DAY 34: RE-READ THE LETTER TO THE PHILIPPIANS

Day 34

Re-read the book of Philippians

How would you summarise the book of Philippians? (Think about Paul’s purpose in writing the letter, the major themes, the major applications for the Philippians).

What questions do you still have that you want to go away and think about more?

What have you learnt about God from this letter?

What have been the main applications for you?

Today’s Prayer Suggestions

1. Give thanks to God for how He has grown you through the Book of Philippians in your knowledge of Him and your love for Jesus. Pray that His Spirit would help you live out those main applications you noted above.

2. Pray that the young people who have chosen to be part of Declare will be clear on the gospel and that as they consider their own testimony, they might be clear that this faith is their own and that they are ready to profess that faith among our church family.

3. Pray for new leaders and apprentices at UQES to meet gospel needs on campus.

DAY 33: PHILIPPIANS 4:21-23

Day 33

Philippians 4:21-23

How many times is the word ‘greet’ or ‘greetings’ used in this passage?

What do these final greetings show about Paul’s view of ministry?

How does verse 22 fit with Philippians 1:12-13?

Why do you think Paul includes this final part of the letter?

How are you going at building friendships with other Christians?

Today’s Prayer Suggestions

1. Praise God for the unity we share in Christ across the world, and ask Him to keep you resting in His grace each day.

2. Pray for MTS information night this week and those who are considering vocational ministry.

3. Pray for Rev. Thang Bwee and ministry in Myanmar: Pray for new ministry candidates as many young men flee conscription.

DAY 32: PHILIPPIANS 4:15-20

Day 32

Philippians 4:15-20

How have the Philippians supported Paul in his ministry?

Why does Paul desire for the Philippians to financially support him?

Why do you think Paul describes the Philippian’s gift as “a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God” in verse 18?

What needs do you think Paul is referring to in verse 19?

How are you going at being generous, for the sake of the gospel, with the gifts God has given you (including your money, time, house, car etc)?

If you would like to learn more about how to give financially to church you can get all the info at Giving — Ann Street Presbyterian Church.

Today’s Prayer Suggestions

1. Give thanks to God that He has saved us from slavery to sin (including serving money) and that now we can serve God as our master. Pray that God would grow your heart to be more generous. Pray for wisdom in how to use all of your gifts well for the sake of the Gospel.

2. Pray for us to have the conviction to pray to God regularly. Ask that God might use the Ann Street Daily or other means of bible reading to help us dig deeper in to his word.

3. Pray for J & R. Lift up the preaching clubs and pray they grow bold, faithful preachers.

DAY 31: PHILIPPIANS 4:10-14

Day 31

Philippians 4:10-14

How do the Philippians feel about Paul from verse 10?

In today’s passage Paul says “I can do all things through him who strengthens me”. What does he mean by this statement?

If Paul had learnt to be content in all situations why does Paul say it was good for the Philippians to share in his troubles?

How are you going at supporting people outside of your local church who work to take the gospel out?

Today’s Prayer Suggestions

1. Thank God for His provision through others, and ask Him to teach you contentment in every situation by Christ’s strength.

2. Give thanks for the growth we have experienced at Ann St and the impetus this provides for church planting.

3. Give thanks for the gospel opportunities that Dan & Rachel Djamaludin have and pray for new believers to grow.

DAY 30: PHILIPPIANS 4:8-9

Day 30

Philippians 4:8-9

What kinds of things does Paul tell the Philippians they should think about in this passage?

What we think about as Christians is so important. Much of the Christian life comes down to the mind. The words “think about” can also be translated “meditate on”. Here Paul is telling the Philippians to intentionally and regularly reflect on such things.

Read Romans 12:2 and 2 Corinthians 10:5. What do these passages say about the thought life of a Christian?

What areas of your thought life are going well? What areas need to change?

In verse 9 Paul holds himself up as an example to the Philippians to follow. He tells them to put into practice the things they have learned, received or heard from him. Paul really could say to people “follow me as I follow Jesus”. How are you going being an example to others in the way you speak and act?

Today’s Prayer Suggestions

1. Praise God that the Gospel is true, honourable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, worthy of praise! Pray to God that through the words of our mouth proclaiming the Word of God, we can guard our heart and mind with the Gospel truths daily (Joshua 1:8-9, Psalms 1:2).

2. Pray that we might welcome newcomers and warmly include them in church ministries and relationships.

3. Pray for Griffith Christian Students: Pray that fringe students get connected and grow through God’s Word.

DAY 29: PHILIPPIANS 4:4-7

Day 29

Philippians 4:4-7

In today’s passage Paul tells the Philippians to rejoice in the Lord. This is very similar to the way he starts chapter 3.

After reading chapter 3 and the beginning of chapter 4 are there any other reasons you have found for why Christians can rejoice in the Lord?

In verse 5 why would the Lord being near (Jesus’ imminent return) be a reason to show gentleness to all?

In verse 6, when Paul says not to be anxious about anything, he is not saying that believers should have a complete lack of concern. Nor does it mean that believers should be careless. He is not talking about what we would call anxiety as a medical diagnosis. Rather he is saying that Christians should not be overly fearful, paranoid or unduly worried about their lives.

What does Paul say we should do instead of being anxious?

Why would this guard us from undue worry and fear?

What things are you worried about at the moment that you need to bring to God in prayer?

Extra resources: Paul Grimmond’s “When the Noise Won’t Stop” is an excellent resource to see more of what the Bible says about anxiety.

Today’s Prayer Suggestions

1. Pray for those things now, asking God for help and thanking him for what he has given you. As you do this, spend some time reflecting on who it is that you pray to.

2. Pray for our MTSer: Isobel McLaren. Pray that she would continue to grow in dependence on God in prayer as she serves.

3. Pray for the Fraser family and ask God to save young people in Slovenia and strengthen the faithful.

DAY 28: PHILIPPIANS 4:2-3

Day 28

Philippians 4:2-3

In today’s passage Paul is addressing an issue that has arisen between two Christians in the church at Philippi, Euodia and Syntyche. What does he ask them to do?

How would being of the same mind in the Lord (v. 2) lead to an end to conflict and reconciliation between these two people?

What does the word “plead” (or “entreat” in the ESV) suggest about the importance Paul places on this reconciliation?

Why do you think Paul cares so much that these two women reconcile?

How does this fit with Philippians 1:27 and 2:1-2?

Is there anyone at church that you need to reconcile with? If not, is there someone at church you could wisely help reconcile with someone else they have had conflict with?

Today’s Prayer Suggestions

1. Give thanks to God that we can forgive and pray for our enemies because of God’s love for us while we were His enemies. Pray for the people you struggle to love.

2. Pray for the follow-up course starting this term for new Christians. Ask God to use this course to build strong foundations in his Word for new believers.

3. Pray for the Bradley family. Pray for Noah to adjust well to a new sibling and for the family’s good health.

DAY 27: PHILIPPIANS 4:1

Day 27

Philippians 4:1

How does Paul describe the Philippians in this passage?

The word for crown that Paul uses here is the Greek word for a crown of victory that was given to an athlete who won an important race. Paul is saying that as the Philippians stand firm in the Lord they are his crown of achievement and victory.

Based on these descriptions how do you think Paul feels about the Philippians?

How does this passage challenge or encourage you about the way you feel towards the people you serve at church?

Paul gives the command to stand firm in the Lord. The linking word at the beginning of verse 1 “Therefore” suggests that this command is a result of what Paul has just said.

Why do you think Paul would tell the Philippian Christians to stand firm in the Lord based on verses 20 and 21 of chapter 3?

What do you need to remember to help you stand firm in the Lord?

Today’s Prayer Suggestions

1. Praise God for the joy of Christian brothers and sisters, and ask Him to help you stand firm in the Lord with them.

2. Pray for unity and joy in our serving teams. Pray that all our ministry teams would be united in heart and purpose. Ask that as we serve, we would grow in love for one another, reflect the character of Christ, and be a compelling witness to those around us.

3. Pray for Mark & Anne Osborne: Ask God to bless the new media work recording Scripture readings.

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.