Paul ends the book of Philippians by sending greeting to those he knows and loves.

Pull out your Riverside directory and pray through some pages. Greet and pray for your brothers and sisters.

Incorporate some worship into your morning as you prepare your hearts for our corporate gathering.

Read Philippians 4

We’ve heard sermons these past two weeks from this chapter.  Those teachings have given some practical ways for all of us to work these words out into our lives.

• Look back, think back, or listen again to those sermons. 
  
• In what ways are you putting verses 4-9 into practice? What concrete changes have you made?
  
• In what ways are you putting verses 11-13 into practice? Again – be practical, be concrete? How are you being transformed in this area?
  

Read Philippians 3

KNOW (what does the text say about God?)
BE (What does the text say about us?)
DO (what is the text calling me to do?)

Take time today to think through those questions from this passage.

KNOW:

BE:

DO:

Look back over the past days and pray for the things that stood out to you where you are wanting to be conformed into His image.

Read Philippians 2:12-30

• There is a tension between verses 12-13. My work. The Holy Spirit’s work. How do you see this worked out in your own life in practical ways?
  
• Where do you see God placing you so that you can “shine like a star” for His glory?
  
• Perhaps you, like me, have a hard time picturing God wanting you to shine like a star?
  
• Think back to Ephesians 1. How is God seeing you right now? What are the words He using to describe you?
  
• Spend some time just sitting with Jesus and picturing His face smiling at you.
  

Read Philippians 2:1-11

Philippians 2:2 reminds me so much of John 17. Unity. Like-minded. Being one in Spirit and purpose.

• What does real humility (considering someone else above yourself) look like in your life right now? With whom? How? Be practical:
  
• What do you learn about Christ from verse 5-11?
  
• In what ways can our attitude be the same as His?
  
• Spend some time actually bowing your knee this morning and praying to the exalted Jesus.
  

Read Philippians 1:12-30

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?