Philippians 2:1-18

Sunday morning comes so quickly. Scripture deserves a bit more attention than we can give it in a sermon. For those who would like to do some studying on their own, this page will offer a quick Bible study for either the week ahead or the week after.

The passage is offered in paraphrase, which means I re-wrote it in my own words. You can open your Bible and read along, or try your own paraphrase. And there is a question here, or two, to help you think about what the scripture means to you. Give it a try.  

Day One

If your life in Christ offers you any encouragement at all, then be like him. If you find any comfort in the love that Christ gives, then have the same love yourself. If you walk with the Holy Spirit in your life, then be united with those who do the same. If you feel the compassion that comes from God, then let that compassion shape your purpose in this life. 
 

Put selfish motives aside and honor others as more valuable than you. Don’t be preoccupied with your own interests, but think of others first. Be like Jesus, who set aside his own awesome glory to become a servant, human and frail.  
 

Day Three

Christ chose to be humble, becoming human just like us and obeying God, even though it took him to the cross.

Philippians 2:8

Because Jesus obeyed, God has given him a higher place than anyone else could hope to attain. When his name is mentioned, everyone will fall to their knees to honor him, both on earth and in every other place. Every voice will one day declare that he is Lord of all.

 Philippians 2:9-11

Knowing that Jesus is Lord of all, continue to live as people who have been saved from death to a new life, paying very special attention how you live, because God is working in you both to want the right thing and to do the right thing, according to his wonderful plan for the world.

 Philippians 2:12-13

Don’t get caught up in complaining or arguing about unimportant things. You should be blameless, without fault in this broken world, so that people can see that you are children of God, just as the stars are so visible against the black of the night sky. Hold out the word of life to those around you, so that I might brag about you on the day that I meet Christ. I don’t want the message I shared with you to be wasted. Even if I die, I will be glad for the work of God in your lives, just as you can celebrate the work of God in my life.

Philippians 2:14-18