Celebrating 40 Years - Day 04
Day 04 - Thursday, September 12
Read Philippians 2
Highlight
Paul’s words to the Philippians are made more impactful when one understands that Paul is writing this letter from jail as he either waits for his trial or waits for the verdict from his trial. What was Paul’s crime? That he preached the Gospel to people who thought his words were blasphemies (Jewish leaders) and had potential to start a revolution in the Roman empire (Gentiles).
The Jewish religious leaders believed in One God. Therefore, when Christians proclaimed Jesus as God and Son of God, the math did not add up. They believed it was placing other gods before God. They were not seeking the truth that Jesus was the God and the Son of God. That they were one together. So, they plotted to get rid of Paul.
Then the potential revolution to the Roman empire came into question when Christians said Jesus was King or Ruler. Their loyalty to Jesus was a threat to Rome, because it meant they might not follow or be loyal to Caesar, who was incharge of the entire ancient world.
All of this was the surface reasoning for why Paul was arrested. But the truth was that customary norms and powers were seemingly being disrupted by Jesus and His followers. People did not want their way of living to be threatened. It was not until they truly heard the message of the Gospel that they would come to realize that following Jesus actually freed you from the ways of the world. There was still respect and following authority of earthly rulers, Christ followers just live to a higher calling of Jesus.
Reflection & Prayer
For this reading plan we will be using a tool to guide our study of Scripture that’s called the S.O.A.P. Method. It stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. We recommend you use a journal with this method and write out your thoughts on each of these areas for each day of reading. It doesn’t have to be long-winded and you don’t need a fancy journal. But for anyone that has not journaled before, the benefit is that it often helps us focus and avoid distractions during prayer and Bible study.
S.O.A.P. Method
Scripture - Pick a verse or two that stood out to you and write it in your journal. Be looking for a “Holy Spirit Highlight.” What did you read and think “I needed to hear that” or felt like it was written just for you?
Observation - Now write some observations about the verse(s) or passage. What is this passage or verse saying about God? About people? How is Jesus revealed in these verses?
Application - Now write a few sentences on how this passage applies to your life. Is there truth about God that you are to believe? Is the Holy Spirit convicting you of something you need to do or stop doing in light of God’s truth? Who could you share this story with and how God is speaking to you about it this week?
Prayer - Now write out a prayer to God in response to this Scripture. Be honest and express your heart to Him. God always listens and He delights in your prayers (Psalm 34:15; Proverbs 15:8).
Read Philippians 2
Highlight
Paul’s words to the Philippians are made more impactful when one understands that Paul is writing this letter from jail as he either waits for his trial or waits for the verdict from his trial. What was Paul’s crime? That he preached the Gospel to people who thought his words were blasphemies (Jewish leaders) and had potential to start a revolution in the Roman empire (Gentiles).
The Jewish religious leaders believed in One God. Therefore, when Christians proclaimed Jesus as God and Son of God, the math did not add up. They believed it was placing other gods before God. They were not seeking the truth that Jesus was the God and the Son of God. That they were one together. So, they plotted to get rid of Paul.
Then the potential revolution to the Roman empire came into question when Christians said Jesus was King or Ruler. Their loyalty to Jesus was a threat to Rome, because it meant they might not follow or be loyal to Caesar, who was incharge of the entire ancient world.
All of this was the surface reasoning for why Paul was arrested. But the truth was that customary norms and powers were seemingly being disrupted by Jesus and His followers. People did not want their way of living to be threatened. It was not until they truly heard the message of the Gospel that they would come to realize that following Jesus actually freed you from the ways of the world. There was still respect and following authority of earthly rulers, Christ followers just live to a higher calling of Jesus.
Reflection & Prayer
For this reading plan we will be using a tool to guide our study of Scripture that’s called the S.O.A.P. Method. It stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. We recommend you use a journal with this method and write out your thoughts on each of these areas for each day of reading. It doesn’t have to be long-winded and you don’t need a fancy journal. But for anyone that has not journaled before, the benefit is that it often helps us focus and avoid distractions during prayer and Bible study.
S.O.A.P. Method
Scripture - Pick a verse or two that stood out to you and write it in your journal. Be looking for a “Holy Spirit Highlight.” What did you read and think “I needed to hear that” or felt like it was written just for you?
Observation - Now write some observations about the verse(s) or passage. What is this passage or verse saying about God? About people? How is Jesus revealed in these verses?
Application - Now write a few sentences on how this passage applies to your life. Is there truth about God that you are to believe? Is the Holy Spirit convicting you of something you need to do or stop doing in light of God’s truth? Who could you share this story with and how God is speaking to you about it this week?
Prayer - Now write out a prayer to God in response to this Scripture. Be honest and express your heart to Him. God always listens and He delights in your prayers (Psalm 34:15; Proverbs 15:8).
Posted in Celebrating 40 Years