WEEK 1: Day 1
As we dive into the book of Philippians, it’s good to have a little background.
So here it is:
Book: Philippians
Author: Paul
Audience: Paul is writing to all the Christians of Philippi. As he seeks to encourage, challenge and instruct them, we can take his words to heart.
Setting: Paul is writing this letter from prison. Why has he been put into prison? Simply because he was sharing the message of Jesus.
Take a moment to think about this. If you were in jail for sharing your faith, what would your attitude be like? What would you be doing with your time? If you could write a letter, who would you write and why?
If you can keep in mind that this is literally “mail written from jail”, it makes what you are about to read in the weeks to come even more powerful.
Read Philippians 1:1-6
Pick one word to describe Paul’s attitude in these opening verses: _________________
Somebody once gave me some incredible advice when he said,
“Life is 50% what happens to you, and 50% how you respond to it.”
Let that quote sink in. You will experience some tough times in the days and weeks to come. What will your attitude likely be?
Let’s take a closer look at Paul’s attitude in this passage, and see what we can learn from it.
In verse 3, you see Paul say, “I thank my God.” He is able to take time to thank God, even in the tough times.
Do you find this easy or hard to be thankful in tough times?
When times get tough, what are some ways you could show thanksgiving?
In verse 4, you see that Paul is able to pray “with joy.” He is able to take time to thank God, even in the tough times.
What does joy look like in your life, and how can you show it in tough times?
Finally, verse 6 is the key in this passage.
Rewrite this verse in your own words, writing it in a way that applies exactly to where you are now.
PRAY: How will you respond when time gets tough? Will your attitude be thankful, full of joy, and remain confident in God? As you pray today, give your attitude to God.
WEEK 1: Day 2
Read Philippians 1:7-11 Pay special attention to Paul’s prayer in verses 9-11.
What from that prayer connects with you?
Why does this especially stick out to you?
It’s awesome to know that someone is praying for you. For example, I am writing this devotional from Uganda where we are working on adopting our son. It has been a really tough process, and it has been amazing to hear from people that they have been praying, and how they have been praying for us.
Who is someone that you know you could be praying for right now, and how could you be praying for him/her?
PRAY: 2 ways for you to pray today. First, ask God to help you apply the section of Paul’s prayer to your everyday life. Second, take some time to pray for the person you mentioned above. Then, like Paul did with the Church of Philippi, let that person know what your prayer is. You may even want to text that prayer or send it to him/her on Facebook or Twitter (recommendation, send it as a direct message or chat rather than on their wall… let it be more between you and him/her).
WEEK 1: Day 3
Read Philippians 1:12-19
Paul highlights two obstacles that could easily cause him to get frustrated or want to give up. First, in verses 12-15, he lets us know he is in prison for sharing his faith. Then, in verses 16-17 we read about some he is connected with who have been sharing about God with the wrong motives.
As you read about these two issues, think and write about his response…
…to being in jail (v. 12, 14)…
…to those sharing Christ with wrong motives (v. 18-19)…
Here’s the key: Paul looks at both of these OBSTACLES as OPPORTUNITIES… in both cases he sees them as opportunities to share his faith.
Are there currently any obstacles you are facing in your walk with Christ that could be turned into opportunities to share your faith?
CHECK IT OUT: Christianity is full of people who have taken up the same attitude when faced with tough times. They have seen God do amazing things in and through them. One such person is professional surfer Bethany Hamilton. Log on to www.iamsecond.com. Use the search tool to find “Bethany Hamilton” & watch her story.
PRAY: Lay your “obstacles” before God. Ask him to help make them opportunities.
WEEK 1: Day 4
Read Philippians 1:20-26
Have you ever been in a conversation with someone, where it’s just going along, and all of the sudden, out of nowhere he/she just drops a bomb? You know, he/she tells you something that is incredibly shocking, profound, or maybe even a little crazy…
“Well, my parents are getting a divorce.” (shocking)
“I’ve realized following Jesus is more important than my popularity.” (profound)
“I’ve been thinking about shaving every single hair on my body.” (crazy)
In Philippians 1:21, Paul drops a bomb. It’s shocking, profound, and maybe a little crazy all rolled into one.
In your own words, what does he say, and what do you think he means by it?
To be clear, Paul is not talking about ending his own life. He is talking about being executed (put to death) for his faith. This is something that happened often at the time when Paul was alive. In fact, did you know that of the 12 original disciples of Jesus, it is widely believed that 10 of them were martyred for their faith (Judas hung himself and John, although beaten repeatedly, died while imprisoned on an island)?
So when you consider that Paul is in a very real way potentially facing death while in prison, it makes verse 20 all the more powerful. Pay attention to what attitude Paul says he hopes to take up. He says he hopes he “will in no way be ashamed, but have sufficient courage” to live out his relationship with Christ. Let’s get honest for a moment.
When or where are you tempted to hide your relationship with Christ (be ashamed)?
It may be certain places. It may be around certain people. It may be certain activities. It may be in certain crowd size. It may be never. It may be all the time. Just be honest.
What do you think it is that makes you more likely to be ashamed of Christ in what you’ve listed above?
Let’s face it, it can be tough to live for Christ as a Middle or High School student. Granted, you aren’t facing death like Paul, but you are facing the potential stick out, go against the flow of all your peers (which can get REALLY tiring), and you run a very high risk of doing it alone much of the time. It takes energy. It takes faith. It takes, as Paul says in verse 20, SUFFICIENT COURAGE.
What do you think sufficient courage needs to look like in the situations, people, and/or activities you have outlined?
PRAY: You’ve outlined some situations, people, and/or activities where you may find yourself ashamed to live out your faith. Pray for courage. In fact, write out your prayer to God today, asking him to help you find courage in the areas you’ve outlined. Be specific.
CHECK IT OUT: Did you know that there are many in the word today still facing death simply for being a Christian. For more information on this, you can check out a ministry called Voice of the Martyrs at www.persecution.com for more info.
WEEK 1: Day 5
Read Philippians 1:27-30
The first sentence to verse 27... rewrite it in your own words.
Think through your day yesterday and/or today. How do you feel like your attitude and actions matched up with this verse?
In verse 29, what does Paul say we can look forward to if you truly conduct ourselves in a way that honors Christ? (hint, it’s not necessarily something fun!)
Yesterday, we looked at courage. Living out that first sentence in verse 27 will take just that. But, is that all it takes? Think about it for a second, how do you know how to “conduct yourself in a manner worthy of the Gospel of Christ?”
You’re at home hanging out by yourself for the day...
You’re on the basketball or volleyball court…
You’re hanging out with your friends (Christian or non-Christian)…
You’re at school…
In these scenarios, how do you know what your “conduct” should be? It takes WISDOM. Wisdom is knowing the best course of action to take in a situation. Wisdom is something that comes from God. When I pray for God to work in my life, I often ask for two things: WISDOM & COURAGE. Wisdom to know the path that God wants me to take and Courage to take the path he reveals to me, no matter what the cost.
PRAY: As you pray today and in the days to come, think through those situations you are facing, and ask God for Wisdom and Courage. As he guides you, you may want to journal (write down) some of the guidance He gives you.
CHECK IT OUT: Log on to www.iamsecond.com and check click on the Tony Dungy story to see an example of someone who has lived and coached a sports team with WISDOM & COURGE.
WEEK 1: Weekend
It’s important to remember that when Philippians was originally written, there were no chapters and verses marked in it. Those were later added in to all books of the Bible to make it easier to find certain sections. So Paul really intended for Philippians to be read as a whole, not in bits and pieces. For weekends, let’s do that.
Read through Philippians completely.
A few thoughts:
Don’t freak out! It’s only 4 chapters. Read it quickly.
Try to focus in on the “Big Ideas” that you think Paul is trying to bring across.
If something sticks out to you, underline or highlight it so you can come back to it later.
After you’re done reading, answer the questions below:
If you were to sum up what you think Paul is trying to say in Philippians with 1 sentence, what would it be?
If you were to sum it up in 1 word, what would it be? _____________________
Look back through week 1. What is your biggest takeaway from Philippians 1?
PRAY: This weekend, focus your prayer on your family. Thank God for them. Lift up each member to Him. Take the biggest issues before God and ask Him for wisdom and direction.
WEEK 2: Day 1
Read Philippians 2:1-4
This passage is full of some great insight on how we are to interact with each other. What especially challenges you and why?
Verse 3 is a powerful challenge. I once heard someone say, “You know you are living out Philippians 2:3 when you actually want to see someone succeed more than you want yourself to succeed.” Wow, that’s tough. Give yourself a grade (A, B, C, D, or F) on how you think you are living out Philippians 2:3 with the following people:
Parents: ______ Why that Grade?
Brothers/Sisters: ______
Why that Grade?
Friends: ______
Why that Grade?
Enemies: ______
Why that Grade?
How can Philippians 2:3 become more of a reality in the relationships you have a low grade?
PRAY: Focus your prayer efforts on the person or people who you feel you have not lived out Philippians 2:3 with. Make your prayers very focused on your desire for that person to be blessed, or to have a great week. In fact, make it a point to pray for that person or people every day this week. Maybe even try to come up with a way you can go out of your way to display Philippians 2:3 in that person/people’s life.
WEEK 2: Day 2
Read Philippians 2:5-11
What actions and attitudes that Jesus took when he came to earth especially struck you and why?
Reread Verse 5.
How has your attitude stood up in comparison to what has stuck out to you.
Philippians 2:5 is one of the toughest verses to read, and it’s very hard to live up to.
CHECK IT OUT: How hard is it to truly live this out? How can you take up the same attitude as Jesus? Go to www.iamsecond.com and check out Chris Plekenpol’s story. What sticks out to you about Chris’s story?
PRAY: Pray for three things today.
Pray for those who are serving our country. Pray especially for those who are Christians; that they may live out their faith in the midst of tough circumstances.
Pray for Philippians 2:5 to be something you could live out in the days to come.
Pray for the person/people you identified yesterday.
WEEK 2: Day 3
It’s a Worship Weekday.
What is a Worship Weekday? Glad you asked. Today, for your TAWG, find a way to worship God. Let’s define worship as putting our mind’s attention and heart’s affection on Jesus Christ.
Find a way to do just that.
Here are some ideas:
Listen to some worship music on your iPod, or if you don’t have any on your iPod, find some online (for example, Spotify, Pandora, or www.allworship.com).
Sing to God. Not a good singer? Who cares? He doesn’t. He just loves your voice.
If you play an instrument, take it out and play it for God.
Go to the book of Psalms. These are all songs written to God. Take a Psalm and make it a prayer/praise to God. Some ideas would be Psalm 1, 19, 23, 40, 121, 136.
Write a poem, a letter, draw a picture. Do something creative for God.
Whatever you do, let your mind’s attention and heart’s affection on God.
After your time of worship, write out what you did, and some of your thoughts and impressions:
PRAY: Let your prayer, again be focused on praising God. Don’t forget to pray for the person/people you identified on Day 1 this week!
WEEK 2: Day 4
Today, you are going to allow God to teach you through His word in without much help from this devotional. Here’s what you do…
SLOW DOWN: Just hit pause on everything else. Get in a spot where you won’t be distracted. Picture just you and God hanging together for the next little bit.
PRAY: Ask God to speak to you as you are going to read his word.
READ: Philippians 2:12-18
RESPOND: To the following questions…
What one or two thoughts or statements have stuck out to you?
(Write them out word for word)
Why did these thoughts or statements stick out to you?
How can you take these thoughts or statements and put them into practice?
PRAY: Pray about what you’ve read today, and ask God to help you put it into practice in the way you have written above. Don’t forget to pray for the person/people you identified on Day 1 of this week!
Tip: What you have done today is something you can do with any section of the Bible. It’s called Inductive Bible Study and is one of the best way to read and apply scripture to your life.
WEEK 2: Day 5
Just to get into a bit of a practice, let’s do the same thing you did yesterday, but with a different section of scripture:
SLOW DOWN: Just hit pause on everything else. Get in a spot where you won’t be distracted. Picture just you and God hanging together for the next little bit.
PRAY: Ask God to speak to you as you are going to read his word.
READ: Philippians 2:19-30
RESPOND: To the following questions…
What one or two thoughts or statements have stuck out to you?
(Write them out word for word)
Why did these thoughts or statements stick out to you?
How can you take these thoughts or statements and put them into practice?
PRAY: Pray about what you’ve read today, and ask God to help you put it into practice in the way you have written above. Don’t forget to pray for the person/people you identified on Day 1 of this week!
CHECK IT OUT: Paul talks about the power of God to heal someone. Did you know that can still happen today? Log on to www.iamsecond.com and check out on Shane Kampe’s story.
WEEK 2: Weekend
Read through Philippians completely.
Keep a pen or a highlighter handy, marking out any verses or phrases from Chapter 1 or 2 that just keep jumping out to you. As you read Chapters 3 and 4, try to capture the big ideas Paul is throwing out there.
What 1 verse or passage (a passage would be 2 or 3 verses together) has been the most meaningful to you from Chapter 1? (Write it out word for word)
What 1 verse/passage from Chapter 2 that has been most meaningful to you? (Write it out word for word)
Try to commit these two verses/passages you’ve identified to memory. Here are some ideas on how you can do this:
WRITE IT TO MEMORY:
Take a piece of paper.
Copy the verse out word for word 10 times in a row (the verse and where it is found).
Fold the paper over, and attempt to write it from memory.
If you mess up, try again until you get it right 3 times in a row.
Now, instead of writing it out from memory, say it out loud to yourself from memory.
Don’t stop until you have said it out loud word perfect from memory 3 times in a row.
FLASH CARD MEMORY:
Get a 3 X 5 note card or a small piece of paper.
On one side write where the verse is found (in this case “Philippians 1:6” on one side, and the verse on the other).
Read the verse again and again and again until you think you know it.
Flip the card over and see if you can recite it word perfect.
If you miss it, reread it again and again and again until you think you’ve got it.
Don’t stop until you’ve said it out loud from memory 3 times in a row.
Which verses/passages are you memorizing?
PRAY: Pray for your school this weekend. What are the biggest issues present where there needs to be a move of God? Ask God where and how He is leading you to live out your faith.
WEEK 3: Day 1
Read Philippians 3:1-4
Paul wants to be very clear that not everyone will be excited about you pursuing a relationship with Christ. If we are going to truly live out our faith, we will have those who will push back. Paul has some pretty harsh things to say about those who are choosing not to follow Christ. What does he call them in verse 2?
Okay, gut level honesty time. Who are those you have around you that tend to pull you away from your relationship with Christ rather than toward Him?
Ultimately, God wants us to be influencers on anyone and everyone. BUT (and this is a big “but”) we have to be honest about where we are at. If we are at a spot where we feel we are going to be more influenced by someone than influencing them, it may be wise for us to distance ourselves from that relationship.
Are there any people, who have been listed above, that it may be best for you to get a little distance from? If so, how do you think you should do that?
CHECK IT OUT: Log onto www.iamsecond.com or the and check out the story of NFL linebacker, Bradie James.
PRAY: Here is another moment to pray for WISDOM and COURAGE. Wisdom to know what to do with your relationships, and the courage to do what God tells you.
WEEK 3: Day 2
This is a passage that sums up the heart of having a sold-out relationship with Christ. Let’s do the Bible Study Method we learned about last week:
SLOW DOWN: Just hit pause on everything else. Get in a spot where you won’t be distracted. Picture just you and God hanging together for the next little bit.
PRAY: Ask God to speak to you as you are going to read his word.
READ: Philippians 3:4-11
RESPOND: To the following questions…
What one or two thoughts or statements have stuck out to you?
(Write them out word for word)
Why did these thoughts or statements stick out to you?
How can you take these thoughts or statements and put them into practice?
PRAY: Pray about what you’ve read today, and ask God to help you put it into practice in the way you have written above.
WEEK 3: Day 3
It’s a Worship Weekday
Again, let’s take a break from Philippians. You can look back to last week for some different ideas on how to spend your Worship Weekday. Remember, we serve a creative God, so be creative in your worship back to Him!
After your time of worship, write out what you did, and some of your thoughts and impressions:
PRAY: Let’s Practice ABC Prayer today think of something or someone you can pray for that starts with each letter of the alphabet (be creative with “X”). Ask God to help you think as you do this. Let him speak to you as you pray!
A -
B -
C -
D -
E -
F -
G -
H -
I -
J -
K -
L -
M -
N -
O -
P -
Q -
R -
S -
T -
U -
V -
W -
X -
Y -
Z -
WEEK 3: Day 4
Read Philippians 3:4-11 (yes, read the same passage as two days ago)
Paul gets very blunt in verses 7 and 8. There’s a word he uses that in Greek (the original language Philippians was written in) called “skubalon.” Your Bible probably translates it to “garbage” or “rubbish.” This is a very kind translation. If translated literally, the word means “excrement.” Paul says that he considers anything else compared to following Jesus to be a big pile of poop.
Sometimes we tame down how God is calling us to live because it can get tough. We have to make a choice on who or what we will love the most.
In your mind, take some time to fill in this blank:
Jesus or _______________?
Fill the blank in with the people or things you love. As you mentally fill in the blank with those people or things, ask yourself the following questions:
Which one controls me more?
Which one do I love more?
Which one should I love more?
If I could choose only one, which one would I honestly choose?
These are some tough questions to wrestle through, but ultimately, Paul reminds us that everything is “skubalon” compared to Jesus Christ!
In the space below, write out what you filled the blank in with and some of your thoughts concerning the questions above.
PRAY: If you are honestly willing to say, “I want to live a live that chooses Jesus over anything else,” pray prayers of surrender today, laying down the people and things to God. Let Him know that you desire to have Him be THE priority in your life.
WEEK 3: Day 5
SLOW DOWN: Just hit pause on everything else. Get in a spot where you won’t be distracted. Picture just you and God hanging together for the next little bit.
PRAY: Ask God to speak to you as you are going to read his word.
READ: Philippians 3:12-21
RESPOND: To the following questions…
What one or two thoughts or statements have stuck out to you?
(Write them out word for word)
Why did these thoughts or statements stick out to you?
How can you take these thoughts or statements and put them into practice?
PRAY: Pray about what you’ve read today, and ask God to help you put it into practice in the way you have written above.
WEEK 3: Weekend
Read through Philippians completely.
Keep a pen or a highlighter handy, marking out any verses or phrases from Chapters 1-3 that just keep jumping out to you. As you read Chapters 4, try to capture the big ideas Paul is throwing out there.
What 1 verse or passage (a passage would be 2 or 3 verses together) has been the most meaningful to you from Chapter 3? (Write it out word for word)
Add this verse/passage to the others in chapters 1 and 2 that you plan to memorize! Work on getting these verses (and where they are found) committed to memory over this weekend.
How are you doing on follow through with commitments you made to Christ?
PRAY: Pray over all that you have learned about God and yourself on this devotional journey.
Maybe even write out your prayer below:
WEEK 4: Day 1
Read Philippians 4:1-7
Verses 4-6 are chucked full of some great advice.
Which piece of advice especially hits you and why?
Paul then gives us a promise. What is that promise in verse 7?
Do you feel like the promise of verse 7 is present in your life? YES NO
God does not break His promises. If verse 7 is not present, it probably means that something in verses 4-6 is not taking place. Let’s do a little evaluation.
Put an X on the scale how you think you are doing in each category:
Rejoice in the Lord always:
Always Sometimes Never
Let your gentleness be evident to all:
Always Sometimes Never
Do not be anxious about anything:
Always Sometimes Never
Take everything to God in prayer:
Always Sometimes Never
As you look at your responses above, what do you think needs to take place to find yourself living in the promise of verse 7?
PRAY: Ask God for help where you feel weak. If you’re struggling with rejoicing, ask for perspective. If struggling with gentleness ask for it. If you’re constantly anxious, ask God to calm you. If you’re struggling to pray, DO IT!
WEEK 4: Day 2
Read Philippians 4:8-9
Often, I will run my life through what I call the Philippians 4:8-9 test.
For instance, I have the opportunity to go out with a group of friends for a night of fun. In the activities we have planned, I can ask the question…
Is what we are about to do true?
Is what we are about to do noble?
Is what we are about to do pure and lovely?
Is what we are about to do admirable?
Is what we are about to do excellent or praiseworthy?
I can do the same thing with the entertainment I am taking in (movies, music, internet, etc.) Is what I’m about to watch true, noble, pure, lovely, etc…
I can run my interactions (texts, tweets, wall posts, phone calls, face to face conversations) through the test. Is what I’m about to say true, noble, pure, lovely, etc…
Run the test in your life right now. Take an activity with friends, a piece of entertainment or a conversation that is coming up and ask the questions.
How did your potential actions stack up?
Recommendation: Write this verse out and put somewhere as a reminder.
PRAY: Pray Philippians 4:8-9 today. Simply take your activities that you have ahead and ask God to allow them to stack up to this passage.
For example:
“God, as I go to the practice, help me to speak and live truth. Help me to act in a noble manner. Help me to keep my heart and mind pure, and to think about things that are lovely and not evil. Help me to practice in a way that would be admirable to others. Help me to give my best that it might be considered excellent and bring praise to you!”
WEEK 4: Day 3
It’s a Worship Weekday.
Worship God in a way you have never done before. Remember, worship is simply putting your mind’s attention and heart’s affection on God. Think outside the box.
After your time of worship, write out what you did, and some of your thoughts and impressions below:
PRAY: Let’s Practice ABC Prayer again today, but let’s have it be all prayers of Thanksgiving. Come up with a way to thank God for something or someone who starts with every letter!
A -
B -
C -
D -
E -
F -
G -
H -
I -
J -
K -
L -
M –
N -
O -
P -
Q -
R -
S -
T -
U -
V -
W -
X -
Y -
Z -
WEEK 4: Day 4
Read Philippians 4:10-13
I’m fairly convinced that Philippians 4:13 is a verse that we often use in the wrong way. You’ve seen it… the quarterback has won the big game or the musician has won the big award. Everything has been perfect and exactly the way they wanted, and they say, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (that’s the King James version of the verse). Is that what Paul is really saying… that if you are a Christian, you’ll always win and finish in first?
Go back and reread verses 10-12.
Paul is clearly saying that things may or may not go his way. He may or may not get exactly what he wants. He may or he may not “win.”
Rewrite Philippians 4:13 in your own words to sum up what you think Paul is trying to say:
Now, take some time to think about that key word that keeps popping up, “attitude.” How does your attitude stack up to Paul’s attitude in this passage?
CHECK IT OUT: Log on to www.iamsecond.com and check out NFL quarterback Colt McCoy’s story as a great reminder of what it looks like to live out Philippians 4:13.
PRAY: Think through situations and relationships that especially could use the attitude and heart behind Philippians 4:10-13. Give these situations over to God and ask Him to do His work.
WEEK 4: Day 5
SLOW DOWN: Just hit pause on everything else. Get in a spot where you won’t be distracted. Picture just you and God hanging together for the next little bit.
PRAY: Ask God to speak to you as you are going to read his word.
READ: Philippians 4:14-23
RESPOND: To the following questions…
What one or two thoughts or statements have stuck out to you?
(Write them out word for word)
Why did these thoughts or statements stick out to you?
How can you take these thoughts or statements and put them into practice?
PRAY: Pray about what you’ve read today, and ask God to help you put it into practice in the way you have written above.
WEEK 4: Weekend
Read through Philippians completely.
What 1 verse or passage (a passage would be 2 or 3 verses together) has been the most meaningful to you from Chapter 4? (Write it out word for word)
Add this verse/passage to the others in chapters 1 - 3 that you are memorizing! Work on getting these verses (and where they are found) committed to memory over this weekend.
As you look back over your journey through Philippians, what are the biggest lessons you will be taking with you? (Make a list below)
PRAY: Pray through the list above. Also pray that God will guide you in your TAWG for the days to come.
Maybe even write out your prayer below:
Congratulations! You have just finished 4 weeks of regular Time Alone With God. You are well on your way to developing a habit the can revolutionize your relationship with Christ. As you consider what’s nex, remember this is a relationship. It’s all about opening yourself up to Him and getting to know Him.
So, where do you go from here? Here are 2 ideas:
Take a book of the Bible and go for it! If you’ve been paying close attention, you have learned a very valuable way to read scripture. Inductive Bible Study is simply where you read a section of scripture; consider what hits you, why it hits you, and what you need to do because of it. Some possible books of the Bible to go with:
Mark
Romans
James
Ephesians
Colossians
Proverbs a.m./Psalm p.m.: Take a month where every morning you read a chapter of Proverbs in the morning and a Psalm at night. Proverbs is a book of wisdom, which will be great to read as you head into your day. Psalm is 150 different worship songs, which is a great way to close your day.
Above all, remember: If you want to grow in your walk with God, there is nothing GREATER THAN TAWG. God has a fantastic plan for your life, and if you seek Him with all your heart, you will find Him.