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Preposterous
Lessons in Joy from the Book of Philippians
Everyone’s on the pursuit of happiness. Some people look to their
friends, some to their families to find it. Some devote themselves to
work or chase adventures. Some cling to food, money, new clothes,
or new gadgets to try to make them happy. But sometimes it feels
like we can’t find happiness no matter where we look. Then, when
we manage to find it and it disappears just as quickly. But what if
God had something more than happiness in mind? And is it
possible that we can have it no matter what our situation we are in?
Even in the middle of trials and suffering?
That something is Joy. Joy is not so temporary and fleeting as
happiness. It isn’t based on our situation, but as we see in
Philippians it is possible to have joy in all our happenings and
circumstances because of Jesus Christ.
How to use this Study Guide:
This guide is broken up into 8 weeks with 3 passages to examine each
week. Each passage will come with a brief devotion and a memory verse for
the week. We encourage you to make some time each week to read
through the three passages and answer the reflection questions for each
one. When you read, read each passage slowly a couple times through.
Chew on it for a while and reflect on the devotional thought. Talk to God
about what you’ve read and use the questions to think about how you are
going to it live out. Write the memory verses on cards and carry them with
you. You can also type them on your phone and even set up reminders to
encourage you to go back and look at the verse throughout the day. It is our
hope that this guide will not be a burden to you, but instead will help you
journey deeper into the letter of Philippians as we study to the book together
on the weekends at Westbrook. If you are in a Go Community you could
even go over some of the studies together during your meeting times.
Devotional thoughts were contributed by members of Westbrook’s family:
Marc Fry, Dave Jenkins, Esther Moreno, Peter Stevens, and Stan
Washington.
Philippians Background
Who wrote this letter?
Paul, formerly known as Saul, was a well known persecutor of Christians in the early
days of the church. He converted from Judaism to Christianity and became a
missionary spreading the Gospel all around the Mediterranean region. The letters to
various people and churches make up almost half of the New Testament.
When?
Paul went to Philippi for the first time around AD 49-51 (Acts 16:12-40). We know that
Paul wrote this letter to the Philippians while he was in prison (1:13), but Paul doesn’t
say where. It’s possible that he wrote this while in Rome, Caesarea, or Ephesus while
in prison. This means that Paul probably wrote Philippians sometime during AD 54-61.
Why?
In the first chapter we see Paul address the church at Philippi with thankfulness and
encouragement to them. He seems to care deeply about them. That’s not all this letter
is about, however. The language of Philippians is joyful, but Paul is writing to
encourage them to remain joyful in a non-Christian environment and in the midst of
suffering. While Philippians seems to be one of the happier letters that Paul writes, he
doesn’t hold back on the fact that there is trouble in this world.
What should I look for?
The heart of our study is how to find joy in our happenings. Look for the hard situations
that Paul describes and then look for how Paul says that we can have joy in the middle
of these hard situations. It certainly seems preposterous that we can have joy in the
middle of suffering, but Paul shows how this is possible through Jesus.
Key Verses:
Each week, there will be a key verse at the bottom of each study. These are great verses to
memorize if you can. Write them on cards, save them on your phone, and read over them regularly.
Our hope is that each of these passages will sink in to your heart as you study Philippians so that you
can find joy in all your happenings.
Week 1: Philippians 1:9-10
And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of
insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day
of Christ.
Week 2: Philippians 1:20-21
For I fully expect and hope that I will never be ashamed, but that I will continue to be bold for Christ,
as I have been in the past. And I trust that my life will bring honor to Christ, whether I live or die. For
to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better.
Week 3: Philippians 2:3-4
Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than
yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.
Week 4: Philippians 2:14-16a
Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize you. Live clean,
innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse
people. Hold firmly to the word of life.
Week 5: Philippians 3:8
Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my
Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain
Christ.
Week 6: Philippians 3:20-21
But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for
him to return as our Savior. He will take our weak mortal bodies and change them into glorious
bodies like his own, using the same power with which he will bring everything under his control.
Week 7: Philippians 4:6-7
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him
for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can
understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
Week 8: Philippians 4:12-13
I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every
situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything
through Christ, who gives me strength.
Week 1 Study 1
Read: Philippians 1:1-2
Devotional Thought:
The series that we are kicking off at Westbrook is about being able to find joy in all
circumstances. Philippians 1:1-2 may not seem like it holds a lot in the way of learning
about Joy, but when you think about who is writing the letter and who is receiving the
letter, then we get a glimpse into the background of this letter and the joys that Paul
and the Philippian church have shared together.
If you have time, go back and read Acts 16:11-40. What you’ll find there is a crazy story
about how Paul started a church with a devout, well-to-do woman, a slave girl who was
possessed by a demon, and a Roman jailer and his family. It was a pretty trying time
for Paul and Silas, but all through it they demonstrated joy and I'll bet that the people of
the Philippian church never forgot that. They never forgot that even when they were put
into prison, they still rejoiced in God and God rescued them from that prison.
As we journey into this book, spend some time thinking about your history. Remember
how you came to faith. Remember the story of how you first started going to church.
Maybe there are some difficult and crazy times that you have been through that you
were able to be joyful in the midst of life like Paul and Silas in prison. We live in a crazy
world, and Philippi was just as crazy. It was in the middle of a crazy chaotic world, that
Paul writes to encourage the Philippians to have joy.
Reflection:
1. What are the trials of your life right now? Do you still have joy? Why or why not? If
not, how could it be possible to have joy in the middle of all this?
2. What are some of your hopes for this study? What do you hope to learn from this
study of Philippians? Spend some time praying to God about this, that he will find what
you need to see in the book of Philippians.
Key verse: Philippians 1:9-10
Week 1 Study 2
Read: Philippians 1:3-8
Devotional Thought:
From the very beginning of the letter, Paul shares how much the partnership of the
Philippian church means to him. Whenever he prays for them, he does so with joy.
Through this little glimpse into Paul's prayer life, we get to see how Paul finds joy in all
circumstances.
At this point in Paul's life he is writing from prison, probably chained to a guard.
Because of his boldness to proclaim the gospel, he has ended up in jail. It would be
easy for any of us to say that Paul had the right to be upset and angry over his
circumstances. Instead, he finds joy because of what he was able to partner with the
Philippian church in doing the work of the Gospel.
Why does Paul have joy? It's because of what we find in verse 6. God was doing a
good work in the Philippian church and he had confidence that that "good work" would
continue on until Christ returned. That good work is the Gospel spreading in and
through the Philippian church. Because of this, Paul can rejoice even though he is in
chains because the Gospel is working in the church and spreading because of it.
Reflection:
1. Why was Paul thankful for the Philippians? Why do you think that would bring him
joy even while he is in chains?
2. What are you thankful for in your life? Even when times are tough, what brings you
joy?
Key verse: Philippians 1:9-10
Week 1 Study 3
Read: Philippians 1:9-11
Devotional Thought:
Paul wraps up his opening remarks with a prayer for the Philippian church. At the heart
of this prayer is his desire for them to grow in their faith and relationship with Jesus. He
prays first for an increase in their love combined with “knowledge and depth of insight.”
Paul’s hopes for the Philippians is that they will not only become smarter, but also
wiser in the way that they live out their faith and that they will do so in love. This is very
similar to what Paul tells the Corinthians that love is more valuable than knowledge (1
Cor 8:1) and is in fact the greatest characteristic of a Christian (1 Cor 13:13). He prays
this for them that they might choose the right path in following Christ so that in the end
they will be found to be pure and blameless before Christ when returns.
Paul’s prayer is a great reminder for us of what our aim in life should be. In the pursuit
of happiness, we often find ourselves in search of either love that leads to acceptance
or in search of knowledge that will lead to success. Paul shows us that to really grow in
Christ and to be filled with the fruit of that live we need love and wisdom together. Both
of them sound good on their own and can be very beneficial, but it’s only together that
we can really grow in our relationship with Jesus Christ.
Reflection:
1. Spend some time reflecting on Paul’s prayer. Which part of it do you need to pray for
your life right now? Do you need more love? Do you need more knowledge and
discernment?
2. Who can you pray this prayer over as well? Spend the rest of your time today
praying this prayer for yourself, for others, and for Westbrook.
Key verse: Philippians 1:9-10
Week 2 Study 1
Read: Philippians 1:12-18
Devotional Thought:
The situation that Paul finds himself is definitely less than ideal. First, he is in prison.
He has been locked up for doing what God called him to do. I’m sure he had the
thought that his time would be better spent out being a missionary and planting
churches instead of being in prison. Second, it appears that there are others who are
out preaching the Gospel in order to benefit themselves or even to harm Paul’s
reputation while he is in prison. The amazing part of all this, however, is Paul’s
reaction.
Remarkably, Paul is finding joy even in the middle of a frustrating situation. Paul
recognizes that even though he is in chains, the work of the Gospel is still being done.
The soldiers guarding him are hiring the Gospel and even those who are against Paul
are still spreading the good news of Jesus Christ. Because of this, Paul can rejoice.
Most of us have not faced this situation, but we do face frustrating situations.
Sometimes the situations are just annoying and other times they are terrible. Whatever
the case may be, it is important to look to Christ and see what is most important. In
Paul’s situation he could say that people were still hearing about Jesus. It may not be
the same for you, but there is always a way that Jesus can be glorified in every
situation.
Reflection:
1. How would describe Paul’s attitude in this section? Why is his attitude like this?
2. Have you experienced something like this? Were you able to rejoice? Why or why
not?
Key verse: Philippians 1:20-21
Week 2 Study 2
Read: Philippians 1:19-26
Devotional Thought:
One day I just sat on the edge of my bed wondering “what’s the purpose?” I mean it
seemed like working was futile because I didn’t have enough money to cover my
debts, people in the world were mad at me and I wasn’t getting any of my desires met,
or so it seemed. Preachers kept speaking about heaven being a wonderful place to be
and I thought “LORD can’t you just take me home?” Life is full of difficulties and bad
news and sometimes I get tired, weary, and distressed. When will there ever be
peace?
It seemed like God was taking His sweet little time when it came to “my” problems and
I found myself pouting in the corner wanting “my” situations to change. GOD didn’t
change the situation but He did do something greater.
God opened my eyes to see other people are hurting and need to hear a word of
peace. He opened my ears to be able to hear the needs of others instead of wallowing
in my pity. He opened my heart to feel what other people are feeling and finally
understand I need to show compassion no matter the circumstance. Like Paul, I
realized that I’m still here on the Earth so I should get to work telling people about
GOD’s compassion.
Reflection:
1. Is Paul afraid of death? Why or why not? What is Paul’s view of his situation?
2. When life gets tough and it would seem better just to give up. Paul thought
differently. How can we have the mentality that to live is Christ?
Key verse: Philippians 1:20-21
Week 2 Study 3
Read: Philippians 1:27-30
Devotional Thought:
“Whatever happens” is a difficult set of words to swallow. It means that I accept God’s
plan of transforming me during “good” or “tumultuous” times. During either time, I am to
conduct myself with faith, energy, courage, excitement and most of all love for others
for the purpose of bringing people to my savior, Jesus.
My problem is that I don’t “like” God. Oh, I love Him, but there are times when I don’t
“like” the way he is doing things, and therefore “I don’t like Him.” “Why can’t He just zap
everything into peace and tranquility?” I ask myself.
God clearly wants me to be a team player when it comes to spreading His great news.
This requires some drastic changes in my life. I need to stand firm instead of
questioning God’s every move. I need to have courage to accept God’s plan instead of
cowardly jumping in and doing my thing. I need to work together with others who have
different opinions yet believe in the same gospel.
Reflection:
1. Whatever happens includes a lot. What are some things going in your life where you
should live in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ?
2. What are some changes you can make so that you can live your life in a manner
worthy of the gospel? How can you live your life to help others instead of doing your
own thing?
Key verse: Philippians 1:20-21
Week 3 Study 1
Read: Philippians 2:1-4
Devotional Thought:
“To love at all is to be vulnerable. Love anything and your heart will be wrung and
possibly broken. If you want to make sure of keeping it intact you must give it to no
one, not even an animal. Wrap it carefully round with hobbies and little luxuries; avoid
all entanglements. Lock it up safe in the casket or coffin of your selfishness. But in that
casket, safe, dark, motionless, airless, it will change. It will not be broken; it will
become unbreakable, impenetrable, irredeemable. To love is to be vulnerable.” C.S.
Lewis, The Four Loves
I never cease to be amazed by the paradoxical nature of the Bible. We think joy and
happiness and true pleasure will come through those things that are for our own
satisfaction and enjoyment. Then the Bible comes along and blows that notion out of
the water. Our idea of love, when given over to our own devices, tends to focus on us.
Something that will enrich my life and bring a sort of happiness that is almost euphoric.
Then we discover that this is not what God says at all. Love suffers. Love endures.
Love dies to self. Love dies for others.
Paul brings these rhetorical questions (in verse 1) to our attention to make a point.
Could the Philippians answer “No” to these? Of course not! Could we? I hope not! If
our answers to these questions be “Yes”, then the results Paul outlines in the
remainder of Philippians should surely follow.
Reflection:
1. Based on the description in verses 1-4, how would you define humility? How does
this line up with what you would consider to be humility?
2. Which of the things that Paul talks about in this section do you really need to work
on? How can you do that this week?
Key Verse: Philippians 2:3-4
Week 3 Study 2
Read: Philippians 2:5-11
Devotional Thought:
“True humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less.” C.S. Lewis,
Mere Christianity
To understand a word or concept, it can be helpful to look at its opposite. Pride is the
antonym of humility. Pride is often mistaken and unfortunately miscalculated in its
importance. The importance of understanding pride and its effect on us as followers of
Christ is imperative. Pride is often called ‘The Great Sin’ and for good reason. For pride
is the one thing that can keep us from God.
Thankfully, we have an example and a rescuer in this: Jesus. These verses from our
devotion today should bring us to our knees in reverence, appreciation and awe; and
then move us toward humility. For here we see the very Son of God relinquishing his
right place and take on human form. But it did not end with his becoming a human. It
ended in his death. Not for the things of his own doing, but for the doings of each of us.
Your sin, my sin; this is what brought Jesus to earth. This required a humility that is
incomprehensible to me. Yet, his humility drives me to consider my own pride and
begging God’s help in ‘dealing with it’.
Another Lewis quote seems appropriate here. “If anyone would like to acquire humility,
I can, I think, tell him the first step. The first step is to realize that one is proud. And a
biggish step, too. At least, nothing whatever can be done before it. If you think you are
not conceited, it means you are very conceited indeed.” C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity
Reflection:
1. In your own words, based on verses 6-11, how would you describe the attitude of
Jesus? What really sticks out to you?
2. How can you have a similar attitude to Jesus in your daily life? What are some
specific actions you can take?
Key Verse: Philippians 2:3-4
Week 3 Study 3
Read: Philippians 2:12-13
Devotional Thought:
“That is why He warned people to “count the cost” before becoming Christians. “Make no
mistake,” He says, “if you let me, I will make you perfect. The moment you put yourself in
My hands, that is what you are in for. Nothing less, or other, than that. You have free will,
and if you choose, you can push Me away. But if you do not push Me away, understand I
am going to see this job through. Whatever suffering it may cost you in your earthly life,
whatever inconceivable purification it may cost you in your earthly life, whatever
inconceivable purification it may cost you after death, whatever it costs Me, I will never rest,
nor let you rest, until you are literally perfect — until my Father can say without reservation
that He is well pleased with you, as He said He was well pleased with me. This I can do and
will do. But I will not do anything less.”” C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity
Does that quote seem harsh or extreme or out of place for the verses we are reading and
meditating on today? They do at first, but some consideration may help us see otherwise.
Jesus did not succumb to the call to become human simply to get us to heaven. God’s
purpose was much more than that. Paul makes this point. God wants to sanctify us; to set
us apart for his purposes. Sanctification is God working to make us perfect. He won’t stop
short of that goal. Our free will allows us to block his efforts; but, it does not remove this as
his desire and our destiny.
Have you ever gone to a conference or class or study or heard a sermon where you left with
an absolute commitment and desire to do what was taught? You had a passion for change
in your life that lined up with what the speaker outlined; and a week or a month or a year
later, it had all faded. Paul clearly was a vibrant and encouraging speaker and mentor. Yet
he didn’t sugar coat it. He laid out the truth – good or bad. “You did great while I was there.
Now stay with it! You have to work out your salvation. You are being sanctified. God is
working. Obey him and allow his work in you to continue!”
Reflection:
1. Sanctification means that God is working in us to make us more like Jesus. How do you
see this happening in your life?
2. What are your greatest challenges to being Christ-like in real life?
Key Verse: Philippians 2:3-4
Week 4 Study 1
Read: Philippians 2:14-18
Devotional Thought:
Christ must be the joy of our hearts and the motivating force behind everything that we
do. When he is the source of our servanthood, there is very little that can shake us. It’s
only as we stay firmly rooted in him that our branches remain intact no matter how
turbulent the wind. But how can we implement this truth in our own lives and produce
the moral purity and holiness that God has called for us to have in such a dark world.
The answer is in maturity.
Maturity in the life of the believer does not occur as soon as we announce our
allegiance to Christ. Rather, it is obtained overtime through perseverance and work.
Paul implored the Philippians to work out their Salvation, not for it! So often we think
that we can earn God’s affection through our good deeds. But our righteousness is but
filthy rags! Salvation is a free gift and there is nothing that we can do to earn it.
However, there are steps we can take to grow it so that we may truly be the light that
God has called for us to be in this dark world and experience the abundant life of one
fully devoted to the Lord. As we root ourselves in his word, commit ourselves to prayer,
and sacrifice for our Lord’s sake, we will see maturity in him manifested in our lives.
One mark of maturity in the life of a believer is the ability to control one’s tongue. In this
world we are constantly surrounded with grumblers and complainers. If we are not
careful to give heed to our words, It is easy to blend in with the rest of the world and
tarnish our witness for Christ. However, if we resist the temptation to grumble and
complain, than we can shine like stars in this dark generation. Today, pray that the Lord
will help you bridle your tongue and change every opportunity to complain into a
moment of praise.
Reflection:
1. How can complaining and arguing stand in the way of holding out the word of life?
Why should we be distinct from the rest of the world?
2. How can you keep from complaining or arguing in your daily walk?
Key Verse: Philippians 2:14-16a
Week 4 Study 2
Read: Philippians 2:19-24
Devotional Thought:
There is much that we can learn from Timothy’s example on what it means to be a
faithful servant of Jesus Christ. Paul highlights a defining characteristic that Timothy
demonstrated during his time in ministry: genuine concern for others. Even by today’s
standards, this level of selflessness is rare. Timothy was not someone who just gave
lip service. The impression that we get from these words is that Timothy genuinely
cared for the ones that were entrusted to him. It was his deeply rooted love for Christ
that enabled him to see past his own interests and be genuinely concerned for the
interest of others.
Everyday we are confronted with opportunities to put someone’s needs above our own,
but how often do we take the time to stop, listen, and respond. When we recall the
testimony of Christ, there are countless examples of him stopping to heal, teach, and
feed, even at the expense of his own life. His entire ministry was motivated by a
genuine love to save the lost. Too often we have become callous towards those that
Christ has called us to have a genuine concern for. However, through the power of
Christ, God can soften our hearts of stone and place within us a genuine care for those
who so desperately need it. If we would be so bold as to ask him and take heed to his
leadings, God will do it and we will experience the fulfillment and joy that comes from
genuinely caring for others.
Reflection:
1. How would you describe Timothy? What characteristics of Timothy should we
emulate?
2. How are you like Timothy? In what ways can you change your life to be more like
him?
Key Verse: Philippians 2:14-16a
Week 4 Study 3
Read: Philippians 2:25-30
Devotional Thought:
Paul encouraged us to honor people like Epaphroditus. But what made Epaphroditus
so unique and worthy of honor? The Scriptures reveal very little about this man that
garnered Paul’s adoration and respect, nonetheless his life still serves as a classic
example of serving in the midst of pain, trial, or tribulation. Ironically, the one individual
nominated to deliver physical and emotional sustenance to Paul was the same one
stricken with disease. Like Ephaphroditus, we at times are called to patiently endure
trials and tribulations of many kinds. While we don’t know the exact nature of
Epaphroditus sickness, we know that it bordered on death. In spite of his debilitating
infirmity, however, he remained faithful and loyal to the work and mission of Christ.
As believers, we are not immune to sickness, disease, heartache or tribulation. We
often mistakenly believe that our commitment to Christ should make us impenetrable to
all of this life’s woes, including sickness. To the contrary, the Bible reminds us that we
should rejoice when we face tribulations of many kinds. It further details several
examples where sickness and even death befell many of God’s most elite followers.
While these examples may seem difficult to understand it is clear that Epaphroditus
excelled at remaining Christ centered in spite of his pain. We too when confronted with
disease, pain, or physical hardship, should -- like Epaphroditus -- turn to Christ and to
the service of others. In so doing, we may find that our presence invokes great joy in
those that we meet and brings a greater glory to Christ, the author and finisher of our
faith.
Reflection:
1. How would you describe Epaphroditus? What characteristics of Epaphroditus should
we emulate?
2. How are you like Epaphroditus? In what ways can you change your life to be more
like him?
Key Verse: Philippians 2:14-16a
Week 5 Study 1
Read: Philippians 3:1-3
Devotional Thought:
There’s always somebody trying to sell something. People will tell you that you should
do this or that to make your life better. Christianity is no different. Ever since the church
branched off from Judaism, there were people trying convince Gentile converts that
they needed to follow the Jewish law to be saved. They needed to add the law to their
faith in the work Jesus. Paul tells the Philippians that is a big fat lie. Instead, we should
rejoice in the work of Christ and put our confidence in His work.
The world hasn’t changed much since Paul. There are still people trying to add to what
Jesus has done. If you will only give a certain amount of money, follow this rule, say
this special prayer, then your faith will be complete. Then you will be holier. We really
need to take Paul’s warning to heart that we should only put our faith in one person’s
work and that is Jesus. We can rejoice in the fact that we don’t have to add anything to
his work. His work is complete. Remember, the next time someone tells you that you
need more than Jesus, you can be confident and rejoice that his work doesn’t need
anything else.
Reflection:
1. Why do people put confidence in something other than Jesus? How have you put
your confidence in something other than Jesus?
2. In verse 1, Paul tells the Philippians to rejoice in the Lord. Why can we rejoice in the
Lord based off of what Paul writes in verses 2-3?
Key Verse: Philippians 3:8
Week 5 Study 2
Read: Philippians 3:4-9
Devotional Thought:
What’s the most important thing that you’ve done? What’s the greatest achievement of
your life? How much do you value that achievement? Now, consider that achievement,
all your success, worthless. That seems a little crazy. Especially if you are as
accomplished as Paul. In this section he lists off all those things that mean a lot to
Israelites. Paul was at the top of religious world. It would be like having a gold medal or
Pulitzer Prize. Then Paul says, all that stuff is worthless trash. Can you imagine
throwing away a gold medal or special prize? That’s what Paul is saying, though, in this
section.
Whether we mean to or not, we all put confidence in ourselves, our achievements, our
successes, and our pedigrees. Paul says that of all people he had the most to be
confident in himself. Paul was that he was the best of the best. Then he turns around
and says it doesn’t mean anything. Even though our accomplishments may be good
and done with good intentions, what we do doesn’t mean anything compared to what
Jesus has done for us. We can never be good enough to match Jesus’
accomplishments. None of our achievements will ever do us any good or bring us any
joy compared to what Jesus has done for us.
Reflection:
1. What reasons do you have for confidence in yourself? How do those things compare
with what God has done for you?
2. How are you going to change your thinking this week to put less stock in your
accomplishments and more in the work of Christ?
Key Verse: Philippians 3:8
Week 5 Study 3
Read: Philippians 3:10-11
Devotional Thought:
For many years I thought church was a place developed for me to hear great sermons,
feel good about myself and go home to do it all again the next week. Little did I know
Jesus wants something much greater. Jesus wants me to want Him, to learn about His
ways, and to grow up spiritually so I won’t fall into the same traps.
When I started reading the Bible and seeking God, I learned that he wants my heart to
be transformed. He wants me to know Him intimately so I can help others do the same.
It is through power of his resurrection and joining in his suffering lead us into that
intimate transformative relationship that Jesus wants with us.
Now that I know Jesus, I can join in His suffering and His resurrection. Jesus suffered
in his earthly ministry and he calls us to a ministry in which we will suffer trials and pain
as well. The good news is that we also share in the joy of his victory. His resurrection
that broke the power of sin and death in the world.
“In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John
16:33)
Reflection:
1. How does it make you feel that Paul says that we are to join Jesus in his suffering?
Are you afraid, worried, excited? Why? How does it make you feel to join in his
suffering?
2. Have you experienced trouble because of your faith? How did you work through
that? If not, how can you prepare yourself to work through the troubles of the world and
live in the Joy of the resurrection?
Key Verse: Philippians 3:8
Week 6 Study 1
Read: Philippians 3:12-16
Devotional Thought:
In his writing, Paul uses several illustrations of running races (1 Corinthians 9:24; 26;
Galatians 2:2, 5:7; Philippians 2:16; 2 Timothy 4:7.) He was familiar with the athletic
events of the Roman and Greek cultures. Perhaps Paul, himself was a runner. He used
these illustrations of athletes to encourage Christians to discipline themselves, live
honorably, and to keep one’s sight on the end goal of eternity with Christ.
Paul refers to this end goal as a calling. In the Old Testament, God’s calls were never
about matching up one’s abilities and desires with one’s opportunity. Instead, those
who were called by God initially resisted God’s call. They had been too wounded by life
to see themselves as one of great ability. Yet, a community was in crisis. God was
preparing one to lead the community through the crisis. That preparation had left the
called one broken. Surely God could find a more qualified one to lead. This was Paul’s
own experience. He had been a persecutor of the Church when he was called to be
Christ’s master missionary to non-Jews. His writings show him amazed at God’s grace
that one such as he would be called. As he wrote about calling he would likely see
himself in similar light as the Old Testament figures who were humbled in their call.
Paul encourages the mature Philippian Christians to agree on this call. In fact, he is
convinced God will make the maters they are to agree upon clear. These are the
matters that have led them to spiritual progress and development. They must be held
unto firmly as one would in a tiresome race.
Reflection:
1. What does running a race teach us about how we should pursue our heavenly call?
2. What are the areas of belief where all the spiritually mature should agree? How do
hold on to what we already possess in Christ?
Key Verse: Philippians 3:20-21
Week 6 Study 2
Read: Philippians 3:17-19
Devotional Thought:
Jesus frequently in His ministry called disciples to “follow me.” He offered great
intimacies. Not only would His disciples hear Him teach and observe His miracles. His
disciples would be involved in daily intimate living. It was true life on life discipleship,
but it came a great cost. With so much interaction the pretense of life would be broken.
All that was not of a heavenly call would need to be abandoned.
Paul, the master missionary, used Jesus’ method of making disciples. He also invited
his disciples to follow and imitate him (1 Corinthians 11:1; Philippians 3:17; 2
Thessalonians 3:7; 1 Timothy 4:6). This following was to be one that taught disciples in
the intimacies of life what it meant to follow Jesus as our Lord.
Paul gained no ego boost from having people follow him so intimately. Instead he cried
over his followers. Also, it is important to see that Paul’s motivation in asking for his
disciples to follow him is their protection. There are in their midst enemies of Christ.
These enemies brag about shameful matters and pursue their own appetites. They
focus on the matters of this earth to the exclusion of keeping their eyes fixed upon the
heavenly call. Paul asks for his disciples to follow him closely so they are protected
from the enemies of Christ.
Reflection:
1. What are your first inclinations when a leader calls you to follow and imitate him /
her? How do you call others to follow you as you follow Christ?
2. Why do you think Paul quickly after telling the Philippian Christians to imitate himself
tells them about the enemies of Christ? How can you identify enticements that lead you
away from the cross of Christ?
Key Verse: Philippians 3:20-21
Week 6 Study 3
Read: Philippians 3:20-4:1
Devotional Thought:
Citizenship was a big deal in Philippi. Since it was a Roman Colony, they received very
special rights and privileges as Roman citizens. You can see this played out in Acts
16:35-40. Paul and Silas get out of prison and tell them that they were Roman citizens
and were due certain rights that they were not given. When the officials got wind of this
they did whatever they could to make Paul and Silas happy so that they wouldn’t get in
trouble. Paul, however, is not writing about Roman citizenship. He tells the Philippians
that they are citizens of God’s kingdom. He is saying to them that while Roman
citizenship can be useful as it was to him in Acts 16, they need to live as citizens of
God’s kingdom. They stay true to their heavenly citizenship and not their earthly
citizenship.
As Americans, citizenship is also a great privilege and comes with great benefits, but
we should also remember that we are citizens of God’s kingdom first. We are to stay
true to his ways and laws first. The call to love God and love our neighbors as
ourselves is first and foremost our call. It’s not often that our American identity has to
get in the way of Being an American citizen can be useful, but it should never get in the
way being a member of God’s kingdom.
Reflection:
1. If our citizenship is in heaven what does that mean about how we should approach
citizenship currently on earth? Do you think citizenship concerns of this earth can
displace a focus upon the cross of Christ?
2. How do you practically stay true to the Lord? Why do you think Paul used the word,
“Lord” instead of another word for Jesus in 4:1 as he encourages faithfulness?
Key Verse: Philippians 3:20-21
Week 7 Study 1
Read: Philippians 4:2-3
Devotional Thought:
When Paul sent his letters to the churches, not everyone could read so they were read
aloud before the whole church. Talk about an awkward moment. I imagine you could
have heard a pin drop when the reader got to this section. Paul just called out 2
women in the church to settle their dispute. It’s even possible that Paul writes so much
about unity in this letter in order to help settle this dispute.
Whatever the case may be, this quarrel reached the point where Paul needed to
address it for the sake of the church and his plea is for unity in the church. Paul
reminds them that we are all on the same team doing the work of the Gospel. Christ’s
church should be united for the cause and not be divided against each other.
This section of scripture, although it seems irrelevant to us, is a great reminder of
Jesus’ admonishment to his disciples that people will know that we are His disciples by
our love.
Reflection:
1. Why is it so important that people in the church get along? Think back to the week
section: Would it be hard to have partnership without unity? Why?
2. Who are some of the people that you could call a fellow worker in the faith? What
are some things that you can do to promote unity in the body?
Key Verse: Philippians 4:6-7
Week 7 Study 2
Read: Philippians 4:2-3
Devotional Thought:
Many sleepless nights I wondered about “what if.” What if I fail, what if they do
something to me, what if I’m not good enough were all questions that added turmoil to
my countenance. Then when someone tells me that I shouldn’t be anxious, I get more
anxious because I’m anxious. How can I let it go?
3 AM seemed to be my usual time to wake up with many things on my mind. It seemed
like the pressing matters of yesterday would always spill into today, ruining my
tomorrow. I knew I would have only a couple of hours before I needed to get up so
maybe if I would just get “this one thing” done I could put my mind to rest.
God wants me to rejoice when I am anxious so I can focus on his greatness instead of
my issues. He wants me to pray when I am anxious and to thank Him for handling the
situation even before I see the solution so I can let it go. Once I let God handle people,
things and situations, I actually don’t have much to worry about. He will provide me
with peace that doesn’t make sense in the middle of the storm. When I should be
hysterical, I can feel rest because God is the keeper of my heart.
Reflection:
1. Why do you think that Paul would say to rejoice in the Lord always? How can we
rejoice even when life is hard?
2. Instead of being anxious, what does Paul say that we should do? What are some
things that you need to lay before God instead of worrying? Spend the remainder of
your time praying about those things and thanking God for his ability to work in all of
our circumstances.
Key Verse: Philippians 4:6-7
Week 7 Study 3
Read: Philippians 4:8-9
Devotional Thought:
What are you filling yourself with? As a culture we are becoming more and more
cognizant of what we put into our bodies. We are obsessed with dieting and eating
good foods, and honestly this is for good reason. Just the other day I heard on the
news that exercise can be undone by poor eating. What we eat is so important to our
health because it can keep other health measures from being effective.
The same can be said for what happens in our hearts and minds. This is why Paul is
sharing with the Philippians what we need to be thinking about. We need to mentally
digest things that are pure, true, noble, right, lovely, and admirable. This “thought-diet”
is foundational to how we live our lives in the world. When we think about true, right,
and pure things then we are more likely to live in a true, right, and pure way. This is the
foundation to a spiritually healthy life in the same way that the foundation to a
physically healthy life is good nutrition.
Then from this foundation Paul also directs the Philippians to follow the example that
he lived out. Paul’s example combined with right thinking will lead to healthy life lived in
Christ.
Reflection:
1. Which of the attributes that Paul said to think about sticks out to you? Why? Which
one do you need to be think about more?
2. Paul asks the Philippians to follow his example and teaching, whose example and
teaching can you follow? Why?
Key Verse: Philippians 4:6-7
Week 8 Study 1
Read: Philippians 4:8-9
Devotional Thought:
Most of us have a lot of stuff and it’s harder for me to be content when I have plenty. I
know this is strange, but I find myself holding onto things more than I hold onto God. I
lay awake worrying if my “stuff” will be taken or if I have enough money for “more stuff.”
So what does being content mean? It means I can praise God no matter what the
circumstance. It means I can tell people about what Jesus did for me in good or bad
times. It means I can refrain from complaining long enough to tell someone about
God’s greatness.
Now I can see why God says “The love of money is the root or beginning of all kinds of
evil.” My love of “stuff” can blind me to the real blessing which is God. In times of plenty
God wants me to share my wealth. In lean times He wants me to give up my pride and
praise Him anyway.
So what’s the secret? We can be content and rejoice in all circumstances because of
what Jesus has cold for us.
Reflection:
1. How content are you with your current situation? Have you been a chronic
complainer?
2. After thinking about what Paul says, how can you seek to be more content with what
you have?
Key Verse: Philippians 4:12-13
Week 8 Study 2
Read: Philippians 4:14-23
Devotional Thought:
“Friendship is unnecessary, like philosophy, like art, like the universe itself (for God did
not need to create). It has no survival value; rather it is one of those things which give
value to survival.” - C. S. Lewis, The Four Loves
At the end of Philippians we find something very similar to the beginning. Paul is
grateful for the partnership and friendship of the Philippian church. I venture to guess
that as Paul was finishing his letter, that tears began to well up in his eyes as he
thought about he wonderful friends and partners in ministry. Their gifts, he writes, are a
fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. This is a high praise from
Paul. He is putting it on par with an Old Testament sacrifice (see Exodus 29:18). The
Philippians who had little (see 1 Cor 8:1-5), gave generously to Paul.
Community and friendship are a true source of joy and we can see here Paul found joy
in his partnership with the Philippians. As Lewis wrote, friendship isn’t necessary for
surviving, but it does bring value and joy to life.
Reflection:
1. Who are the people in your life that bring joy to you as the Philippians did for Paul?
Why are these people important to you?
2. How can you live more like the Philippians being ready to help out a friend in need?
Key Verse: Philippians 4:12-13
Week 8 Study 3
Read: Philippians - If you have time read the whole book from beginning to end. If not,
go back and read through a couple of the sections that stood out to you.
Devotional Thought:
There’s so much packed into this small little book. There’s a fantastic description of
Jesus’ ministry in chapter 2. Paul shares a snippet of his testimony in chapter 3.
Chapter 4 has some very practice advice for living a Christ-like life. Then in the
beginning and end of the book, Paul shares how much he cares for the Philippian
church.
Through all of this, there is the theme of Joy. It’s not about happiness, instead it’s
deeper than that. To live a life in Christ is to have access to true joy. It comes through
the amazing community of the body of Christ, it comes through our relationship with
Christ himself, and it comes through the hope of victory over all things through the
death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Hopefully this devotion has helped you explore and know that joy a little bit more over
the last 8 weeks.
Reflection:
1. What are a couple of practical ways that you are going to live out what you learned
in Philippians?
2. What verse or section of Philippians had the most impact on you?
3. What is one thing that you learned from Philippians that you didn’t know before?
Key Verse: Philippians 4:12-13