Philippians – Page 2

Philippians 4:6-7 – Don’t Worry!

woman praying with mountains blurred out in the background

What happens to you when people tell you, “don’t worry!”? Do you feel like they are minimizing your concern and get a little angry with them? Do you question your trust in God to provide and feel even more impatient? Or does an overwhelming surge of calm come over you because you remember Paul’s words to the Philippians? I can identify with all these options!

Instead of worrying, Paul says we need to be praying. I get that! If you’re like me, you can set the worry aside for a time. But then, if the resolution hasn’t come fast enough, my lack of patience has me taking the worry right back. Can you identify? Why do we do this? Why can’t we just leave our worries at the feet of Jesus?

Philippians 4:1-5 – Rejoice!

Read Philippians 4:1-5

silhouette of a girl with arms raised against shining light on blue wall

Paul takes such delight in his friends in Philippi. I can imagine how, as he wrote this letter, he was filled with joy at the memories he had made in this community. It is often fond memories we cherish that keep us going in the tough times. Sitting in a prison would not be Paul’s best hour. Yet, he rejoices and encourages his friends to “stay true to the Lord.”

Paul sees the fruits of his labor blooming in his friends. Spreading the good news about Jesus’ resurrection power has become Paul’s life work. To see this young congregation in Philippi growing gives Paul a lot to be thankful for. God is moving in the lives of these people, and God continues to move today. To stay true to the Lord, we need to keep our eyes focused on Jesus and not let the distractions of this world take hold.

Philippians 3:17-21 – Citizens of Heaven

Read Philippians 3:17-21

Are you headed for destruction? I certainly hope not! Paul reminds us that even believers may fall prey to distractions of this world. If you’re like me, you’ve been concerned at times by some of the behaviors or conduct of your friends and colleagues. They seem oblivious to the dangers of this world and embrace it so they can “fit in.” This is not what Paul intends for his fellow believers.

What does it mean to you to be an “enemy of the cross of Christ”? Paul would suggest these “enemies” are too focused on the present. While I am all about being “present” in community so I don’t miss a cue for prayer or way I can support or lead, I try not and allow the expectations of society shape my conduct. It can be a struggle.

Philippians 3:12-16 – Is Perfection Even Possible?

Read Philippians 3:12-16

the ok hand gesture with sunlight streaming through the circle

How many times have you held on to something from your past and let it define you? Maybe you made a bad decision or took a wrong path, and now you don’t know how to step out of the shadows of your regret. We have all made mistakes in life. What do you think of Paul’s counsel? That is, “forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead.”

There is freedom in those words when we take them to heart. Rather than hold on to uncomfortable memories or failures weighing us down, it’s time to look forward to the beautiful future we will experience as followers of Christ. Like Paul, we can strive to be more like Jesus and live a life that pleases him.

Philippians 3:1-11 – Confidence

Read Philippians 3:1-11

My self-confidence as a child was next to nothing. I was always picked last for games at recess, and I was often teased for being plumper than the other girls. It didn’t matter that my parents were proud of me or that teachers liked me. I never felt like I was good enough. My first husband added to that insecurity with his abuse and harsh words. Paul’s words truly liberate me, even today.

We don’t have to stress out about our own abilities. It is in Christ we can have all the confidence we need. He will never let us down. Paul reminds his audience of his Jewish credentials, but still his humility shines through. He acknowledges even he was nothing without Christ. The same is true for us. Whether we are popular or not, our value lies in our connection to Jesus.