YMI Reading - Philippians

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WRITERS

Andrew Koay, Caleb Young, Carol Lerh, Charmain Sim, Chong Shou En, Christine Emmert, Constance Goh, Deborah Fox, James Bunyan, Joanna Hor, Karen Pimpo, Kezia Lewis, Michele Ong, Nelle Lim, Q. Jackson, Rachel Moreland, Ross Boone, Tracy Phua, Wendy Wong

CONTENT EDITORS

Chia Poh Fang, Christine Emmert, Leslie Koh, Rebecca Lim

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%/²VIx/ó Vania Tan

Acknowledgements: Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright © 1979, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission.

All rights reserved worldwide.

YMI is affiliated with Our Daily Bread Ministries. © 2021 Our Daily Bread Ministries. All Rights Reserved.

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MI Reading Philippians brings together 19 young adults from seven countries (USA, England, Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, and New Zealand), offering 30 devotions that carefully engage Paul’s most joyous letter.

Young adults writing for young adults, each devotion draws reflections that connect to our everyday life in personal, challenging, and insightful ways.

These devotions are perfect for personal reading or together in a group with your friends. With the encouragement and guidance of this book, you’ll be inspired to look to Christ as our perfect model, live as a citizen of heaven, partner Him in the spread of the gospel, and rejoice in all circumstances.

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n a world that’s increasingly fraught with anxiety, it can be difficult to know how and where to find true joy and peace. Thankfully, we can rely on the wisdom of those who have gone before us and found the true source of joy—Jesus Christ Himself.

The book of Philippians, written by Paul, who was no stranger to suffering, is more than just a book about finding joy. It’s also a book about what it means to live as citizens of heaven on this earth, how to imitate Christ in all we do, and what it looks like to stand firm in Christ amid trials and opposition.

We hope that the 30 devotions in this series will encourage you to keep looking to Christ regardless of the challenges that may come your way—and to allow His love and Word to strengthen you from the inside out—so that you may live lives worthy of His calling, and stand pure and blameless before Him.

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this book alongside the Bible.

Each day’s notes will help you draw relevant and practical applications from that day’s Bible passage.

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on the questions which are designed to help you respond to God and His Word.

R E CO R D

your reflections and thoughts on what you’ve learned.

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he book of Philippians is one of four letters written by Paul while he was in prison (Colossians, Ephesians, Philemon, and Philippians). Paul and his companions planted the church at Philippi on his second missionary journey (Acts 16:11-40). This was the first church established on the European continent. The Philippian church had sent a gift with Epaphroditus (one of their members) to be delivered to Paul (Philippians 4:18), who was in a Roman prison at the time. Paul wrote this letter to thank them for their gift and to encourage them in their faith.

§ / ª V % Þ ª V¿ ¿/ x The book of Philippians was written around the period of A.D. 61, from Rome during Paul’s imprisonment there.

Æ¿Q ó The Apostle Paul wrote this letter to thank the believers for the gift they had sent him. It is one of his most informal letters, and his overflowing love and affection for the believers is obvious.

j/ä ¿Q/v/ The primary theme of the letter is to encourage the Philippians to live as citizens of a heavenly city, growing in their commitment to serve God and one another. Paul points them towards Jesus as the supreme example of this way of life—and urges them to imitate Paul himself, Timothy, and Epaphroditus as they follow in Jesus’ footsteps.

This letter reminds believers that true joy and righteousness comes from Jesus Christ alone, and warns them against false teaching and temptations to seek their joy and righteousness from other places. It also encourages believers to remain joyful in affliction, united in service, and to stand firm in Christ.

Æ¿lVx/ Greeting (1:1-11) Paul’s Circumstances and Encouragement for the Church (1:12-2:30) True Righteousness is Found in Christ (3:1-11)

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Life as Citizens of the Kingdom (3:12-4:19)

The recipients of the letter are the Christians at Philippi.

Final Greetings (4:20-23)

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hat comes to your mind when you hear the word “fellowship?”

It seems like too often, we think of it as simply “hanging out” with one another, playing games in youth group, or having casual conversations.

While there’s nothing wrong with all of that, do you sometimes wonder if that’s really all there is to fellowship?

In Paul’s letter to the church in Philippi, he shows us a different picture of what true fellowship looks like. He starts by thanking the Philippians for their “partnership in the gospel” (Philippians 1:5). Some translations use the word “fellowship” instead. What was this partnership or fellowship that Paul thanked the Philippians for?

The Philippian church was the first church Paul planted in Europe. It consisted of a merchant named Lydia and her household, a jailer and his family, and others who had become believers since its founding (Acts 16). While Paul wrote many letters to correct or rebuke problems in early churches, his letter to the Philippian church stands out as one of thanksgiving and rejoicing.

I’m sure the Philippian church was not perfect. No church is. But what set the Philippians apart was their razor-

sharp focus: they were committed towards furthering their shared goal—spreading the good news of Christ. In supporting Paul financially and working with him (4:15), the Philippian church was not just spreading the gospel, but they were living the gospel out in community.

When Paul thanks God for his fellowship with believers in Philippi, he is not merely thinking of casual after-meal talks or fun games. Paul is thankful that the Philippians were working alongside him in sharing the gospel with the Gentiles, reaching out to those in need, and looking out for the interests of others even when they themselves were suffering.

That is true fellowship.

Have you ever read J. R. R. Tolkien’s Fellowship of the Ring?

In the story, the fellowship was made up of nine individuals from varying races and personalities, with different opinions about how to do things.

These people didn’t just fellowship by sitting around a fire and telling jokes.

That’s not the real fellowship.

Their real fellowship consisted of holding each other accountable for resisting the temptation of a perverted power. It consisted of defending one another from their

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common enemies. It was their dangerous journey to fight for what was good in the face of evil and death that made them a fellowship.

That’s what church should look like.

My church doesn’t always look like that. As a leader, I realize that we often try so hard to make church entertaining and relevant, that we forget the reason why we’re meeting in the first place.

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If that sounds like your church too, don’t despair. Instead, let’s be encouraged to work towards the picture that Paul shows us of what true fellowship looks like.

Let’s start by having real conversations with each other about where we are in our faith. Let’s share in each other’s struggles (1:29-30), commit to journey with and pray for one another through the different seasons of life, and encourage each other to grow in spiritual maturity (2:12).

Because our fellowship is no ordinary earthly fellowship. We were brought together by no less than God Himself for a divine purpose. So let’s work together to fulfill that purpose of sharing His good news with the rest of the world (1:27). by ó l l/ªQ‫ ׺‬Singapore

R E F LE CT on THE S E 1. What are some ways our friendships in church can focus on sharing the gospel?

2. What is one change you can make toward sharing real fellowship with your current Christian community?

3. In what ways can you partner with the Christians around you in gospel work?

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ecently, a friend sent me a few long messages venting her frustrations over a situation. I’m uncomfortable with conflict—especially when the situation does not involve me. So even though I knew I should help, I didn’t know how.

My husband encouraged me to call her, but I dislike talking over the phone. I was tempted to let my emotions overrule my care for my friend, and thus ignore it altogether.

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Still, I could see that if I truly loved my sister in Christ, I would choose to be there for her. So I worked up the courage to call, and it ended up benefiting both of us.

It can be easy to declare love in a worship song on Sunday, or a hashtag on Instagram. But such declarations can be shallow if unaccompanied by the actual outworking of love.

And sometimes, we may have good intentions, but we just do not know how to put love into action.

Thankfully, Paul touches on this practical application of love. In this letter, he expresses his gratitude for the Philippian church, and describes how he often prays for them. He shares his prayer in detail in verses 9-11.

The first two phrases that stand out for me are “knowledge” and “depth of insight.” Knowledge used here does not refer to a simple accumulation of facts. The Greek word, epignosis, suggests a fuller kind of knowledge that impacts both mind and heart, which leads to a personal and relational application. Paul uses this specific word whenever he encouraged the readers to know God (Ephesians 1:17; Colossians 1:9-10; Philemon 6).

The second term, depth of insight, can be translated as discernment. It is the ability to see the things that truly matter, and identify the best thing to do in every situation.

Paul says that as we get to know God better, our love for Him and others would naturally deepen with greater insight into life. It is a love that is perceptive, and is so crucial to our spiritual journey, that Paul mentions the need to grow in this love in his other letters, too (1 Thessalonians 3:12).

Wise love doesn’t stay in the mind.

It will transform our attitude and behavior. My natural inclination was to run away from a tough situation.

But my knowledge of Christ’s command to love as He loves us—and knowing full well what Christ would do in that situation—convicted me to call my friend.

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When we are able to discern what’s right, we will be able to make pure and blameless choices in line with God’s Word and character. This is the kind of life that will bear good fruit and glorify God. I’m relieved to know that the book of Philippians shows us that there is a way to cultivate love. Otherwise, I would be left to my own devices to figure out how to love—devices that I know are subpar. As a start, we can cultivate the kind of love that Paul speaks of—one that is characterized by knowledge and depth of insight— by reading and meditating on God’s

Word, spending time in prayer, learning from mentors or leaders, and just being better listeners and observers of the people and culture around us.

Let us be encouraged then to take steps towards growing a wise kind of love. Let us commit to knowing God more, and allow Him to transform our love into one that isn’t easily swayed by circumstance or emotion. May we grow every day, to the glory and praise of God.

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R EF LE CT on THE S E 1. Think of someone you know who is both wise and kind. Have you ever received advice that is characterized by both “love” and “knowledge?”

2. What do you usually pray for? Do you pray for good grades, finances, flourishing relationships—or do you pray to grow in love, knowledge, discernment, and righteous character?

3. How has Paul’s prayer in this letter challenged the way you look at what’s important in your own life?

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ow much do we really care about people getting to hear the gospel?

I think back to a recent opportunity I had to tell a friend about Jesus Christ. John had been sharing with me about some of the struggles he was facing with his family and his fight against depression.

In that moment, I knew exactly what I needed to say, but somehow the words got stuck in my throat, like a large and uncomfortable lump. As the conversation carried on, I mostly listened and offered him some advice, all the while knowing that what I should’ve done was share the hope of Christ with him.

Why hadn’t I done that? On reflection, I’d been scared. Since I’ve known him, John has always been outspoken about his atheistic beliefs and his criticism of religion. And while we’ve had conversations that circled around the topic of God in the past, I always fell short of telling him the full gospel for fear of how he’d react.

What if he took offense to my sharing of the gospel? Wouldn’t that make the dynamics of one of my closest friendships uneasy and awkward?

Furthermore, what if he was upset enough to tell the rest of our friends about my obnoxious effort to

convert him? Wouldn’t that ruin my reputation, and effectively make me an outcast?

That’s why Paul’s example in Philippians 1:12-18 proved such a rebuke to me. In these verses, Paul models what our mindset should be—one that is so consumed with the spread of the gospel that looking after our own comfort pales in comparison.

In these verses, we find Paul in a somewhat sticky situation. Not only was he writing to the Philippian church from prison, but as he wrote in verse 17, he has cause for concern that stems from the void his imprisonment has left. It seemed that some of the people who stepped up to spread the gospel in Paul’s absence were doing it with bad motives, as the Apostle writes: “supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains.”

However, Paul’s response is most encouraging to us. Instead of moping about his situation, he rejoices (v.

18)! What’s most important to Paul is that his imprisonment has proved fruitful for the gospel. It has given him opportunities to share with his prison guards, and it has also caused other Christians to have the boldness to preach the gospel (vv. 13-14).

Despite his dire situation and the impure motives that others may have

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(vv. 17-18), Paul cares most about the spread of the gospel.

ever heard no matter what it would cost me.

So how much do we really care about people getting to hear the gospel?

It doesn’t mean that I need to be brash and steamroll conversations, but Paul’s example does encourage me to think harder about how I can share the gospel with my friends.

May we be like Paul, not letting our fears hold us back. The spread of the gospel—and seeing many come to the saving knowledge of Christ—is far too important.

My failure to share the gospel with John betrayed that maybe I’m more concerned about my own comfort and reputation; I wasn’t willing to endure any potential uneasiness and awkwardness. I needed to have the mindset that Paul displayed in Philippians—one that loved John enough to tell him the best news I’d

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by ƍĹƿŁǴ jƙĖǺ‫ ׺‬Australia

R E F LE CT on THE S E 1. What fears hinder you from proclaiming Jesus Christ to the people around you?

2. What are some difficulties you are going through right now? How can you pray that these become gospel opportunities?

3. How do you feel when you see the gospel being shared with impure motives?

How might Paul’s attitude challenge you to respond differently?

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unning, I was running To get everything.

Hurry, please hurry, I need to achieve One more thing.

I wrote these lines of a poem over 10 years ago. A few years before that, I had lost my mother to cancer, only shortly after becoming a Christian.

Death took on a whole new meaning for me: it became painfully real. I was angry, scared, and confused. I started running after things like money, achievements, and a good family, to drown out the pain and grief.

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In the meantime, I did everything Christians were supposed to do: go to church, tithe, pray, sing a few songs, and read the Bible. These are all good things and necessary for my walk with God, but I was missing out on the heart of a relationship with Him. Christianity was simply something I added on to my security blanket, a guarantee to reach the peak of happiness—eternal life. For to me, to live was to be happy, and to die was a tragedy.

What I didn’t understand was that being in a relationship with God meant being all about Jesus. This includes making His heart and His mission—making disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19)—my own.

This is how the Apostle Paul lived.

Paul’s letter to the Philippians contains so much of his eager expectation and hope: that Christ is magnified in him whether he lives or dies (Philippians 1:20). Paul’s view of life contrasted strongly with mine— for to him, to live is Christ and to die is gain (v. 21).

Paul’s life was all about Christ. When he wrote this beautiful declaration of allegiance to Christ, he was in prison guarded by Roman soldiers. These are not empty words of devotion, but a statement borne out of confidence.

Paul is ready to embrace whatever circumstances living a life for Christ would bring on—even death.

And death is not an unwelcome visitor for Paul, for it means going home to be with Christ, which to him is far better than living (v. 23)—a gain by all accounts for someone whose reason for existence is Christ. Yet even in thinking about whether he should live or die, Paul chooses what benefits others more than what benefits himself (vv. 24-25). He points others to still more rejoicing in Christ (v. 26).

Paul’s choice is a beautiful example of self-denial for others and for the cause of Christ. His is the kind of choice that so easily gets sidelined when we focus on our own happiness and gain. Paul held everything loosely, except Christ. He welcomed anything

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that came for the sake of Christ.

Paul’s example has changed my own goals and purpose in life. Instead of seeking after the things of the world, it is now my desire to know Jesus more and to point others to Him— even if it means getting out of my comfort zone and sharing the gospel with those around me.

I pray for all believers around the world, myself included, to have the same kind of vision that Paul had—a desire to live our lives for Christ

above all, and an attitude that does not fear death because it means we will “be with Christ” (v. 23). Let’s continually evaluate what we’re living for, realign our priorities with His, and make choices that will point others to Christ.

I pray that like Paul, knowing Christ, pursuing Him, and living for Him will be all that matters to us. by jŁȄũĖ lŁǴũLJ‫ ׺‬Philippines

R EF LE CT on THE S E 1. Reflect on what Paul wrote in Philippians 1:19-26 and ask God to show you what’s within your heart. What do you live for? What would you die for?

2. In what ways is your outlook on life and death similar to or different from Paul’s?

3. How can Paul’s example encourage you to live your life differently today?

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e are very good at excusing ourselves when we sin, using our imaginations to think of fresh reasons why our sin is not that bad. Usually, it is YHU\ HDV\ WR EODPH GLIĆFXOW FLUFXPVWDQFHV for the way we’re behaving.

gospel is not easy. But then the stakes are high. A world that needs to know Christianity offers something radically fulfilling is watching and should be able to see from the lives of Christians that they are missing something wonderful!

“Yes I was rude but work has been difficult today.”

For that reason, Paul lists two particular ways we can behave in a manner worthy of the gospel. Firstly, we should be united—we are to “stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith” (v. 27).

“Yes I snapped but she was being an idiot.”

“Yes I didn’t pay for the train but they make enough money anyway.”

The Philippian church, as a church dealing with false teaching, arguments from within and persecution from without, would have had plenty of reason to excuse bad behavior. But Paul is having none of that. Look at what he writes in Philippians 1:27: “Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.”

It doesn’t matter what pressures we’re under or how tricky things are for Christians, we must conduct ourselves in a way that would make Christ proud of us, a way that honors and glorifies Him. Anything less is unacceptable for the Christian.

It’s a high standard, isn’t it? To always behave in a manner worthy of the

It may surprise some of us that Paul’s first standard is for us to be united with our brothers and sisters in Christ. This is hard work, but it is absolutely necessary to show the world that the Jesus who saves us and brings us together is so much more important than whatever might divide us.

This command challenges us as Christians, because we love to bicker and argue, allowing personal pride to trump unity. Given the backbiting and gossiping that we see all around us, it’s clear that Paul’s command to the Philippians is still relevant for us today.

Secondly, we should be courageous— we are to live “without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you” (v. 28).

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Writing from his prison block in the first century, Paul knows very well that there are good reasons to be afraid of opposition. But doing anything out of a fear of man is inappropriate for a Christian; it’s to forget that He who is with us is greater than any other power or trial, that our Jesus has overcome the world!

So instead of using the threat of pain or difficulty to excuse our sin or failings, Paul is saying we ought to be like the fearless Christians of the past, men and women marked by a costly love and not by terror. What could be more distinct?

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So the standard is high and the cost of living the Christian life is also high.

Why not keep our heads down, wait for heaven, and avoid drama?

Well, the pattern of the Christian life of suffer now, glory later is deliberate.

Later in Philippians 1:29, Paul says, and demonstrates, that one of the marks of a Christian is that we get to suffer for the faith. And when we endure suffering for Christ, without being paralyzed by fear or turning our backs on our brothers and sisters, in obvious courage and obvious unity, we show the world that Christ is worth giving our lives for.

And let’s face it; when we’re finally worshipping in deep joy round the lamb’s throne with fellow Christians in the new creation, we won’t regret having sacrificed for Jesus during our time now. by gĖƋŁLJ ǜƍǺĖƍ‫ ׺‬England

R E F LE CT on THE S E 1. What excuses do you give to trivialize your sin or failings? How does today’s passage encourage you to conduct yourself in a manner worthy of the gospel?

2. What are some practical steps you can take to ensure you remain united with other Christians?

3. When do you find it hardest to be courageous for Jesus? Why?

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Phil 1:1-8

Christ’s love binds us in true fellowship

Phil 1:9-11

Phil 1:12-18

Phil 1:19-26

Opportunities to preach the gospel are everywhere

Whether you live or die, do it all for Christ

Phil 1:27-28

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