we lean on Him through it. It can also be used by God to point others to Him. This is what Paul knew and why he said, "For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain." He goes on to say that while he is on earth, he will live totally for Christ so that others might come to know Him and be encouraged in their walk by Paul. But if he dies, that is better because he will be with Christ. Do you see his attitude? No matter what life throws at him, he will walk through it leaning on Christ and for the sake of Christ; and one day he will be with Christ! What is your attitude toward your life and the suffering you face? Can you say, with Paul, "For me to live is Christ and to die is gain"? How does this lead you to pray?