Philippians – Living, Dying & All Things Between

Good morning, sweet friend! How did you do with Monday’s lesson? I sure hope you didn’t have to wrestle self as much as I did! Honesty. I long to be a woman who is undaunted and unashamed, but pretentious people seem to be my trigger. The second I let my guard down, my flesh jumps up and I find myself very daunted and completely ashamed. What about you?

I’m so thankful God has me in the book of Philippians for this time and this place. I not only need the encouragement, I need the conviction, as well.

I know I told you I was going to do a vlog today – and I tried – but a few things came up and I didn’t have time to finish it. I’m sorry, but I’m shooting for Friday.

Today we find ourselves in Philippians 1:21-28. Please take a few minutes and read our text as we begin our study.

1. Is your attitude like Paul’s about life and death? Can you truly say, “For to live is Christ, to die is gain.”?

2. What did Paul struggle with in Philippians 1:22-23?

Paul obviously didn’t have an option as to whether he remained on Planet Earth or joined Jesus in eternity, but he knew that forever at Jesus’ feet was much better than a few years on this terrestrial terrain.

3. What did Paul say his purpose was for remaining in Philippians 1:24-26?

Today, you may be contemplating change and wondering if and when it would finally be time to move on to another chapter in your life. You know it’s coming, but aren’t sure when the wait will be over. Perhaps you aren’t finish impacting those around you in your present place in life. Maybe the Lord wants you to remain for the progress and joy of someone else’s faith. It’s something to think about, isn’t it? It’s also something you can rest in.

4. Paraphrase Philippians 1:27.

5. What do you think it means to conduct yourself in a manner worthy of the gospel?

Paul’s singing a very familiar song when he tells the Philippians to conduct themselves in a manner worthy of the gospel.

Look up Ephesians 4:1, Colossians 1:10 and 1 Thessalonians 2:12.

6. What exhortation do you find threaded throughout the these verses?

7. Explain what you think it means to walk worthy of the gospel.

8. Does that describe you?

It’s funny how we can be one way in public and another way behind closed doors. Paul wanted to remind the church at Philippi to be who they said they were whether he was there or not. We’re to be the same way.

It’s been said that we are who we are most when no one is looking. Who we are behind closed doors is who we are – period.

Paul was a man who left a legacy of living well. He knew that dying was gain and what he did in between was for God’s glory and for the benefit of others. Nothing else mattered except that he live, die and do everything in between to please his precious Savior.

Oh how impertinent are the distractions of life when they’re compared to Christ!

Today’s study wasn’t as long as normal. It didn’t need to be. Paul’s life challenges ours. We can’t read about walking worthy without considering our own steps. Placing ourselves under the microscope of God’s Word is tough stuff – but necessary if we’re going to do this life well.

Has our study in Philippians shed light on some areas of your life that stand in need of change? Have you been encouraged, comforted or convicted by what we’ve studied so far?

Sweet friends, don’t you just love how God loves us! He loves us so much he doesn’t leave us like we are. He changes us and little by little we see more of Jesus and less of ourselves. It may be difficult, but what a beautiful exchange!

I’d love to have you join us in our study of Philippians! You can receive your Bible study in your inbox by clicking this link. Or you can click on the Google or Networkedblog link to receive it in your feeder.

4 Comments

  1. Thanks for taking me once again to this portion of Philippians that reminds me that I need to strive harder even more as the day approaches to walk worthy of the gospel. I like the way “The Message” puts it:
    Meanwhile, live in such a way that you are a credit to the Message of Christ. Let nothing in your conduct hang on whether I come or not. Your conduct must be the same whether I show up to see things for myself or hear of it from a distance. Stand united, singular in vision, contending for people's trust in the Message, the good news, not flinching or dodging in the slightest before the opposition.

  2. PERSONAL NOTE:
    Dear Stephanie, my sweet friend. I love how when I read you saying something like, “sweet friends, don't you just love how God loves us!” that I can actually hear your precious self saying those words! I am grateful that I know you personally and have your influence in my life and that it is the same whether I see it or hear of it!

  3. EVA!!! You have no idea how much it means to me that we are walking through this study together! You have truly encouraged me so much throughout the years. I can't begin to tell you how your life has impacted mine. I believe you are one of those women who is undaunted and unahamed. Your life explifies this very lesson!
    So glad we've reconnected. 🙂

  4. I've actually considered question #1. I'd have to honestly say that I wouldn't want to leave this earth just yet because of my love for my husband, children, family and friends. I think mostly because they'd still be “suffering” here.

    I know that heaven is more glorious than I could ever fathom but its just something about not being with my family.

    Paul's life really DOES challenge mine! Whoa!

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