Paul is in a hard circumstances to say the least. Yet he explains that it has actually helped to advance the gospel.
Think about a hard situation you are facing or have recently faced? How can God use you in the midst of this hard to advance His kingdom?
Paul says in verse 27, “whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.” In the situation you thought of above, how has your conduct been? Worthy, in what ways? Unworthy, in what ways?
Paul continues to rejoice (v.18) despite his situation. Where is joy amidst the hard for you right now?
Spend some time meditating on verse 29. Dwell deeply thinking and praying about Paul’s perspective that we are “granted to suffer for Him.” Suffering as blessing….Hmmmmm.
The last two Sundays we’ve heard Keith speak on some passages from the book of Philippians. Let’s take some time to read through the whole book together.
We’ve spent several weeks looking at who God reveals Himself to be. These next two weeks, we will spend some time looking at ourselves in light of knowing who God is.
Take some time to watch this overview of the book of Philippians from The Bible Project.
Read Philippians 1:1-11
As we reflect on “be transformed by the Spirit,” let’s look at these verses from that vantage point. Let’s also remember to ask the Spirit to speak and teach us as we seek to be transformed.
Paul says that he is confident that God continues His good work in each of us. How have you seen God continuing to work in your life? What evidence do you see in yourself of transformation?
Who is it in your life that you long for with the affection of Jesus because they are so in your heart? What are you praying for them?
Write out what exactly Paul is praying for these people that he loves.
How does each part of his prayer participate in their transformation? For example, how does my love growing in knowledge help transform me more into Jesus’ likeness?
Spend some time praying and sitting with Jesus in preparation for worship with the body this morning. Ask the Lord if there are ways that your heart is not pure, your hands not clean, or your heart lifted up to things that are false (v. 4)?