Philippians

Joyful Partners

in the

Gospel of Peace

Week 1

As we begin our study of Philippians, we will start by reading in the book of Acts how Paul, Silas and Timothy came to be in Philippi and about the ministry that grew while they were there. Philippi was a Roman colony named for Philip the father of Alexander the Great. Philippi became the first Christian church in Europe. As you read, look for how God directs and guides those in mission. Notice how he provides and protects these mission partners. Also, look for how Paul and his partners trust God’s guidance and witness about His power and love. As you get into the first part of Paul’s letter to the Philippians, pay attention to how he shares his feelings and hopes for them.

Day 1 Sunday August 4 Acts 16:10-12

10 After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them. 11 From Troas we put out to sea and sailed straight for Samothrace, and the next day we went on to Neapolis. 12 From there we traveled to Philippi, a Roman colony and the leading city of that district[a] of Macedonia. And we stayed there several days.

Give me a sign! We have so many important decisions to make in our daily lives and in our church life. We make plans and pray for God to bless them when we should be praying for guidance and trusting God to give us a plan. 

Have you ever made big plans for a trip or an event and been delayed or prevented from getting there? Frustration and anger may take over until you learn that if you had gone at the time of your choice, you might have been involved in an accident or missed something more  just want God to make it really clear about which way we are to go. Paul and Silas had been trying to get into new territories in Asia and the Holy Spirit kept turning them away from places. Then comes the vision of the man in Macedonia.  God was very clear about the direction of Paul’s mission.  Perhaps the more remarkable thing is Paul’s response: “we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia….”  They did not agonize over expenses or strategy. They just traveled the quickest way possible without long stop overs in other places and went to Philippi, the main city of Macedonia.

Trusting God to provide the resources and direction for mission is a challenge. We often try going our own way several times before we finally see where God is leading us.

Lord, hear our prayers for guidance in mission and grant us the Spiritual discernment and trust needed to know and follow your will. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Day 2 Monday, August 5 Acts 16:13-15

13 On the Sabbath we went outside the city gate to the river, where we expected to find a place of prayer. We sat down and began to speak to the women who had gathered there. 14 One of those listening was a woman from the city of Thyatira named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth. She was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message. 15 When she and the members of her household were baptized, she invited us to her home. “If you consider me a believer in the Lord,” she said, “come and stay at my house.” And she persuaded us.

God sends us the people we need. My husband died quite suddenly without any forewarning. As is normal in such circumstances, I had family and friends to notify. Then came all the decisions about the funeral and the future. From the first minutes after the realization that my husband was gone, God began sending me the people I needed.  He sent exactly the right people to fill specific needs. From the first responders to the neighbors and on through my family and their friends and neighbors, God kept me supported through the times and tasks I faced. From the simplest pledge of unlimited hugs to the detailed advice about wills and finances, my needs were met by the people God sent.

In Philippi, God gave Paul a vision of a person in need. In turn he placed Lydia in Philippi to meet Paul’s needs. Lydia and her household were baptized. Paul gained the support of a wealthy and influential women in this new city. In addition, he and his team had a place to stay.

Lord, help us know where and when we are needed and also to recognize the people you send to meet our needs as your gift of love. Help us trust that you see ahead of us and will always provide the message and the resources to match what is needed.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Day 3 Tuesday August 6 Acts 16:16-24

16 Once when we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a female slave who had a spirit by which she predicted the future. She earned a great deal of money for her owners by fortune-telling. 17 She followed Paul and the rest of us, shouting, “These men are servants of the Most High God, who are telling you the way to be saved.” 18 She kept this up for many days. Finally Paul became so annoyed that he turned around and said to the spirit, “In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to come out of her!” At that moment the spirit left her.

19 When her owners realized that their hope of making money was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace to face the authorities. 20 They brought them before the magistrates and said, “These men are Jews, and are throwing our city into an uproar 21 by advocating customs unlawful for us Romans to accept or practice.”

22 The crowd joined in the attack against Paul and Silas, and the magistrates ordered them to be stripped and beaten with rods. 23 After they had been severely flogged, they were thrown into prison, and the jailer was commanded to guard them carefully. 24 When he received these orders, he put them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks.

When we head out into the mission field, we can be certain of two things. First, God is in us and with us. Second, the devil will try to stop us. Paul and Silas had a possessed person and a slave owner following them around shouting and causing trouble for them and creating a conflict. Then they are put in chains and hauled away to jail. In our country, we can preach and teach publicly without fear of being put in jail, but we may face being mocked for our faith. Once a missionary was handing out pamphlets in Washington DC near one of the Smithsonian museums. A guard came out and told him he had to move away. However, the missionary was not easily dissuaded. Rather than argue that day, he did his research and returned with two papers to present to anyone who confronted him about his presence doing mission work. A third thing we can be sure of…God will guide us past any obstacle in sharing the Gospel. We may suffer temporary setbacks but that is never the end of the story.

 Lord, help us when Satan opposes us while we are in the mission field. Guard and guide us through all adversities and help us persist in urgently sharing the Gospel. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Day 4 Wednesday August 7 Acts 16: 25-34

25 About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. 26 Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose. 27 The jailer woke up, and when he saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself because he thought the prisoners had escaped. 28 But Paul shouted, “Don’t harm yourself! We are all here!”

29 The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. 30 He then brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”

31 They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.” 32 Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house. 33 At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his household were baptized. 34 The jailer brought them into his house and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God—he and his whole household.

You get one call, said the officer. The scared teenager thought about how disappointed his parents would be and wondered if calling home was his best choice. In the end, he thought, calling his father was really his only choice. How often do we get ourselves into trouble and hesitate to make the call to our Father because we feel unworthy of His love?

Paul and Silas were in serious trouble. They were Jews in a Roman colony. Calling out a demon in God’s name and ruining a man’s money-making scheme had brought them to the attention of the city magistrate. The magistrate’s main task was to keep things peaceful and these Jews had been tolerated until the peace was disturbed. Paul and Silas immediately knew to call “home” to God with hymns and prayers. God took that call and showed His power - an earthquake! The jail doors were open, but Paul and Silas did the unexpected. They stayed in their cell. They knew they had nothing to fear from this town with God on their side. God took this situation and used it to show his love and grow the kingdom. The jailor and his household became part of the church at Philippi.

 Lord, help us to call on you in every trouble and pray, praise and give thanks, trusting that your power will deliver us and bring positive results in our lives and of those around us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Day 5 Thursday August 8 Acts 16: 35-40

35 When it was daylight, the magistrates sent their officers to the jailer with the order: “Release those men.” 36 The jailer told Paul, “The magistrates have ordered that you and Silas be released. Now you can leave. Go in peace.”

37 But Paul said to the officers: “They beat us publicly without a trial, even though we are Roman citizens, and threw us into prison. And now do they want to get rid of us quietly? No! Let them come themselves and escort us out.”

38 The officers reported this to the magistrates, and when they heard that Paul and Silas were Roman citizens, they were alarmed. 39 They came to appease them and escorted them from the prison, requesting them to leave the city. 40 After Paul and Silas came out of the prison, they went to Lydia’s house, where they met with the brothers and sisters and encouraged them. Then they left.

Sometimes you wonder why Paul and Silas couldn’t leave “well enough” alone? They were released after a harrowing experience. Instead of leaving, they demanded an apology from the magistrates. With an “Oh, by the way, we’re Roman citizens.” and you beat and jailed us without a trial, they demanded the magistrates to come in person to escort them out of jail.  Would we have been so bold if we had been treated badly in a foreign country? What good could come from this boldness? Paul and Silas’s actions ensured that the story of their arrest and release was known by all and that they had not run off but were officially freed. They had time to meet with the believers at Lydia’s home before leaving and reassure them that God is absolutely in charge and will always show up when we call upon Him.

 Lord, help us be bold in proclaiming your power and love as we move forward in mission. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Day 6  Friday August 9 Philippians Chapter 1:1-6

Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus,

To all God’s holy people in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons[a]:

2 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

3 I thank my God every time I remember you. 4 In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus

Joyful partnership:

In the Comfort Dog ministry, we work in partnership. We are partners with the Comfort Dog, and we are partners with another believer.  We head out together to share the story of God’s love (the Gospel).  This greeting from Paul and Timothy is a great word of encouragement to read before going on a Lizzie visit.  Paul helps remind us of 3 important things all Christians have when sharing the Gospel not just in the early church but also in today’s world. First, we have grace and peace from God our Father and Jesus. Second, we have the prayers of the church and our Lizzie team. Third, we can have confidence that the good work begun in us and through us will be carried to completion by God. Often the people we visit are suffering and in need, sometimes they are anxious. Visiting with Lizzie gives us the opportunity to comfort them and share the love of God. What a joyful partnership in the Gospel!

Lord, we thank you for our partnerships in the Gospel. Help us to support each other knowing that you are always in the midst of us as we reach out with your love to those who are suffering and in need. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Day 7 Saturday August 10 Philippians Chapter 1: 7-11

7 It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart and, whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me. 8 God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.

9 And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, 10 so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.

Partners in mission may not always be in the same place at the same time. One partner may need to travel far away to accomplish part of the mission while the other may need to stay at home. This is often the case with military families. All members of the family are supporting the same mission either in action or in support. Soldiers are deployed to places filled with danger. The mission is the focus. The partner/family member spends extra time and energy taking care of everything at home. Prayers for each other’s safety, for insight in making good decisions, and for success in the mission are constant until reunited. When a moment is given to contact family, that moment is filled with longing - longing to be able to hug each other, to be spending time together, to be in the same place together. This is the kind of longing that God has for all of mankind. He loves us all and wants us all safely home with Him. Until then we have His mission - to share Christ’s love with everyone until we can all be reunited in heaven. 

Lord, make us mindful of the partnerships we have with missionaries far and near. We thank you for the missionaries of the early church and their example. Raise up new partners in the Gospel with each doing their part to encourage and support your mission. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Week 2

Introduction:  Last week we read Acts 16:10-40 to learn how Paul, Silas and Timothy came to be in Philippi and there ministry during the few weeks they stayed in that town. In the early verses of Philippians 1, we learned how much Paul treasured the partnership in the Gospel that he had with the believers at Philippi. As we continue, Paul shares about his situation in Rome, gives testimony about his faith and guidance for the spiritual growth of Philippi and all believers in Christ. He ends with a statement of hope and confidence in God’s timing for his life and ministry.

Day 8 Sunday August 11 Philippians Chapter 1 12-18

12 Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. 13 As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. 14 And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear.

15 It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. 16 The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17 The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. 18 But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.

Tsedal found herself arrested and in jail. She hadn’t hurt anybody or stolen anything. She had committed the crime of sharing about Jesus and his saving work publicly in her home country of Eritrea. She knew it was a risk and she did it anyway. Tsedal and I had become friends when she was in the United States. She helped our church start many small group Bible studies and we often prayed together over things small and large, about our church family and our own families. Tsedal left the US when her visa could not be renewed and continued her work with small group Bible study and prayer in her home country of Eritrea. This led to her arrest. In my heart, I knew God would continue to use Tsedal to grow His kingdom.  I often imagined her singing hymns and praying as Paul and Silas did, continuing her Gospel ministry with the guards and other prisoners After over four years, we heard the joyful news that she had been released. Tsedal’s love for God and her urgency in sharing the Gospel involved risk and courage. We are blessed to live in a country where we can freely hold Bible studies and pray to God.  “And because of this I rejoice.”

Lord help us to rejoice in all circumstances and to proclaim the Gospel without fear. In Jesus name, Amen.

Day 9 Monday August 12 Philippians Chapter 1: 18-26

Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, 19 for I know that through your prayers and God’s provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. 20 I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. 21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. 22 If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! 23 I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; 24 but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. 25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me.

Sometimes we find ourselves in difficult places and tough situations.  Nursing homes are such places for many people. Some residents are quite clear in their minds but their bodies have failed. Some have healthy bodies but no memories except for those of long ago. In visiting nursing homes many times over the last year, I observed that on any given day residents may be in despair over their situation, unaware of their surroundings, or counting their blessings. Some are still living despite their condition and some are waiting to die. Prayers are needed for each and every one of them.

Paul’s future is tenuous as he awaits his trial. He knows he could face a horrible death. He shares his thoughts and feelings with the Philippians. He shares his doubts, his hopes and his confidence in God’s provision of the Spirit. He describes feeling at one time the need to keep on with his ministry and the desire to die and be with Christ. While he counts being with Christ the better of the two, he is convinced that he will remain on earth and participate with them in joy and faith as they proclaim Christ Jesus.

We may have doubts about our circumstances. We may doubt whether we can live and die in a way that testifies to God’s presence in our life. Paul tells us that prayers of fellow believers and God’s provisioning of His Spirit can see us through all circumstances. 

Lord, thank you for showing us the importance of a faith family and their prayers. Help us stay strong in those relationships and in prayer for each other. Reassure us of your presence in all situations so that we can live all our days with courage and in the certain hope of eternal life with you. In Jesus name, Amen.

Day 10 Tuesday August 13 Philippians Chapter 1:27-29

27 Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel 28 without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God. 29 For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him, 30 since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.

I Never Promised You a Rose Garden was a significant book in my life. The story is about a young girl diagnosed with schizophrenia who retreats from a reality that seems painful and unfair. Her therapist gains her trust partly because she is so honest with her. “I never promised you a rose garden” was her way of saying, I never told you being sane in this world would be easy.  As most young people, I thought life should be fair if you were trying to do the right things. In fact, many Christians and non-Christians today feel that if a person has a strong enough faith, their life should be ‘a bed of roses’. However, Paul says clearly that we can expect to suffer and struggle as we witness our faith in Christ.  This same truth is in many other scripture passages. (John 15: 18-20, 2 Timothy 3: 10-12) Christians can expect to be persecuted AND Christians can also stand strong in their faith and strive together to continue our witness of the Gospel knowing that God will stand with us and for us.

Lord, Help us grow beyond the immature belief that the world will treat us fairly. Help us to strengthen our faith by studying Your Word so that we are prepared to withstand persecution and proclaim the Gospel in all circumstances. Thank you for your promise to be with us through every trial. In Jesus name, Amen.

Day 11 Wednesday August 14 Philippians Chapter 2 1-4

 Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

 Do you tend to surround yourself with people who have the same viewpoints as you? Or do you look to have conversations with those who may have a different view of life? I’ve known people who love to provoke intense heated discussions sure that their logic and philosophy will prevail. I’ve also known people who assume everyone in the room agrees with their own viewpoint and their statements leave no room for discussion.  Each type of person may be expecting the end result to be like-mindedness.  However, neither of these situations is the like-mindedness Paul speaks of in Philippians 2.  Paul reminds us that being one in the Spirit is not centered in our “rightness” but is rooted in love for others. Being united with Christ leads us to be comforted and to want to comfort others. When Christians are of one spirit and one mind, they do not look to their own interests but humbly put the interests of others first.  The result is JOY in our partnership in the Gospel.

Lord, teach us the like-mindedness that comes from being united in Christ, having the same kind of love for others that Christ has for us. Help us practice compassion, forgiveness and humility as we share Christ’s love with everyone. In Jesus name, Amen.

Day 12 Thursday August 15 Philippians Chapter 2: 5-11

5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:

6 Who, being in very nature God,

    did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;

7 rather, he made himself nothing

    by taking the very nature of a servant,

    being made in human likeness.

8 And being found in appearance as a man,

    he humbled himself

    by becoming obedient to death—

        even death on a cross!

9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place

    and gave him the name that is above every name,

10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,

    in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,

    to the glory of God the Father.

Do you have a hero? Someone you look to as an example? Some people look to sports stars, movie stars, adventurers, or first responders. But even those who look to Moses, David or the Apostles would eventually find themselves disappointed in these examples. People may be great at accomplishing one thing or another but even great men of faith fall short of perfection. We can admire their attitudes or accomplishments but we would also be wise to remember their failings and their need for forgiveness. In v. 5-11, Paul lays out the one example for our life that will never disappoint or lead us into trouble.- Christ Jesus! He urges us to have the same mindset in our relationships with each other that Jesus had for us. “Taking the very nature of a servant…he humbled himself.”  Jesus followed the will of God the Father and was “obedient unto death” for us…for everyone.

Heavenly Father, help us to have a mindset of a servant, humble and obedient to Your Will. May all we do and say lead those around us to acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord to Your Glory! In Jesus name, Amen.

Day 13 Friday August 16 Philippians Chapter 2:12-18

12 Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.

14 Do everything without grumbling or arguing, 15 so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky 16 as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain. 17 But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. 18 So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.

Parents expect their children to behave when they are with them and watching them. Perhaps they are more proud when they learn that their children behaved when they were off on their own somewhere.  Christian parents especially strive to train and inspire their children to make good choices that will honor God.  Teaching them to obey without grumbling or arguing is a daily effort accomplished best with God’s Word and Christ’s example of humility, love and forgiveness.

In these verses, Paul speaks to the Philippians as a proud parent who has heard that they are being obedient to God not just in his presence but also in his absence. He reminds them that this can only be a sign of God working in their lives.  “For it is God who works in  you…to fulfill his good purpose.”  When God’s children hold firmly to the Word of Life, they shine with the love of Christ not because of their own ability but because God has worked through them to accomplish His purpose, it is cause for rejoicing!

Heavenly Father, we thank you for the Word of life you give us, for spiritual parents who discipline and guide us as we seek to understand the good purpose you have set before us. Help us to shine with the love of Christ so that others may be led to faith and our labors are not in vain.  In Jesus name, Amen.

Day 14 Saturday August 17 Philippians Chapter 2 19-24

19 I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you. 20 I have no one else like him, who will show genuine concern for your welfare. 21 For everyone looks out for their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. 22 But you know that Timothy has proven himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel. 23 I hope, therefore, to send him as soon as I see how things go with me. 24 And I am confident in the Lord that I myself will come soon.

We use the word hope many times in our daily lives. I hope I can finish this work in time. I hope I can make it to see my family soon. I hope I can find what I’m looking for at the store.  We hope to make it somewhere on time. This is a wishful kind of hope. Sometimes we have no confidence that any of these things will happen unless we are lucky. We have a desire to see something happen but we really do not have much hope that everything will work out favorably.  A synonym for this kind of hope is the word “wish”.

Paul mentions hope twice in this passage. Both times this hope is connected to sending Timothy to Philippi and in the second case it is a hope that Paul himself will be able to come back to Philippi. This hope is not a wishful thinking kind of hope. It is a confident hope based on faith in Jesus Christ. Both Paul and Timothy are under arrest at this time. They are awaiting a decision about their future.  Paul is hopeful that Timothy will be released soon and that eventually, he himself will be released. This is a hope that trusts God’s timing to work out the details.  The synonym for hope in this passage is the word “trust”.

Lord, thank you for the hope we have in you which will never disappoint us. Help us to remain trusting and confident in your timing for our lives knowing that you have our best interests in your mind and heart.  In Jesus name, Amen.

Week 3

As we begin the third week of study, we see again how Paul treasures the Philippians and his joy in having partners in the Gospel. He speaks of individuals who are models of this partnership. As a scholar he contrasts the character and essence that is true of believers with the character and essence that is true of unbelievers. He speaks of what has value and what is worthless. The final passages for this week include directives that are equally applicable for the Philippians and for us.

Day 15 Sunday, August 18 Philippians Chapter 2:25-30

25 But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, co-worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs. 26 For he longs for all of you and is distressed because you heard he was ill. 27 Indeed he was ill, and almost died. But God had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me, to spare me sorrow upon sorrow. 28 Therefore I am all the more eager to send him, so that when you see him again you may be glad and I may have less anxiety. 29 So then, welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor people like him, 30 because he almost died for the work of Christ. He risked his life to make up for the help you yourselves could not give me.

“My brother, co-worker and fellow soldier” These three names describe three very different relationships. Paul sees both Epaphorditus and himself as family, They are not Jew and Greek (Gal. 3:28) but equally children of God. The second relationship is that of co-worker.  He does not call him his employee, servant or simply “worker” but co-worker. This shows a partnership toward a common goal. The third relationship is as a “fellow soldier”. Soldiers put their lives on the line for others. Soldiers are defenders and preservers of what is important to their homeland. Paul notes that Epaphroditus risked his life and almost died to provide help to Paul  There is no greater love than this (John 15:13). This is the partner in the Gospel Paul joyfully sent back to the Philippians. Who at Trinity do you see as your brother/sister in faith, your co-worker and fellow soldier? Who are your partners in the Gospel?

Dear Lord, help us be the partners in the Gospel that will lead others to you. Help us to live as a faith family, work together in your name and be willing to risk suffering and persecution for the sake of the Gospel message. We trust in your will and guidance to lead us safely home. In Jesus name, Amen.

.Day 16  Monday August 19 Philippians Chapter 3: 1-6

1 Further, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you. 2 Watch out for those dogs, those evildoers, those mutilators of the flesh. 3 For it is we who are the circumcision, we who serve God by his Spirit, who boast in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh— 4 though I myself have reasons for such confidence. If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5 circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; 6 as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless.

Here is modern day pedigree to consider:

*Born to a LCMS Lutheran pastor, grandchild and great-child of Lutheran pastors.

*Baptized at 4 weeks, confirmed in the faith at 13, educated for 16 years in Lutheran schools.

*A church officer of three different congregations and an organizer and participant on mission trips.

*Sunday School teacher, choir member and VBS coordinator for multiple years.

This person is still a sinner whose only chance of redemption is through faith in Jesus who died on the cross, rose from the grave and will come again. Any other person with no such pedigree whose faith and trust is in this same Jesus is equally saved. Our confidence, like Paul’s, is not in our own flesh because our own flesh will fail us. We of faith can rejoice in the Lord because His grace is our hope and confidence for eternal life in heaven. We should be excited in sharing this joy with others.

Lord, keep us from the temptation of trusting in our own flesh and our own actions to save us. May we always rejoice in our salvation through Christ Jesus and share that message of hope with all those around us. In Jesus name, Amen.

Day 17 Tuesday, August 20 Philippians Chapter 3:7-9

7 But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8 What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith.

Recently several historic Christian church buildings have burned down. The Pastor and members of these churches were interviewed and asked about the loss they had suffered. Their answers were all very similar: the building was gone but the church remains strong. They spoke of their faith and their faith family as their most precious possession not the building. This response is not one the world understands because it is focused on identity of faith in Christ.

I’m sure the Jewish leaders and the Roman world did not understand Paul’s statement in verse 8. He had possessed great power and authority in Jerusalem and had the protection of being a Roman citizen. Then God called him to be His missionary. At the writing of this letter, Paul is in prison for preaching the Gospel. Paul counts all these things as a worthwhile loss. Even as he sits in prison at the mercy of Roman law, he counts his righteousness through Christ as a bigger gain than his loss of status and freedom.  

Lord, we often struggle over material and personal obstacles that become important to us. We often put our status, our jobs, and our interests ahead of the mission you have given us. Refocus our lives on Christ and the joy of righteousness that comes from faith in God. Fill us with Your Spirit and lead us to share our joy in the Gospel.  In Jesus name, Amen.

Day 18 Wednesday, August 21 Philippians  Chapter 3: 10-14

10 I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead. 12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Setting goals is an American pastime. We set weight loss goals, achievement goals, saving and spending goals. We also live according to the goals others set for us such as production goals, marketing goals, and even social media goals. They come with timelines and milestones, coaching and oversight. When we achieve our goals we often celebrate. In Philippians 3:10-14, Paul talks about a very different goal. A goal to know Christ and the power of his resurrection. How does one even begin to achieve such a goal? Paul tells us that Christ first took hold of him. Only with that advantage, that grace, can we forget our past and press forward toward the goal of heaven. Even in this effort, it is God’s calling us that guides us heavenward in Christ. How can we hear God’s calling? We hear him in His Word as he sanctifies us and leads us toward him.

Heavenly Father, We thank you for the grace we have received through faith in the saving work of Jesus.  Through Jesus suffering, death and resurrection and because you have taken hold of us through baptism and your Word, we can press forward toward the goal of eternal life in heaven. Help us to listen to your call for each of us and focus our eyes on Christ. In His name we pray. Amen.

Day 19 Thursday, August 22 Philippians  Chapter 3:15-21

15 All of us, then, who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. 16 Only let us live up to what we have already attained. 17 Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do. 18 For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things. 20 But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.

How do we judge maturity? Is it a specific age? Jewish tradition is that at the age of 13 a boy becomes a man and a girl becomes a woman with great ceremony, demonstration of learning the Bar Mitzvah or Bat Mitzvah is celebrated.  The age of 13 is quite often the age Lutheran children confirm their faith after studying the catechism with the Pastor and giving a testimony of their faith. Public life views 18 or 21 the age of maturity at which contracts can be signed, life decisions such as military service and voting are allowed and  access to adult beverages and entertainment is granted. Which type of maturity is Paul speaking of?  He trusts that God will make it clear to those who keep their eye on the goal he spoke of in the previous section — eternal life in heaven. Paul continues by calling them to live to what they have already attained: justification by faith in Christ.  Living as God’s children, described in earlier parts of this letter, is being like-minded, putting others before self, risking all for sharing the Gospel with others.  He also tells them is not living as those who set their mind on earthly things. Achieving maturity in faith is more about how we act as followers of Christ than a specific age. However, the Jewish and Lutheran models of training a child up in the faith (Proverbs 22:6 and Ephesians 6:4) is also a Biblical model to follow (Deut. 6:4-9, Prov.22:6, Eph. 6:4, 2 Tim. 3:15). Growing in God’s Word and Sharing Christ’s love with all is what makes us mature Christians.

Dear Lord, We praise and thank you for calling us to faith. Continue to guide us as we strive to be mature in that faith by growing in knowledge of Your Word and by sharing Christ’s love with all. In Jesus name, Amen.

Day 20  Friday, August 23 Philippians Chapter 4: 1-3

Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends! 2 I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. 3 Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life.

   Do you have a someone in your life  who has been of the same mind as the Lord and contends in the cause of the Gospel?  How might you recognize such a person? This person is someone who spends time in God’s Word and shares Christ’s Love with others. Whether this person has died or is still a presence in your life, you have cause to say a prayer of thanksgiving. Your awareness  of the Gospel minded faith of this person is evidence that this person did not hide the light of Christ from others.

   This is the same type of person Paul commends to the church at Philippi. He names specifically two women and one man in this passage and calls them to the attention of church at Philippi. Eodia and Syntyche, along with Clement, are named as co-workers who contend in the cause of the Gospel and whose names are in the book of life. When you look around you, look for those women and men who love the Lord, they will be your co-workers and partners in sharing the Gospel. You will recognize them because their foundation in God’s Word will lead them to share Christ’s love with others. These are the people who will build you up and help you stand firm in the faith.

Lord, we thank you for the people you put in our lives as encouragers of faithfulness and co-workers in sharing the Gospel.  Help us grow in Your Word so that we too may become joyful partners in the Gospel by sharing Christ’s love with all those around us. In Jesus name, Amen.

Day 21 Saturday, August 24 Philippians Chapter 4: 4-7

4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

REJOICE! This imperative from Paul is pretty direct and we might wish we could tell him, “That’s easy for you to say!”  It’s like someone yelling at you to “RELAX!”. Health issues, aging parents, growing children, school and job pressures, financial worries, difficult relationships and loss of loved are some of the many things that cause us anxiety. Paul was not immune to these stresses and anxieties either. He depended on the generosity of others for his care. He was writing this letter from prison. He had a “thorn in his side” that reminded him constantly of his own weakness. Yet Paul is adamant in telling us to rejoice in all situations and not to be anxious about anything. He also gives us the recipe for how to accomplish this attitude of rejoicing. Our gentleness is to be our witness. By prayer and petition, with thanksgiving we should present our requests to God. Paul tells us that God’s promise to us is His peace. This is a peace the world does not understand. This peace will guard our hearts and minds in Christ and remind us of the hope and joy we have through God’s grace. With our future assured, we can give our worries to God and trust Him to be with us and in us as we face each situation.

Lord, We come to you with rejoicing and thanksgiving for the gift of your peace and your promise of salvation in Christ. We ask you to guard our hearts and minds from anxiety and work in us to make our gentleness evident in our daily living. We ask knowing that joy is your desire for us. In Jesus name, Amen.

Day 22 Sunday, August 25 Philippians Chapter 4: 8-9

8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Phones and Smart watches buzz into our activities with message alerts. We live in “fear of missing out” and are pulled in two or more directions — in short, we are anxious about many things. In these two verses, Paul lists a string of adjectives to focus the minds of all believers. Through these words God calls the Philippians and us to think on what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent or praiseworthy. These are great attributes that even the world might aspire to focus on. However, Paul is speaking to the ears of believers with the hope that they will comprehend the spiritual and Biblical significance of these words. True - God’s Word is truth (John 17:17); Noble (worthy of honor) - Worthy is the Lamb who was slain…to receive honor and glory (Rev. 5:12); Right (correct, straight as a cornerstone)-Christ is our cornerstone (Eph. 2:20); Pure - God’s Word is pure (Ps. 119:140); Lovely - How lovely are the messengers who bring Good News…who announce salvation (Is. 52:7); Admirable ( good and pleasing ) - Discern what is the will of God, what is his good, pleasing and perfect will (Rom. 12:2); Excellent - You are chosen…so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness (1 Peter 2:9); Praiseworthy  -  Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised (Psalm 145:3) Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. (Ps. 150:6). When we think in these ways our focus will be on God’s Word, on Jesus, on proclaiming the Gospel, on God’s will and on praising God for all He has done for us. When we think on these things we will be able to put our faith into practice and God’s peace will be with us.

We pray -

^{10 k}Create in me a clean heart, O God,

And renew a steadfast spirit within me.

¹¹ Do not cast me away from Your presence,

And do not take Your ^lHoly Spirit from me.

¹² Restore to me the joy of Your salvation,

And uphold me by Your generous Spirit.

¹³ Then I will teach transgressors Your ways,

And sinners shall be converted to You.

¹⁴ Deliver me from the guilt of bloodshed, O God,

The God of my salvation,

And my tongue shall sing aloud of Your righteousness.

¹⁵ O Lord, open my lips,

And my mouth shall show forth Your praise. (Psalm 51:10-15)

Amen.

Week 4

This final week in Philippians, we will see that Paul begins the closing of his letter as he began the greeting in chapter 1. Paul thanks God for the Philippians in his greeting and he rejoices in the Lord for them in the closing.

Luther instructs us to include thanksgiving in every prayer because in Christ we always have cause for thanksgiving. We are also reminded to give as we have so graciously been given so that God is glorified.

Day 23 Monday, August 26 Philippians Chapter 4:10-13

10 I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

Do you have memories of a special gift? Perhaps it is a small ornament or craft project made by one of your children or something handed down from your parents and grandparents.  Maybe it was a dinner provided by a neighbor when you return exhausted from a trip. Special gifts reflect the love and effort of the giver and you feel known and loved because of that thoughtfulness.  We might say, “You shouldn’t have…”, give them a hug or send a thank you note that says why the gift is so special to us.

The Philippians sent Paul and those with him gifts of reflecting their care for them. At first glance, we may think this is Paul’s thank you note to the Philippians for their concern. But look closer, Paul is not thanking the Philippians, he is rejoicing in the Lord over their concern and that they finally had an opportunity to show it. His thankfulness is to God. He reminds the Philippians and us that we are God’s handiwork created in Christ to do good works which he has prepared for us. (Eph. 2:10) He continues to tell the Philippians that he really didn’t need the gift. He explains that he has learned to be content whether he is in need or whether he has plenty because of the strength God gives him. When we are content, we are trusting God to fill our needs and to provide for us through the work he gives us or others to do.

Lord, help us rejoice in you as the giver of all good gifts. Help us recognize the opportunities we have to show love and concern for others as a way of sharing the love of Christ you have given us. Teach us to be content and trust that you will provide the givers and the gifts needed as individuals and as a congregation. In Jesus name, Amen.

Day 24 Tuesday, August 27 Philippians Chapter 4:14-19

14 Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. 15 Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; 16 for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need. 17 Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account. 18 I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. 19 And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.

What does it look like to share in someone’s troubles? Presence or “being there” is one way. Sitting with someone and listening to their story, praying with them, working alongside them to rebuild after a disaster are some ways to share the troubles of someone. Supporting a mission by supporting the missionary is another way of sharing in someone’s troubles. What greater trouble could there be than to live without the love of God?  This grace is the free gift that we have received and are called to share. Paul commends the Philippians for sharing in both giving and receiving from his earliest days with them while he was present and as he continued on to new mission locations like Thessalonica. He speaks of them as fragrant offerings. In Genesis, we first hear of a fragrant offering as one that pleases God. In Ephesians 5:2, Christ is named a fragrant offering, and we are urged to live a life of love such as Christ’s love for us. Finally, we are reminded once more that when we live this life of love and sacrifice for others to the glory of God, He will meet all of our needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus.  Our greatest need is the grace of Jesus. All other gifts are an abundance beyond that need.

Lord, thank you for sharing in our troubles and sending Jesus as your gift of grace. We know we are only able to love others through sharing and sacrificing ourselves for the sake of others because you first loved us. May we always look to share the gift of Christ with lives of love, giving you the glory for what we are able to do. In Jesus name, Amen.

Day 25  Wednesday, August 28 Philippians Chapter 4: 20-21

 20 To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

21 Greet all God’s people in Christ Jesus. The brothers and sisters who are with me send greetings. 22 All God’s people here send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar’s household.

23 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen

Greeting cards are still in most grocery and drug stores. You can find them at gift shops and at discount stores too. We send them at birthdays, holidays, for weddings and in sympathy, and sometimes just to say, “I’m thinking of you.”  How often do we find a greeting card that talks about faith or includes a Bible verse? The small indicators of a cross on the tabs of card racks seem very few and far between while the ones with inane jokes seem to be increasing. One solution is to make the effort to write an appropriate Bible verse into the card. Finding the verse to us would be a blessing to us and then again to the one receiving it.

At church we take time to greet each other as part of the worship service. Some might feel that this is just an unnecessary waste of time or a disruption. Others might view it as a chance to quickly say hello to a few people nearby. This simple practice of sharing God’s peace may in fact be much more than either of those.

The Bible is full of passages about greetings. Reading through many of those passages we could see the common practice of people “going out” to meet their guests and exchange a greeting of peace. The letters of the apostles in the New Testament often use the words, “Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” Grace precedes peace. Paul encourages the believers at Philippi to greet all God’s people in Christ Jesus. In so doing, we offer the grace of Christ that connects us and makes us one family with God as our father. Out of that grace comes the peace that can pass among us as one people united in faith and mission. Saying, “God’s peace be with you,” is an invitation to work together as joyful partners in the Gospel of Peace.

Lord, We thank you and give you glory for the grace we have received. May that grace and mercy from you be the cause of our greeting each other with the blessing of your peace. Help us, as brothers and sisters and saints in Christ to embrace each other with peace so that we will be empowered to become joyful partners in sharing the love of Christ with all those we meet.  In Jesus name, Amen.

Day 26 Thursday, August 29 -  A Completed Letter

 “Be patient, God isn’t finished with me yet.”  Some people use this phrase as an excuse for their repeated failings. What is the sign of completeness? How did Paul know when he had said enough to the Philippians and that the letter was complete and ready to send?  In the chapter 1: 4-6 Paul writes to the Philippians, “In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” This passage is no excuse for our incompleteness, nor is it a reference to our failings. This statement only speaks of the good thing that God has started in us and that Christ will bring to completion. Paul writes with confidence because he has no worries about the completeness of his letter, in his partnership in the Gospel with the Philippians or his ministry - completeness is in Christ.  So, let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. (Heb. 12:2)

Lord, We praise and thank you for the good work you have begun in us through Jesus Christ.  Give us confidence to know that you will be with us and every believer to finish that good work. Give us the peace that comes from the blessing of your undeserved love and strengthen us to keep our eyes fixed on you. In Jesus name, Amen.

Conclusion:  Joy in our Partnership in the Gospel

Let’s take the rest of this week to share the joy of our partnership in the Gospel. What verse, passage or phrase in Philippians gives you joy?  Yes, anyone can google a list of favorite passages, but what in Philippians speaks to you, gives you joy, confidence or peace? Take time to share your passage with a family member, friend, neighbor or reply to this post on either the Friends of Trinity or Lizzie Comfort Dog FaceBook page.

May God give you joy in His grace and in the partnership in the Gospel that unites all who follow Christ.