Pray: "Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law."

1. 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. 2

   In verses 1-11, in light of the guaranteed suffering we saw in chapter 1, how is Paul's joy made complete? How are we to treat others? How did Christ display this kind of humility? What should happen at the name of Jesus?

3. 3

   In verses 12-13, what are we to work out? How does God help us do this? Note: This does not mean we work for our salvation. Good works do not save us. Notice the little word "out." It says to work out, meaning our works give evidence that we have been saved.

4. 4

   According to verses 14-18, what does it look like to work out our salvation? What are believers in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation? Ponder: How is your light shining? What does grumbling and complaining do to our light?

5. 5

   According to verses 19-24, how is Timothy described?

6. 6

   According to verses 25-30, how is Epaphroditus described? What nearly happened to him as a result of his work for Christ? Ponder: If Paul were to write about you, what would he say?

7. 7

   Ponder: Is humility easy? If it were, would God need to write so much about it? Our struggle with pride impacts every area of our life. Whenever we are tempted to sin or do things our own way, pride is at the root of it! God knows our struggle, and so He reminds us in verses 12-13 that we are called to obedience, to give the evidence of our salvation, but He knows we cannot obey without His help! Verse 13 is such a powerful verse if we slow down enough to see it. No matter what I am facing in life, I can pray this verse back to God and ask for His help. Notice it says "will and work." God can change our desires from selfish to desires that match His, and then He can help us do what He wants us to do! It hinges on the condition of our hearts. Am I willing to humble myself and ask Him to change my desire to match His? How does this lead you to pray?