Day 12
Philippians 2:1-4
As we move into chapter 2 we are going to see a theme of humility. Paul is going to tell the Philippians in humility to value others above themselves (verse 3). He is then going to hold up Christ as the perfect example of humility and then go on to esteem himself, Timothy and Epaphroditus as other examples to follow.
How do you think God’s definition of humility in the Bible is different from the world’s definition?
Paul starts this passage by reminding the Philippian Christians of what they have received in Christ. They have received encouragement from being united with Christ, they have been comforted by his love, they do share in the Spirit and they have received tenderness and compassion from God. This is the normal experience of the Christian. The receiving of these things is the basis for Paul’s exhortations in verses 2-4 and the rest of the chapter. The Philippians have received so much from God and so they now have a responsibility to live in the way Paul is about to describe.
What exhortations does Paul give the Philippians in verses 2-4?
In what ways have you received encouragement from Christ, comfort from his love, fellowship of the Spirit and tenderness and compassion (both directly from Jesus and through his people)?
What would it look like for you to live out the exhortations in verses 2-4?
Today’s Prayer Suggestions
1. Pray and thank God for the things he has given you from verse 1. Pray that he would help you live out the exhortations in verses 2-4. Pray for our MTSer: Isobel McLaren, and our Student Ministers: Ben Carruthers and Josh den Dulk, who serve our church that they would grow in their humility like our Lord Jesus.
2. Pray for More serving for the sake of the gospel: With a bold goal to see 60% of our church family serving by year’s end, pray that God would raise up over 100 new people to serve at church this year—for the good of the church and the glory of Christ.
3. Pray that God raises up new student leaders at QUT Christians as others graduate this year.