DAY 26: PHILIPPIANS 3:20-21

Day 26

Philippians 3:20-21

How do Christians compare to those who live as enemies of the cross of Christ?

Paul says that Christians have their citizenship in heaven. The idea of a foreign citizenship was familiar to the Philippians. Philippi was a Roman colony, even though it was far from Rome. The Philippians were citizens of Rome and were under Roman law and customs. They also enjoyed all of the privileges that went along with their Roman citizenship. When Paul says that a Christian’s citizenship is in heaven he is reminding them that heaven is their home and they are foreigners here on earth. So their conduct should match their citizenship, and they should remember the blessings that they have as citizens of heaven.

How would you explain what it means that our citizenship is in heaven to a primary school aged kid?

What do we learn about Jesus from this passage?

How does your heavenly citizenship shape the way you think about living in this world?

Today’s Prayer Suggestions

1. Give thanks to God that we have been given citizenship in heaven and that we will be transformed to have a glorious body through Christ. Pray that we would find our identity as being raised and seated with Christ and live as strangers on earth.

2. Give thanks for the Church Conference this weekend. Pray for Andrew Shead as he opens the Psalms. Pray for great encouragement and growth in our fellowship around Jesus.

3. Ask God to comfort the UQES team as they grieve Kim Gibson’s passing.

DAY 25: PHILIPPIANS 3:17-19

Day 25

Philippians 3:17-19

In today’s passage Paul instructs the Philippians to follow his example and the examples of those who live as he does. Why does he give them this instruction?

What does Paul say about those who live as enemies of the cross of Christ?

How does Paul feel about these people living in this way?

Are there any areas of your life where you are over-indulging in good things? (It may be food, drink, clothes, social media, television, sport etc)

We will see how these enemies of the cross of Christ compare to Christians in tomorrow’s passage.

Today’s Prayer Suggestions

1. Thank God for the good gifts he gives and pray for self-discipline to not over-indulge in these gifts. Pray that God will give you godly examples of faith who you can be encouraged and discipled by.

2. Pray for the Worship Pathway team who look after the music in our 4 different congregations.

3. Pray for kids and youth to come to a clear understanding of what Jesus has done for them and why they so desperately need him. Ask that our kids might stand firm in faith amidst all the influences and pressures they face at school and among friends.

DAY 24: PHILIPPIANS 3:15-16

Day 24

Philippians 3:15-16

What “view of things” does Paul want the Philippians to have?

What do we learn about God from this passage?

Why do you think Paul would encourage the Philippians to “live up to what they have already attained”?

How are you going at living out what you already know to be true?

Today’s Prayer Suggestions

1. Pray for any areas of your life where you aren’t living in a way that you know God wants you to live. Pray that God would reveal his will to you in areas of your life where you are unknowingly disobeying him.

2. As we plan to plant a church, pray that God would help our broader church family adjust to the various changes and costs that can come with church planting, and that by God’s grace, we would all keep our eyes fixed on Jesus.

3. Pray for Rev. Thang Bwee: Communications amongst the network of churches in Chin state is difficult and often impossible. Pray that God would open new pathways for gospel ministry despite the communication barriers.

DAY 23: PHILIPPIANS 3:12-14

Day 23

Philippians 3:12-14

What do you think the goal Paul is referring to here is?

Do you find it surprising that Paul believes he hasn’t yet taken hold of his goal? Why or why not?

How would you describe Paul’s attitude about claiming this goal or prize?

What things are you doing to know Jesus Christ and become like him?

Resources to help you grow: Bible in a one-year plan, Christian books such as “Knowing God” J.I Packer, using PrayerMate App to pray!

Today’s Prayer Suggestions

1. Pray that you would grow in your relationship with Christ and continue to mature in him.

2. Pray for our elders as they exercise oversight and care over church members and ministries. Pray they would do so with love and faithfulness.

3. Pray that J & R's children will come to know and love Jesus personally.

DAY 22: PHILIPPIANS 3:7-11

Day 22

Philippians 3:7-11

How does Paul see the things he has talked about in verses 4-6 compared to knowing Christ?

How is Paul’s attitude different to the Jewish legalists he talks about in verse 2?

What do you enjoy most about knowing Christ?

Paul deeply desires to know Christ. Not to just know about him but to have a personal relationship with him. To know his power and even to become like him through suffering. All this was so that he might attain resurrection from the dead and eternal life with Christ.

What do you look forward to about eternal life?

Today’s Prayer Suggestions

1. Give thanks to God for the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus our Lord. Give thanks to God that it is not by our own righteousness from the law, but one that is from Him that is by faith. Pray that we would count all worldly gain as loss and be willing to share Christ’s suffering and death so that we may attain the resurrection from the dead.

2. Pray that God would work through Taste & See to bring people to trust in Jesus.

3. Pray for QUT Christians asking God to use Mid-Year Conference powerfully to grow first-years in faith and commitment.

DAY 21: PHILIPPIANS 3:4-6

Day 21

Philippians 3:4-6

In today’s passage Paul states all the reasons why he, if anyone, could have confidence in his righteousness before God because of obedience to the law and the works of the flesh.

What reasons does Paul give for why he could have confidence in the flesh?

Why would these things give Paul reason to have confidence in himself?

Why do you think Paul lists out these reasons?

What things are you tempted to boast in before God?

Today’s Prayer Suggestions

1. Give thanks to God that we no longer have to work for our salvation but are saved through trusting in Jesus’ finished work. Pray that you'd continue to put no confidence in the flesh.

2. It's a month since we had Man Camp. Pray for the men at Ann Street to continue to develop relationships of fellowship around God's Word that grows them to be like Jesus.

3. Pray that students Linda McKerrell mentors will be equipped to serve well cross-culturally.

DAY 20: PHILIPPIANS 3:1-3

Day 20

Philippians 3:1-3

We are now halfway through the book of Philippians. As Paul starts this new section of his letter he encourages the Philippians to “rejoice in the Lord”.

Go back and reread chapters 1 and 2. How many times are the words joy or rejoice used in the first two chapters?

What reasons do we as Christians have to rejoice in the Lord (both from Philippians so far and from your general knowledge of the Bible)?

As Paul continues he goes on to warn the Philippian Christians about Jewish legalists among them. These people thought that they could earn or merit salvation through good works and obedience to the law. He does this for the safety of the Philippian Christians.

Complete the table below to think about how Paul describes these Jewish legalists and how he compares them to Christians.

The dogs Paul refers to here were the mongrel scavengers that would prowl about without a home or owner. They would feed on the rubbish along the streets, quarrel among themselves and attack passers by.

Why do you think he describes these groups in this way?

In what ways are you tempted to legalism?

Today’s Prayer Suggestions

1. Rejoice in the Lord for He has saved us for His glory. Pray that we would put no confidence in ourselves but only in Christ and His Work.

2. As we work towards our 2030 vision, pray that we would care for, disciple, and equip people well, raising up future leaders who are grounded in the gospel and ready to lead others in service and faith.

3. Ask God for wisdom for the Djamaludins as they care for the vulnerable in their community.

DAY 19: PHILIPPIANS 2:25-30

Day 19

Philippians 2:25-30

Finally, Paul gives Epaphroditus as another example of a humble brother in Christ.

How is Epaphroditus described in this passage?

Epaphroditus was sent by the Philippians to deliver financial support to Paul (4:18) and minister to Paul’s needs in prison (2:25). After arriving in Rome Paul sent Epaphroditus back to the Philippians and he is likely the person who delivered Paul’s letter to them.

Why did Paul want to send Epaphroditus back to the Philippians?

According to Paul, how does Epaphroditus display humility?

How could you care for your Christian brothers and sisters who are in need (especially those who minister to you)?

Today’s Prayer Suggestions

1. Pray for the pastors at church. Pray that their physical needs would be provided for. Pray that they would continue to grow to be more like Jesus and that they would humbly and wisely oversee our church.

2. Pray for new Growth Group leaders to be identified, trained and encouraged so that the Growth Group ministry can expand to include more people.

3. Praise God for Eunice joining staff at Griffith Christian Students and pray for the team to grow.

DAY 18: PHILIPPIANS 2:19-24

Day 18

Philippians 2:19-24

The drink offering being referred to here is an allusion to the practice among Jews of pouring out a small In today’s passage Paul holds Timothy up to the Philippians as another example of someone who is humble.

Why does Paul want to send Timothy to the Philippians?

According to Paul, how does Timothy display humility?

What does Paul’s expectation of the news he will receive back from Timothy about the Philippians show about Paul’s attitude towards this church?

Why do you think Paul tells the Philippians that he is confident in the Lord that he will come and visit them soon (v. 24)?

How are you going at putting off pride and being humble?

Today’s Prayer Suggestions

1. Pray that God would reveal to you the way pride shows itself in your life. Spend some time repenting of pride and ask God to grow in your humility like our Lord Jesus.

2. Pray for our Seniors to persevere in trusting in Jesus and in loving his people. Pray that we might encourage our seniors in Christ and thoughtfully include them in church ministry and community.

3. Pray for Josh & Bethany Fraser: Pray for discipline in language learning and gospel fluency.

DAY 17: PHILIPPIANS 2:17-18

Day 17

Philippians 2:17-18

The drink offering being referred to here is an allusion to the practice among Jews of pouring out a small amount of wine on or beside an animal that was being sacrificed to God. The drink offering accompanied another sacrifice (see Num 15:4-5; 28:7).

If Paul’s imprisonment and possible martyrdom is the drink offering what does he say the sacrifice is?

If the Philippians faith is the sacrifice in this analogy, the Philippians themselves would be the priests. Only instead of offering animal sacrifices their faith is the sacrifice.

Why do you think Paul uses this analogy?

Why do you think Paul tells the Philippians he is glad and rejoices with them despite being poured out like a drink offering?

What would it look like for you to live your life today wholly for the glory of Jesus?

Today’s Prayer Suggestions

1. Give thanks to God that Christ is the ultimate sacrifice that God receives.

2. Pray for our kids and youth at Ann Street to have a sense of belonging at church, with one another in their ministry groups, and in the wider church family.

3. Pray for Jared & Verena Bradley: Ask God to provide a language helper and more gospel partners.

DAY 16: PHILIPPIANS 2:14-16

Day 16

Philippians 2:14-16

There is some dispute among commentators about whether the grumbling and arguing referred to in verse 14 refers to grumbling and arguing with other people or it refers to an attitude towards God. With unity among believers being a big theme, especially in this part of the letter (see Philippians 2:1-4), Paul definitely could have been talking about the Christian’s relationship with his brothers and sisters. However the words used for grumbling and arguing were words that were used to describe Israel’s complaining towards God in the Exodus. And Paul’s quoting of Deuteronomy 32:5 in verse 15 refers back to a passage where the Israelites who left Egypt are being called a warped and crooked generation for their grumbling and rebellion against God in the Desert. So it is probably best to see the grumbling and arguing as including their attitude towards God.

What things might the Philippians have been tempted to grumble to God about (see Philippians 1:29-30)?

Why does Paul say that the Philippian Christians should do all things without grumbling or arguing?

Why would the Philippian’s grumbling and arguing against God be a risk to Paul being able to boast on the day of Christ that he did not run or labour in vain?

Is there anything you are tempted to grumble to God about? How does this passage challenge you in those times?

Today’s Prayer Suggestions

1. Pray that God’s Spirit would change our characters to overflow with thanksgiving to shine as Christians and to help us not to be grumblers.

2. Pray for more musicians to serve us as we worship God each week.

3. Pray for Mark & Anne Osborne: Pray for Anne’s health and wisdom in future ministry plans.

DAY 15: PHILIPPIANS 2:12-13

Day 15

Philippians 2:12-13

How is verse 8 an encouragement to the obedience that Paul expects of Christians in verse 12?

Some people would argue that when Paul tells the Philippians to “work out your salvation” he is telling them they need to work for their salvation or earn their salvation through works. What would you say to someone who held this view?

How is verse 13 a motivation for the Philippian Christians to work out their salvation?

Why do you think Paul tells the Philippians to work out their salvation “with fear and trembling”?

What will it look like for you to work out your salvation with fear and trembling?

Today’s Prayer Suggestions

1. Give thanks to God for giving us salvation in his good pleasure. Spend some time of repentance as you confess sin and turn your life back to God in His grace.

2. Ask God’s wisdom and provision for all that is needed as we move towards planting a church. Pray that we might be dependent in prayer as we take steps of faith.

3. Pray for UQES: Pray for those reading the Bible with unbelievers to persevere and bear fruit.

DAY 14: PHILIPPIANS 2:9-11

Day 14

Philippians 2:9-11

Yesterday we looked at Christ’s display of humility by becoming human and dying on a cross. In today’s passage we are going to see what happened as a result of Christ’s humility. This is evident by the word “therefore” at the start of verse 9.

What has happened as a result of Christ’s humility in verses 6-8?

How do we see the totality of Christ’s exaltation in this passage?

Do you think verses 10 and 11 are about a present imperative or a future reality?

Spend some time reflecting on the day when our Lord Jesus returns and ALL will confess Christ’s Lordship and bend the knee, either with joyful faith or with resentment and despair.

What is the result of Christ’s exaltation (from verse 11)?

How does this passage affect the way you think about people who don’t know Christ as Lord?

Today’s Prayer Suggestions

1. Give thanks God has highly exalted Jesus above every name and that we can joyfully call Jesus our Lord now and into eternity.

2. Pray that we might truly relate to one another as family, that we might care for, and partner together as parts of the same body. Pray that visitors might know that we are disciples of Jesus by the way we love one another.

3. Pray for Rev. Thang Bwee: Pray for Christians offering hope after the earthquake's devastation.

DAY 13: PHILIPPIANS 2:5-8

Day 13

Philippians 2:5-8

What do we learn about Jesus from verses 6-8?

In verse 5 Paul gives another exhortation that should be followed because of the things we have received from verse 1. It is an exhortation that is similar to the final exhortation in verses 3-4?

How does Christ display humility and value others above himself from verses 6-8?

How does this passage rule out the idea that Christ was an unwilling victim in what happened to him?

What would it look like for you to have the same mindset as Christ Jesus in your relationship with people who are new to church?

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 1. Give thanks to God for His perfect definition of humility displayed in Jesus’ death on the cross. Pray that we would be a church that reflects Christ’s humility in sacrificial service to one another.

2. Pray for the logistics of running the dinners at Taste & See: finding chefs and conversation partners so all will run smoothly.

3. Pray for J&R: Ask God to sustain local leaders facing opposition and spiritual challenges.

DAY 12: PHILIPPIANS 2:1-4

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.

DAY 11: PHILIPPIANS 1:27-30

Day 11

Philippians 1:27-30

What does it look like for the Philippians to conduct themselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ according to this passage?

What does verse 29 tell us about our salvation?

How would verses 27-30 encourage and challenge the Philippians in the situation they are in (remembering their context of hostility to the gospel)?

How does this passage challenge or encourage you in suffering?

Today’s Prayer Suggestions

1. Pray for our Christian brothers and sisters who are going through suffering. Pray that they would conduct themselves in a manner worthy of the gospel, being unified and courageous in the face of opposition. Pray that they would see their suffering as a privilege and it would strengthen their faith in Jesus. Pray for Christians in Palestine and in Ukraine.

2. Pray for God’s Spirit to work through his word to deepen our understanding, assurance and response to our salvation in Christ this term.

3. Ask God to strengthen Linda McKerrell's connections with her supporting churches.

DAY 10: PHILIPPIANS 1:21-26

Day 10

Philippians 1:21-26

What do you think Paul means when he says “to live is Christ and to die is gain”?




In today’s passage we see that Paul is torn between two choices. Fill in the table below:

It is clear that Paul would like to depart and be with Christ. So why does he choose to remain in the body (v. 25-26)?

Paul seems certain that he will remain in the body (v. 25) even though whether he lives or dies is largely outside of his control. What does this show about Paul’s view of God?

How does this passage affect the way you think about church?

Today’s Prayer Suggestions

1. Give thanks to God that we have hope that surpasses beyond this life and that we can say “to die is gain”. Pray that whether we live or die that we would live for Christ.

2. Pray for Our New Team Leaders: Thank God for those who’ve stepped into leadership this year. Pray that they would grow in confidence, clarity, and Christlikeness as they lead their teams—and that their teams would be places of joy, discipleship, and gospel partnership.

3. Dan & Rachel Djamaludin: People across the region are in shock after the earthquake in Myanmar. Pray for those grieving in Myanmar to find comfort in Christ.

DAY 9: PHILIPPIANS 1:19-20

Day 9

Philippians 1:19-20

We see that Paul wrote this letter to the Philippi church while imprisoned in Rome awaiting trial. How do we see Paul’s trust in God expressed in today’s passage?

What do we learn about the power of prayer from verse 19?

In verse 20 we see Paul’s deepest motivation for all that he does, that Christ would be exalted through him. He cares more about this than he does his own life.

A) What do you think this means?

B) How would this attitude change the way you live?

Today’s Prayer Suggestions

1. Give thanks to God for the power in prayer and pray for your prayer life that we can grow more like Christ in the way we pray. Pray that we can be honouring Christ above honouring our own lives.

2. Give thanks for those that help us to get into and understand God’s Word. Pray that as we gather around the Word on Sundays and at Growth Groups that we would be growing in faith and love.

3. Give thanks for strong student leadership at Griffith Christian Students and pray for their energy and rest.

DAY 8: PHILIPPIANS 1:15-18

Day 8

Philippians 1:15-18

In this passage Paul talks about two groups of people who are preaching the gospel. What are the motivations of these two groups of people?

Why do you think Paul rejoices even though some people are preaching to stir up trouble for him?

Why is it so important that Christ is preached?

Note: Paul rejoices because the gospel is being preached. But he is not saying that preaching Christ from false motives is good. No matter what our motives are, we should still preach Christ. However, we should pray to God and ask him to make our motives Godly and loving.

What motives do you have for preaching the gospel? How does this passage encourage and challenge you?

Today’s Prayer Suggestions

1. Thank God that Christ is proclaimed, even through mixed motives, and rejoice that the good news of Jesus is still going out.

2. Give thanks for new members. Pray that God would grow our church not just in numbers of people in the building, but of people coming to trust in Jesus and live lives shaped by the gospel in community with the Body of Christ.

3. Pray for the Frasers: Give thanks for Cece and Freddy, and pray for gospel-shaped parenting.

DAY 7: PHILIPPIANS 1:12-14

Day 7

Philippians 1:12-14

What do we learn about Paul’s situation when he writes this letter?

Note: Paul’s imprisonment at the time of writing the letter to the Philippians is likely in Rome under house arrest (see Acts 28).

What has been the effect of Paul being imprisoned?

Why do you think Paul’s imprisonment has led to confidence in the Lord and proclamation of the gospel without fear?

How does this passage help you to overcome the barriers you have to sharing the gospel?

Today’s Prayer Suggestions

1. Praise God that He uses hardship to advance the gospel, and thank Him for giving courage to speak about Jesus without fear.

2. Give thanks for our NCK & NCY leaders. Pray that they might keep growing in their love for Jesus and in their love for sharing him with the next generation.

3. Pray for Jared & Verena Bradley: Pray for the safe arrival of the Bradleys’ new baby in June.