Philippians 1-4 NIV
1 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[a]:
2 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Thanksgiving and Prayer
3 I thank my God every time I remember you. 4 In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 6 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.
7 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. 8 God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.
9 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,[b] 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[c] 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.[d] 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,[e] 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.
Imitating Christ’s Humility
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, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:
6 Who, being in very nature[f] God,
    did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
7 rather, he made himself nothing
    by taking the very nature[g] of a servant,
    being made in human likeness.
8 And being found in appearance as a man,
    he humbled himself
    by becoming obedient to death—
        even death on a cross!
9 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.”[h] 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.
No Confidence in the Flesh
3 1 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. 2 Watch out for those dogs, those evildoers, those mutilators of the flesh. 3 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— 4 though I myself have reasons for such confidence.
If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5 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; 6 as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless.
7 But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8 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 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in[i] 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 nrom 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.
Closing Appeal for Steadfastness and Unity
4 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!
2 I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord.3 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
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8 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. 9 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.[j]

Devotional:
In Philippians 4:19, Paul says that God will meet all our needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus. This is a powerful promise that reminds us of God's faithfulness and provision. We can trust that God will provide for us in every season. Paul thanks the Philippians for sharing in his troubles and sending gifts, a way God met his needs through community. God is faithful to provide - sometimes directly and other times through community!

Questions:

• What stands out to you from the text?
• What current needs are you asking to see God meet?
• How can you share your needs with the community and invite them into believing for the provision of your needs with you?

Prayer:
Father God, thank you for your unending faithfulness and your promise to always provide. Even in my places of need, I stand on your promise as my provider and I give you my needs today. Help me to trust and wait for your supernatural provision. 

Devotional:
In Philippians 3:20, Paul says that “our citizenship is in heaven.” Since our citizenship is in heaven, that means that our home is not here. Theologian and author, Stanley Hauerwas, calls us “Resident Aliens.” As resident aliens here on earth, we are automatically in the minority. This isn’t to make us hopeless, but it’s actually and encouragement to press into God as our Father. As resident aliens we are being transformed, not to look like the world, but to look like Christ. In fact, Paul even tells the Philippians that the power of Jesus Christ transforms our “lowly” bodies to be like “his glorious body.”

Questions:

• What stands out to you from the text?
• What area in your life do you want/need the Lord’s transformation power?

Prayer:
Good, good Father; our home is with you. It is in your presence that we find life, and it is in your presence that we belong. You have placed me here to be transformed, and to usher in your transformation. Transform my _________ (areas in your life where you need/want the Lord’s transformation). And, I also ask that you transform  _________ (name of your school/workplace/family, etc.) I look to you. Have your way in us. Amen.

Devotional:
Paul encourages the church in Philippi, not only to follow in his example of pursuing Christ, but to actually join together in following. Following God is not meant to be a solo activity, but we are meant to pursue the Lord in the joys and challenges of community. Joining together is not always easy; in fact, it can get pretty messy at times. But there are also moments where we can rejoice and be glad. There are ups and downs in togetherness, but it is in God’s wisdom that we journey through those ups and downs with one another.

Questions:

• What stands out to you from today's text? 
• Who are you grateful to have in your life? Reach out to 2 or 3 people and thank them for being present in your life.
• What are ways that God may be encouraging or challenging you to lean into community?

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I thank you for intentionally placing people around my life. When I feel like going at things alone, remind me that I am not. Help me grow in joining together with others, but also, help this community grow in togetherness. Amen.
Paul encourages the church in Philippi, not only to follow in his example of pursuing Christ, but to actually join together in following. Following God is not meant to be a solo activity, but we are meant to pursue the Lord in the joys and challenges of community. Joining together is not always easy, in fact, it can get pretty messy at times. But there are also moments where we can rejoice and be glad. There are ups and downs in togetherness, but it is in God’s wisdom that we journey through those ups and downs with one another.

Devotional: 
Have you ever lost clarity on something? Maybe it was your job, relationships, direction in life? In today’s passage, Paul tells the Philippians that if there are times where we begin to think differently, God will make it clear for them. What if God’s clarity isn’t always about getting “the right answer” per se, but to retain “the right view”? God has all things in His view at all times. He knows what we need and when we need it. Growing in maturity isn’t about having all the answers; instead, it’s about growing in our trust and dependence on the Lord. At some point if we begin to think differently, let our trust and dependence in the Lord remind us of God’s point of view.

Questions:

• What stands out to you from the text?
• What is something in your life that you need the Lord to re-clarify for you?
• Ask the Lord for His point of view, and ask others to pray and listen to God with you!

Prayer:
God, you see what I can’t see. Your thoughts and ways are better than any of mine. But when I forget, remind me that you have a plan and a purpose for me. Remind me that this plan and purpose is attached to your will and your story. Open the eyes of my heart to see things in a different light and to see things from your view. Amen.

Devotional: 
Do you ever feel tired of the mundane? Paul encourages the Philippians to press on towards what God has placed before them. He even places a direction of the call: “heavenward.” Friends, we are called heavenward. The things we do today, whether significant or insignificant, mundane or miraculous, are all for a purpose. Be encouraged. There is a bigger story that we are a part of; sometimes we could get lost in the day in’s and day out’s and forget that. But, Paul's words encourage us to “strain” towards what is ahead. Yes, sometimes what is ahead is difficult. But it is not in vain. We are running heavenward.

Questions:

• What stands out to you from the text?
• What do you feel like the Lord has placed in front of you in this season of life?
• How can you invite others to support you in that and encourage you to press forward?

Prayer:
God, thank you for your wisdom. Even when I don’t feel it, or see it, I know that what you have placed in front of me to steward is good. Give me the strength, through your Holy Spirit, to continue to press towards the goal you have set for me. Give me the endurance I need and remind me that it is all not in vain. I know that you not only place goals before me, but you also walk with them towards the goals. Continue to walk with me as I run heavenward. Amen.

Devotional:
In this passage, Paul writes an interesting phrase to the church in Philippi. He tells them that “...it is we who are the circumcision…” During Biblical times, circumcision was the act that set apart God’s chosen people. Paul promoted salvation by faith, not by following Jewish customs. As the most obvious physical sign of Judaism, "circumcision" is often used as a metaphor for the entire Old Testament law. Now, it’s not about following customs; instead, it’s about following Christ. When Paul tells the Philippians that we “put no confidence in the flesh” he is referring to how we are not set apart by our actions, alone, but by Christ alone. Knowing Jesus is what influences our actions, it is not our actions that influence who Jesus is. We get to live in this, and as a result, we can boast in Christ Jesus.

Questions:

• What stands out to you from the text?
• Who have you experienced Jesus to be? Or, have you yet to encounter Jesus?
• How does your revelation(s) of Jesus influence your actions? Or, how do you want Jesus to meet and encounter you?

Prayer: 
Lord, I boast in you alone. You are the source of my confidence and refuge. There is no one else that is like you. I thank you for making yourself available. Meet me today. Help me know you more; let my encounters of you pour over into my thoughts, words, and deeds. Amen.

Devotional:
By now you may have discerned a thread in this chapter about Paul and his colleagues being willing to suffer to the sake of Jesus’ mission. In this closing section of chapter two, Paul writes about Epaphroditus, one of the Philippians who has been their messenger sent to Paul and subsequently became a co-worker and brother to Paul. Epaphroditus was sent on behalf of his church in Philippi - they couldn’t all attend to Paul, but they could send someone who could.

At Epicentre we raise up and send out ‘messengers’ (like Epaphroditus)  who go on behalf of us all to work alongside believers in different nations for the sake of the gospel. We also have staff members who periodically go to visit our overseas families to care for them and to encourage them. Our families count the cost of going - relationally, emotionally, physically. They need our support in prayer and through relational care groups (RCG’s).

Questions:

• Ask God if he might want to send you to be an Epaphroditus - a messenger and encourager. (You can be sent wherever God calls you, whether locally or internationally!) 
• How might you support our overseas families? Why not speak to our International Ministry Director, Ruth Lam, to find out ways you can get involved in supporting them.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we pray for our overseas families - keep them in our hearts and bless those who are able to visit with them and encourage them this year. We lift up those workers within and outside our Antioch movement who risk their lives for the sake of the Gospel in far away places. Protect them, we pray. Provide for their physical and spiritual needs from your riches in heaven. Send them encouragers and co-workers to labor for the harvest. In Jesus name, Amen.

Devotional:
Have you ever had someone in your life who just keeps showing up for you? They cheer you on and encourage you no matter what you are going through. Timothy was a man like that. And Timothy genuinely cared for the wellbeing of the Philippians. Paul considers Timothy to be like a son to him.  Timothy has faithfully served Paul and his mission. He has been discipled by Paul. Paul never writes about having disciples; rather he always uses the language of family - of fathers and sons.

Our commitment to making disciples is not simply a numbers game - for Paul it is about spiritual fathers & mothers raising spiritual sons & daughters, who will learn from them how to do the work of our Father’s Kingdom.

Questions:

• Who do you look to as a spiritual father and mother? 
• And who might look to you to be a spiritual father or mother to them? 
• Ask God to show you how He is calling you to be part of the family of God.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, you place the lonely in families; you send the Spirit of Adoption to us so that we can enter into your family as sons and daughters - as co-heirs with Christ. Move us to serve our family (biological and spiritual) with tender hearted compassion like Timothy.

Devotional
Paul tells us something astonishing in today's reading: he speaks of joy in his sacrifice and suffering for the sake of the Gospel. He even invites the Philippians to rejoice with him that his sacrifices are all worthwhile because of the faith that has grown among this church in Philippi.

Paul is so focused on his mission to share the Gospel that he measures his success not by his circumstance (he is writing from prison) or his well being (he has suffered much hardship) but by the lasting fruit of his labors. He rejoices that God is receiving the glory and fruit of his faithfulness to Jesus. I think of Jesus the true Vine bearing much fruit through Paul, who has been pruned repeatedly but consistently grown and brought forth fruit because he has remained focused on Jesus through all his trials. His attitude is an inspiration for each of us today to keep our focus on Jesus and the assignment he has given us and to rejoice that God will receive the fruit of our labor.

Questions:

• Reflect on who has suffered and sacrificed in order for you to enjoy the freedom and faith that you experience today.
• How is God calling you to make sacrifices for the sake of others?

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, give me a compelling vision of your Kingdom and glory that moves me from self-preservation mode to Kingdom proclamation mode. Thank you that the prize for running this race is of eternal value. Captivate my heart for fruit that will last. Amen.

Devotional
The Philippians have been faithful to follow Paul’s instructions on his previous visits with them. Now he is absent from them he emphasizes how important it is that they continue to follow his teachings. He expects them to actively apply themselves to live out their lives of salvation allowing God to work in them. This is not earning their salvation, but living out the natural consequences of their salvation for people to see. In fact, what people will see in them will be in stark contrast to the culture of the day - like lights shining in the dark sky. While Paul does not expect to be present with them again, he is satisfied that their lives are the fruit of his labors. They are part of Paul’s legacy. Consider who has invested in your spiritual life over the years - perhaps they are no longer with you. Perhaps you still have an opportunity to thank them and express your appreciation to them?

Questions:

• What areas of my spiritual life do I need to give attention to and make room for God to work in me?
• Who is someone I need to express thanks to for helping me grow in my faith walk?

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I invite you to have your way in my life today. I yield to the work of your Spirit and to the cleansing work of your Word in my life. May my life bring light and hope to others today. Amen.

Devotional: 
Heroes are big business these days and they have a special place in the American narrative. Superman, Captain America, Captain Marvel, Wonderwoman. They all overcome their ill-intentioned opponents to bring peace and restore order. In the days of Paul, the heroes were conquering Kings like Alexander the Great and Caesar Augustus whose battle victories and political prowess earned them divine status among their followers.
 
When Paul writes about Jesus humbling himself and being obedient to death on a cross, he is showing how Jesus’ King-ship is unlike any other ‘victorious’ kings of his day. And Jesus did not fly around using ‘superpowers’ to achieve his mission. Instead Jesus has acted with the greatest power that exists: sacrificial love. Jesus’ sacrificial love has caused God to exalt Jesus above every name on heaven and earth. Jesus' way was counter cultural 2000 years ago and remains counter cultural today. Will we choose to walk in his way?

Questions:

• What do you find most counter-cultural about the way of Jesus?
• Jesus was exalted by His Father for His obedience. How is God asking you to be obedient today?

Prayer:
Jesus, you have been exalted to the highest place and given the name above every other name. Today, I bow my knee before you and acknowledge your Kingship. I confess with my mouth that you are Lord to the glory of God our Father.

Devotional
In our reading today, Paul outlines for us the Christlike mindset which he is calling us to. The NIV says Jesus did not use his equality with God to his own advantage. Another translation says equality with God was not something Jesus ‘grasped for’. Instead He yielded to God’s mission by taking on the nature of servant. Jesus himself told his disciples that He ‘came to serve not to be served’. Following on from yesterday’s call to humility, Paul is calling us to become Christlike servants who do not grasp at power for ourselves. Sometimes I realize that even my service can be selfishly motivated by what I can get out of it: this is not the way for Christlike servants.

Questions:

• How is Jesus inviting you to become a servant?
• What kinds of power do you find yourself ‘grasping for’?
• Listen to what Jesus might want to say to you.

Prayer:
Jesus, thank you for your self-emptying love. Grant me the faith to find my security in your love without needing to grab for power to establish myself. Thank you that you have given us the example of what a servant of God looks like. I put my trust in you today. Amen.

Devotional
Paul calls the Philippians to demonstrate their unity in Christ by being ‘one in spirit and of one mind’. This singular focus is extremely difficult to achieve in any community and does not necessarily mean that we must all be ‘brainwashed’ into group-think. Rather, Paul is calling the church in Philippi to set their focus on Christ, His love and the Holy Spirit. This requires them to get their attention off themselves and onto something outside of themselves. They are challenged to set aside their own interests and to value others above themselves. This is a radical call to humility -  the kind that Jesus modeled to us.
 
Rick Warren wrote that ‘humility is not thinking less of yourself, it’s thinking of yourself less’. We live in a self-obsessed culture - Paul would call us to counter cultural living focused on others and centered on Christ’s love.

Questions

• How often do you make choices based on thinking about yourself compared to thinking about others?
• How might focusing on Jesus, His love and His Spirit shape the way you act towards your community?
• How might Jesus want to meet you in the areas of your life that you feel obsessed with?

Prayer
Jesus, help me to lift my gaze off myself and onto your splendor and love. I receive you tender compassion afresh today. Fill me with your selfless love and open my eyes today to see who you would lead me to show value to before myself. Amen.

Devotional
God’s heart for the church of Philippi is to live in a manner worthy of the gospel and stand firm in the Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose them. Paul believes that suffering is part of the Christian life and walk, and it has been granted to Jesus’ followers to not only believe in Him but also suffer for Him on behalf of the gospel.

Questions

• What does it look like to live in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ?
• What might unity in the Spirit look like in your life today?
• What does suffering for the gospel look like for you today?

Prayer
Father God, I thank You for Your unifying Spirit that empowers me to live in a manner worthy of Your name. I recognize that both Your Spirit and this lifestyle are a gift to myself, my community, and those around me. Would You speak to me through Your Spirit and help me understand what it means to suffer for the gospel of Jesus today. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

Devotional
Paul is confident that in his deliverance, whether from the hand of his enemies or for his salvation. Regardless of the outcomes, released from prison or death, Paul is confident that Christ will be exalted in his body. Paul is torn - he recognizes that dying means being with Jesus (gain) which is his preferred option but continuing to live, though it means continued long suffering, means fruitful labor for Christ. Ultimately for Paul, living is Christ, dying is gain.

Questions:

• How are you living for Christ today?
• What does fruitful labor look like in your life?

Prayer:
Jesus, I’m really grateful for the ways You’ve invited me to live for
You in my life this week. I ask that as I journey with You, I would see
the fruit through Your being with me and leading me in all life brings

 Philippians 1:12-18 [hyperlink]

Paul’s Imprisonment Advances the Gospel
Paul is writing a letter from a prison to the church in Philippi with the continual theme that they rejoice in the Lord. For Paul, joy is not a feeling based on favorable happenings or circumstances but rather a deliberate choice to celebrate God’s work, through Jesus, in all circumstances.

As a servant and prisoner of Jesus, this advancement of the Gospel brings Paul great joy and satisfaction. Some are preaching Christ from false motives and others out of goodwill but regardless Paul rejoices that Christ is being preached.

QUESTIONS

1. What does rejoicing in the Lord look like for you? What current difficult or favorable circumstances is God inviting you to rejoice in?
2. Even when people are preaching out of false motives, can God still work through that to advance the Gospel? (see v. 1:15-18)
3. In what ways are you called to suffer for the sake of the Gospel?

PRAYER
Take time to reflect on and write out your current circumstances and bring them to the Lord.
Lord, I thank you that no matter the state of my heart, or circumstances, I can rejoice today because You are with me. I bring these things to You and ask that You reveal to me how they bring glory to Your name. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

In the opening of Paul’s letter to the church in Philippi, he greets the Philippians with an expression of thankfulness for them. He expresses confidence that the life transforming work that God has begun in them will continue on to completion until the day of Christ. Paul also prays that their love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight so that they may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ.

QUESTIONS

• What are you thankful for today? (write them out if that’s helpful for you!)
• What good work do you believe God has begun in your life?
• How is God sustaining that good work in you through His love?

PRAYER
Lord, I thank you for the good work You have begun in me. I ask, Father, that You would continue that good work in me to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. May Your love abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight so that I may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ.