The Resistance - Day 17
Day 17: Tuesday, February 21
Read Philippians 1:12-30
Highlight
The Apostle Paul wrote the Book of Philippians while imprisoned. The believers in Philippi have sent him a gift and this letter was sent in return as a mix of a thank you letter and a letter to encourage and strengthen their faith. The Philippians were both anxious about Paul and how he was doing in prison and anxious about their own suffering in the face of persecution. Much of the theme of his letter revolves around Paul helping the Philippians with their own fear, stress, and challenges by explaining how he has found peace despite his circumstances. Philippians 1:12-30 is the first section of the letter where Paul does this, explaining how his awful circumstances still have purpose through the work of a good and sovereign God.
One thing to note is how this section ends. In verses 27-30 Paul transitions to encouraging the Philippians to stand firm. In this section is a hint to one way to push back against stress and worry - community. The “you’s” in this section are all plural. He isn’t encouraging people to stand firm alone, he’s encouraging them to stand firm together. The Christian life was never meant to be lived alone. Community is key to pushing back our worry.
Reflection
Every passage in the Bible, including the one you just read, is “...inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.” Let the passage challenge you as you reflect on it, but always cling to the full context of Scripture, which tells us that “There is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.” Praise God!
Prayer
Let the passage we just read guide your prayers. Use the acronym ACTS.
Adoration - Praise God for the truth this passage communicated about him.
Confession - Confess to God the thing that this passage showed you is wrong in your life.
Thanksgiving - Thank God for what this passage taught you was true about you and for the ways He is already helping you to do what is right.
Supplication - Ask God for help to do what this passage teaches to do and accomplish the good works he has for you.
Read Philippians 1:12-30
Highlight
The Apostle Paul wrote the Book of Philippians while imprisoned. The believers in Philippi have sent him a gift and this letter was sent in return as a mix of a thank you letter and a letter to encourage and strengthen their faith. The Philippians were both anxious about Paul and how he was doing in prison and anxious about their own suffering in the face of persecution. Much of the theme of his letter revolves around Paul helping the Philippians with their own fear, stress, and challenges by explaining how he has found peace despite his circumstances. Philippians 1:12-30 is the first section of the letter where Paul does this, explaining how his awful circumstances still have purpose through the work of a good and sovereign God.
One thing to note is how this section ends. In verses 27-30 Paul transitions to encouraging the Philippians to stand firm. In this section is a hint to one way to push back against stress and worry - community. The “you’s” in this section are all plural. He isn’t encouraging people to stand firm alone, he’s encouraging them to stand firm together. The Christian life was never meant to be lived alone. Community is key to pushing back our worry.
Reflection
Every passage in the Bible, including the one you just read, is “...inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.” Let the passage challenge you as you reflect on it, but always cling to the full context of Scripture, which tells us that “There is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.” Praise God!
- What truth does this passage communicate about God? About us? About our world?
- Has God used this passage to highlight something that is wrong in your life?
- What does this passage teach us to do? What is one practical thing you can do to apply this to your life?
Prayer
Let the passage we just read guide your prayers. Use the acronym ACTS.
Adoration - Praise God for the truth this passage communicated about him.
Confession - Confess to God the thing that this passage showed you is wrong in your life.
Thanksgiving - Thank God for what this passage taught you was true about you and for the ways He is already helping you to do what is right.
Supplication - Ask God for help to do what this passage teaches to do and accomplish the good works he has for you.
Posted in The Resistance