Reading Paul, Hearing Jesus (GEPC)
Philippians 2:12-18
With a humility like Christ and a unity in mind and heart, shine like lights in the midst of this dark world. Oh, and just in case you were wondering, here’s an update on Timothy and Epaphroditus!
Monday, June 23
Read Philippians 2:12-18. Why would Paul advise the church to work out their salvation with “fear and trembling?” How could we misinterpret this verse, especially if taken out of context? How does the next verse help us to correctly interpret it?
Tuesday, June 24
Read Philippians 2:19-30. After expressing such deep theology Paul gives a personnel update. What’s the big deal about Timothy and Epaphroditus? These must be deeply personal relationships. How do our relationships in the church today measure up?
Wednesday, June 25
After reviewing Philippians 2:12-30, read Matthew 5:38-48. According to this passage, what does obedience to Jesus look like in the midst of a “crooked and twisted generation?” Consider a time when you loved your enemy, or failed to love your enemy. How did it go?
Thursday, June 26
After reviewing Philippians 2:12-30, read Matthew 5:13-20. Like Jesus, Paul wants the church to “shine as lights in the world.” What does the light reveal in us? In others? Where does Jesus want to see the light shine? How have you been guilty of concealing your light?
Friday, June 27
After reviewing Philippians 2:12-30, read 2 Timothy 3. What are Paul’s concerns for Timothy as he proceeds in service to God? What are Timothy’s strengths? Give modern examples of our “last days” difficulty. How do we stand firm in the midst of that?
Saturday, June 28
After reviewing Philippians 2:12-30, read 1 Corinthians 16. We don’t usually read this part of Paul’s letter to the Corinthians. It seems rather mundane. Given the close relationships, was it mundane to them? Should we even share the mundane with our church family? Why? Why not?
Bethel Lutheran Church, St. Paul, MN – bethelstpaul.com