Here’s how the study works: Read the chapter mentioned in the heading several times during the week and share any words, thoughts, verses that stood out to you. Having a week for a chapter creates the opportunity to reread it several times and make additional comments as you feel inclined as well as make comments on other people’s insights.
I find v.8 very hard to do. It is difficult for me to keep my thoughts on those things that are true, noble, right … etc.
I find v.8 very hard to do. It is difficult for me to keep my thoughts on those things that are true, noble, right … etc.
and if you’ve read a lot of paul, you know it is one thing that he himself did not always accomplish. of course, i don’t think he meant it as any sort of an absolute command, but rather as helpful advice. our minds are always going to be occupied with something so it may as well be something true, noble, right, etc…
i know in myself it can be easy to spiral down the negative trail and a little dose of thankfulness and thinking on good things can go a long way towards pulling me out.
“…I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances…” i cannot speak for the rest of the globe that is represented here, but as an american, i know that this is almost as challenging, if not more so, than his admonition in v.8.
and if you’ve read a lot of paul, you know it is one thing that he himself did not always accomplish. of course, i don’t think he meant it as any sort of an absolute command, but rather as helpful advice. our minds are always going to be occupied with something so it may as well be something true, noble, right, etc…
i know in myself it can be easy to spiral down the negative trail and a little dose of thankfulness and thinking on good things can go a long way towards pulling me out.
“…I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances…” i cannot speak for the rest of the globe that is represented here, but as an american, i know that this is almost as challenging, if not more so, than his admonition in v.8.
How about not being anxious for ” anything “
Go straight to prayer …
The only way I can centre myself is reminding myself that God loves me. I know I keep talking about this, but I really think that the vast majority of church people don’t really “get” that.
How about not being anxious for ” anything “
Go straight to prayer …
The only way I can centre myself is reminding myself that God loves me. I know I keep talking about this, but I really think that the vast majority of church people don’t really “get” that.
I agree Wendy I think a lot of people don’t get that God really really loves them.
You know Jon, I’ve just realized that sometimes I take things in the Bible as absolute commands that are meant to be good advice. So thanks for that.
The only other thing that stands out to me in this chapter is that Paul seems to care about these people very much and they also cared a lot about him.
I agree Wendy I think a lot of people don’t get that God really really loves them.
You know Jon, I’ve just realized that sometimes I take things in the Bible as absolute commands that are meant to be good advice. So thanks for that.
The only other thing that stands out to me in this chapter is that Paul seems to care about these people very much and they also cared a lot about him.
v. 8-“think on these things.” The Lord has shown me that my mind is preoccupied with things that is taking up too much space in there. He wants our “soul salvation” also, meaning He wants to take dominion in our minds, wills and emotions. When He showed me that, I had to agree with Him, and then all I could do was to ask Him to destroy those strongholds of my mind or tear them down, and to replace them with Himself and then trust that He is and will do it. And, He is faithful to complete what He started in us. Then, and then only will I even be able to think on those things, because as He takes me over, I will be operating from the mind of Christ.
v. 8-“think on these things.” The Lord has shown me that my mind is preoccupied with things that is taking up too much space in there. He wants our “soul salvation” also, meaning He wants to take dominion in our minds, wills and emotions. When He showed me that, I had to agree with Him, and then all I could do was to ask Him to destroy those strongholds of my mind or tear them down, and to replace them with Himself and then trust that He is and will do it. And, He is faithful to complete what He started in us. Then, and then only will I even be able to think on those things, because as He takes me over, I will be operating from the mind of Christ.
Thanks Patti for your thoughts.
Thanks Patti for your thoughts.
v.2 I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord.
Paul doesn’t usually name names in conflicts but here he does. Bit sad to have your name recorded forever because you were in conflict with someone.
v.2 I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord.
Paul doesn’t usually name names in conflicts but here he does. Bit sad to have your name recorded forever because you were in conflict with someone.
v.8 —if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
We have the responsibility to decide if something is excellent or not, praiseworthy or not.
v.8 —if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
We have the responsibility to decide if something is excellent or not, praiseworthy or not.
v.9 And the God of peace will be with you.
Actually God is always with us but we don't always experience his peace. v.8 tells us how to experience his peace.
v.9 And the God of peace will be with you.
Actually God is always with us but we don't always experience his peace. v.8 tells us how to experience his peace.
v.12 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.
Contentment is learnt, that is, it doesn't come naturally.
v.12 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.
Contentment is learnt, that is, it doesn't come naturally.
v.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.
We are not only to be cheerful givers but also cheerful receivers, which is often more difficult.
Interesting also that the Phillippians saw themselves as helping Paul but Paul saw it as being "credited to your account" (v.17). Heaven notices when we sacrifice for others.
v.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.
We are not only to be cheerful givers but also cheerful receivers, which is often more difficult.
Interesting also that the Phillippians saw themselves as helping Paul but Paul saw it as being "credited to your account" (v.17). Heaven notices when we sacrifice for others.
v.1 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!
Therefore we stand firm because we know our citizenship is in heaven (3:20). We stand firm by looking at the "big picture" and know that God is working things out according to his plan and timetable.
v.1 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!
Therefore we stand firm because we know our citizenship is in heaven (3:20). We stand firm by looking at the "big picture" and know that God is working things out according to his plan and timetable.