12.3 Philippians

Rebekah Weidner 

12.3.2020

Philippians

Summarize what you read in one paragraph:

Paul writes this letter from prison to the church in Philippi. They have sent a gift to him through Epaphroditus. Paul is sending this letter back to them through this brother to express his gratitude for their gift and encourage them to stay unified and to place their joy and confidence in Christ.

What is one key verse?

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”

Philippians 2:3

How does what you read change your vision of God?

Simply put: if God himself humbled himself to death on a cross for the sake of others, I have no grounds for being selfish! 

How does what you read change your vision of yourself or others?

It is easy to get in a self-focused mindset especially with everything going on and all the losses we are experiencing this year, whether big or small. This letter helps me to refocus on spiritual things and not earthly things, humble myself for the good of my brothers and sisters and rejoice always knowing my hope is not in this world. 

How will you Go With God because of this reading? (What is an action step?)

I see that I need an attitude adjustment! Being alone at home for so long with too much time to myself has not been good for my mental state and led me to become very self-focused. I want to have the focus that Paul talks about in chapter four – that is focused on what is excellent and praiseworthy. Whatever happens, I can choose to take on an attitude that keeps the things of heaven in mind.

Where did you see Jesus in these chapters? (What made you think about Jesus?)

Ummm…EVERYWHERE! He is the ultimate example of considering others above yourself and keeping a big picture, heavenly purpose – to the point of suffering death on the cross.