This Is the New Testament is part of a twelve-week thematic overview of the entire Bible. Each day we’ll read a thematic selection from a different book of the Bible, along with supplemental passages that show how the theme of that day’s main reading is found throughout Scripture. We’ll also read a brief summary of each book and a reflection on how the book fits into the larger story of Scripture. This week, we’ll continue reading the Pauline Epistles.
What Is Philippians? Philippians is one of Paul’s warmest letters, written to thank the church in Philippi for a gift and to inform them of his imprisonment. This letter communicates that because of the eternal hope of the gospel, joy is possible in every circumstance.
How Philippians Fits Into the Story: Paul’s letter to the Philippians teaches us about genuine Christian living. While nearly every theme he introduced here can also be found elsewhere in Scripture, this letter reveals how those themes impact our lives as believers. Philippians also contributes to our understanding of Christian commitment and what it means to be Christlike, even amidst suffering.
Reflection Questions:
1. What do you long for in this world more than Jesus? How does Jesus ultimately satisfy that desire?
2. How does today’s reading shape your understanding of the story of redemption?
Take time to reflect on your responses and share what you are learning with others in the community in the comments.
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58 thoughts on "Philippians"
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At times I long for security….in my relationships, in my job, in my finances. Then I remember Jesus is our only security. Without a personal relationship with him we have nothing! My prayer today is for more of him in my life!
Kabul is currently falling to the taliban. Before i opened this devotion today, i was in deep prayer.. calling out to God to be with my brothers and sisters in Christ who are in Afghanistan. Then i read read today’s devotion. Oh my merciful Father.. please be with your people in Afghanistan.. many of whom will give their lives in the days to come.
This. There just aren’t words. I’m so thankful I saw your comment first. What a perspective, my earthly desire are gross compared to the desire to live and be safe. Thank you for your heart and the reminder.
Still praying for them
I feel that today’s readings are saying quite clearly GOT. YOUR. BACK. I feel so supported by God right at this moment. I pray for his support to you all.
I LOVE LOVE LOVE this reading! My earthly desires are for the unity of my marriage and my family. As I have mentioned before my marriage has been tested a LOT over the last eight years and were it not for Christ’s unwavering grace, mercy, forgiveness, and relentless love I KNOW Amy family would no longer be together today. I praise him for his redeeming love. I thank him for another day with my family.
Greetings from Australia, SRT community! I had to sit all day with this question of what I long for more than Jesus. How could I ever want anything more than Jesus? I am guilty. I have allowed how I look and the clothes I wear to steal my attention away from the special gift of time to sit with the Lord. I have given in to the temptation to glance at Instagram to see what my favourite store here is posting before I thank the Lord for what He has prepared for me for the day. It wasn’t always like this. Years ago, when I first picked up my Bible and began to read this incredible story of love and redemption I could not get enough. I longed for that time with God. Was it because at that time things were just ‘hard?’ I was thinking about it today…what does all this ‘stuff’ matter anyhow? The latest trends, the makeup reviews….what is it that I am “ultimately desiring that Jesus fulfils in me?” Am I enough? I am enough. We are enough, sisters. His love for us is too great to even fathom. I just deleted Instagram from my phone today. Feels good actually. “My goal is Christ.”
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I love that in every season God is with us. He is here in the bad times and the good times. He never leaves us.
Sometimes I long for comfort more than Jesus. But then the bible tells us in John 16:33 that we will face trials in this world but Jesus has overcome the world. Comfort is something that I cannot always have on this earth but with Jesus on my side, I have the comfort of His peace even in uncomfortable situations.
Wow- I’m seeing so much suffering on here today, but also a deep commitment to Christ in the midst of it all! Inspired by you all, praying for the comfort and peace of Christ, and also asking for prayer for my own mental healing. Blessings to each of you in the name of Christ!
Hi lovely ladies! Pray for my husband and our marriage. He is Muslim. I pray for his salvation and that he will have a radical encounter with Jesus! Jesus changes everything!!!!!!!! Thanks so much. ❤️
Prayers daily for all of your petitions here.
Dear SRT friends, I am reading and praying for you petitions, your hurt and your
Sorry, cut off before I finished
My go to verse is from Philippians. It’s Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through CHRIST who gives me strength.” Almost eighteen years ago my older son died and that Christmas one of my brothers and family gave me a bracelet with this verse on it. Ever since then this has been my go to verse.
I don’t know how many of you read my comment from yesterday, but I praised God for having a loving, caring family. I know some may not have this and that is why I praise God for it. In my over 40 years as a nurse I have seen just the opposite of what I have. Yes, I do let my family know every chance I can.
Be blessed and praise the Lord for your loved ones.
Sisters I ask for prayers. Over the weekend my husband and I had a freak accident on a set of stairs, I’m all bruised and sore and he fractured his ulnar bone, we see the orthopedic surgeon tomorrow, please pray that it is just fractured and will not require major surgery. Please also pray for healing for both of us. We are extremely worried regarding if he needs surgery and how we can afford all the medical bills. Thank you all in advance. Hope all my Sisters have a great week.
I long very much for healing in my family-healing of depression and anger and spiritual blindness across generations. I pray for this, but I know it requires a choice and cooperation from those who are spiritually blind. It is so very hard and painful.
Do I long for this more than I long for Jesus? That is a great question…
Last comment posted too soon! I long for expansion of our family. God had blessed me with a wonderful and godly husband but our blessing of children has been delayed (until now I believe). We have our first ultrasound tomorrow and I have faith that God will continue to grow and protect this baby. Prayers for this are very much appreciated. Madison- my heart goes out to you, along with fervent prayers for your comfort. We had a miscarriage in April and it was the most traumatic thing to ever happen to me but God also used it to bring me closer to Him once the initial anger and shock wore off some. Angie, bless you for praying for all of us and for what you are doing for your work. Tina, I am so sorry for your loss of your nephew. I am praying for you and your family as well. Christa I will pray for you and your family’s health. Have a wonderful Monday everyone!
Praying now for tomorrow
I long for our family to be expanded. Like Sarah Adams I feel
What first came to mind is that I want Peace. And then as I was saying my prayers, I found myself saying to God how I want more of him. I want to feel his presence daily. To walk according to him. I know that I find peace in Him.
Praying for you all. I’m so sorry Tina. I lost a nephew and know how painful that is.
Can I ask for continued prayers for Tanner. He has improved with his balance in the last couple weeks. Praise God! So thankful for your prayers. I would like to ask for prayers for my husband, Tom. He is having some awful side effects from radiation. Bleeding and low blood pressure. Please pray that God puts his hands on my husband and heals him. Thank you
Angie, what a beautiful way to show Christ’s love to a hurting world. Thank you for reaching out the hand of God to our teachers. There is such discord in their working life right now. Now is the time for Jesus to shine.
Thank you again!
I long for peace, calm, stillness and quiet.
Tina, I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Praying for you and your family.
Taylor and Sara- I have that same desire; a husband, family of my own someday. Like you said Taylor, I have that already in Jesus,
Angie, praying for your back to school shindig and that those who walk in your home feel the love of Jesus embracing them.
Munchkin- Praying for you as you return to the workforce and that you have peace.
Nicole- so sorry to hear about the loss of your dad. Loss of a parent is so hard. Praying for you.
There is one more with the son starting Kindergarten- I can’t seem to recall your name as I type this; so sorry! PRaying for his first day of school to be wonderful and that his new diagnosis doesn’t get in the way. PRaying for healing in his body.
My prayer request is in regards to my job. I have to leave it. It is hard because of the relationships that I have built there. I will miss the people very much. To replace this job I’m swallowing fear and starting my own adventure company. I am terrified and excited all at the same time. God has already brought so many people my way to help me in my new venture. Prayer for peace as I make this decision and the courage to see it through.
Thank you ladies- xoxo
JIMIN LEE – I prayed every word with you; Victoria E’s comment is 150% TRUTH I need to latch on to!! but, Yes sometimes it is so hard to FEEL it, even if we KNOW it.
I woke up singing a chorus from Lauren Daigle:
“Hold on to me when it’s too dark to see You
When I am sure I have reached the end
Hold on to me when I forget I need You
When I let go, hold me again”
(MUCH more beautiful to hear it sung rather than read it!)
I’m not sure if she’s your style but, I also love the anthem feeling of Lauren’s song “Rescue”
TINA, DOROTHY, ADRIENNE, MADISON, NICHOLE, KARRIE — I’m praying for all and each of you!
Nichole, praying for your heart and your family. His comfort and love over you all. Praying also you know you are so Loved and He will bless you in your work. Hugs to your heart.
Angie, thank you again for your words, as always a blessing to this heart.
Thankful for all the ways you serve the Lord in your classroom and community. You are a beacon for our Lord, praying your event brings much joy to your heart and all who come, I know they will be blessed and feel Jesus love there. Hugs my friend!
A new day – I love how Paul is in prison, with all the time to dwell on his circumstance, his situation being so hard, that I imagine fear, anger, and all the emotions that come in with the feeling we have when we are wrong, or feel we have been wronged come in, but God, Jesus is Paul’s focus. “To live is Christ, to die is gain.” As, I have been caught many times, especially when things are so uncertain as they are now in fear, or the confusion and frustration of my circumstances if I could remember as Paul, does here, Who my light is, His faithfulness and steadfast love then I could remember to consider that “everything to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.” In Phillipians and these life and death – gain and loss verses truly remind me that the storms, whether they lead to our biggest fear which is death, whether it is the end of a life, or the end of a relationship, job, whatever even the end of a life – He has victory, He conquers death and we/I can be more than a conqueror when I stand in this truth. Praise the Prince of Peace, we can place our circumstance, our loss, our sorrow, and lay it all down at His feet and know His love will be there in it all, and as Paul says “to depart . . . and be with Christ is far better, but to remain is necessary . . .” Lord give me eyes to see all that you are doing in the good, the difficult, the impossible, and to meet it with you and faith. Praying for your request my sisters. Sarah Adams – you long for a family, and your words show me you have one as you have embraced those He has brought you. What a blessing you are, may God give you the desire of your heart. Munchkin, fear has been trying to dance with me lately too. praying for you, may we hold on together to Jesus and the promise that He never leaves or forsakes us and know that we do not have to listen to the lies that try to put us in fears’ chains. Jennifer Wing, praying for your son. Jesus I pray your touch for this precious child, your healing, your miracles God that he would be a testimony to your healing. I ask blessings in his life and thank you for Jennifer, calm her heart and let her feel your peace Lord Jesus. Adrienne and Searching, praying the hurt you felt from those you were reaching out to will be healed. The Savior works when we give, even if it is misunderstood, or not taken in the right way, He works through the gift. Hugs to your hearts. Tina, praying for your family, I am so sorry for your loss here. Taylor, such good words, indeed He is the faithful husband we long for. Praying you stay secure in this, and trust and wait, for His will, the One who loves you beyond imagination, is the will that seeks your good, your very best. Thank you for sharing.
Dear Dear ERB – I read through Isaiah 58 and 59 to remind me where we are at. And then 60 – so so much there. Would you like to start here? The depths of these days – I am so thankful for God’s word and I am still praying and know that you are out there praying too. What joy He gives us in even these things that seem to want to take us under at times. But, we know the Truth and the grace He has. Hugs to all of you Lovely Sisters. Joy to your day.
Jennifer- I’m so sorry to hear about your son’s Lyme disease diagnosis. My mom went through a nasty bout of Lyme last year so I know how difficult it can be. I’m praying for his health this morning and for peace and guidance for you in this situation. Hoping he is able to have a normal and joyful year of kindergarten!
“For me to live is Christ and to die is gain.” My everyday prayer – that I will live my life to please and serve Jesus Christ. That is what I long for above all else, and that my two adult sons embrace and live out the faith the were raised in. I pray, and I wait expectantly!
@Sarah Adams – praying for you today! May God give you peace and patience as you wait for Him to bring your future mate into your life. His will, His way, His time.
@Jennifer Wing -praying that God will take away all your anxiety and fear, and that you will entrust your dear son into the hands of the Savior. God will be with him at school and keep him in His tender loving care. Praying also for his Lyme disease.
@Taylor – continuing to pray for you! May God give you strength as you wait for His perfect timing of everything – even your future husband. So glad to hear that you and your new room mate are getting along good!
@Munchkin – Praying for you as you take this giant step to go back to work after your two year hiatus. May God’s perfect peace calm your heart.
@Tina – I am so, so, sorry for your loss. May God give you peace, strength, and comfort as you work through your grief. Praying for you and for your nephews family.
Blessings to all – have a wonderful Monday!
Ladies, I offer the Philippians prayer for each one of you. Please know that I also read through each request and stop and pray for the needs and then carry them in my heart throughout the day as the Holy Spirit brings them to my mind.
We start back to school a week from today. Tonight the staff from my school is invited to my backyard for a “Back-to-school shing-ding.” There will be 30-40 people. The house we have met at in the past was set up for parties. (The backyard was redone to host gatherings and gorgeous.) My house is a home. It is my prayer that the people will come tonight and feel and see the warmth and love of Jesus. I pray they will recognize a peace that is different from what is offered in the world and that the Lord Jesus Christ will be the only one honored and glorified in this place. As you think about it, I would appreciate your prayers with mine. I’m humbled and excited for an opportunity to reach out in Jesus name. Blessings ladies.
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@Angie thank you for your encouraging and eloquent words today! I quickly scanned the comments before even reading. My heart needed encouragement this morning and yours was the first I read. Thanking God for you.
To all my sisters in Christ Jesus:
“Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus”
(Continuing in the spirit of Philippians…)
I long for you in my heart with the affection of Christ Jesus. My prayer is that more knowledge and depth of insight will enable you to discern what is best, pure, and blameless, and that you will be filled with the fruit of righteousness that glorifies our God through Jesus Christ His Son. Sisters in Christ be united, humble, becoming more like our Savior Jesus Christ every day. May our lips be sealed from complaining and arguing though we will face trials. Instead shine like stars, pouring out gladness, and rejoicing in the many gifts of God our Father, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Lay down confidence in the flesh and stand upon the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus our Lord. Press on toward the goal in Christ Jesus. “Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Think about what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent or praiseworthy. “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.” May it be so, Lord. Amen.
The readings today were so beautiful and powerful! And I really had to think hard about the reflection questions! How amazing and blessed am I that I had to really think hard about what I long for!? God has answered so many of my prayers and longings already! I think now my longing is to be used to be a light for Jesus in a more powerful way (which is sometimes scary that it could be in a way that you don’t want!), to be able to help people in some practical way such as homeless, or sick and abused children….something like that. It feels that we are coming to a point where even here in America, persecution could ACTUALLY happen even though it sounds crazy or impossible. All I know is I want to soak up the word like never before, to imprint it on my heart, and share it with people! Doesn’t reading all of Paul’s letters do that!!?
I usually read through the comments first, but wanted to write down what was fresh in my mind after the readings! But I will pray for those in need and lift you up to our heavenly Father! SRT is such a blessing, a true community. It seems in the last couple of studies there are more vocal prayer needs, which is a good thing. I do appreciate insights and wisdom on the readings as well, and missing Churchmouse so much! She has been a staple for years, so let’s lift her up in prayer. Hoping you all have a blessed day!
My dad just passed away suddenly and this was the first scripture that I was given …. And it has appeared over and over …. He was not a religious man but knew Jesus …. And used to say …. “To live is to die sissy”….. and here is the scripture again ….
I long for love and acceptance … I long to help others with no boundaries ( I’m in healthcare)
I needed this reminder today … joy is possible in every circumstance….. Bc the hurt and hole in my heart feels like it will never end
Praying for you and your family, Nicole. I’m so sorry for your loss. May Jesus wrap you in His arms and carry you through this season of grief.
Nicole Norris I am so sorry for your loss. I am praying for you and your family.
My heart longs for family – for a husband and children, not because I feel incomplete, but because my heart is overflowing with love for a family I’ve never met and I long for peace. Jesus is the Bridegroom. He is perfect love. He has put so many beautiful souls in my life and it is one of my greatest joys to come alongside my people and love them well. It’s not the same, but I see God’s faithfulness and I trust Him completely.
As I read through your stories and prayers, a song we sang at church yesterday is playing in the background. [Living Hope | Bethel Music]
Hallelujah, praise the One who set me free
Hallelujah, death has lost its grip on me
You have broken every chain
There’s salvation in Your name
Jesus Christ, my living Hope
What I most would like to see in this life, is for us to love and care for each other
Safety and security- the Lord never changes
Ladies, I’m so thankful for reading your comments each day and am always so encouraged by the way you pray for each other. My son is starting kindergarten this week and was just diagnosed with Lyme disease— I want to sit in a pool of anxiety or somehow problem-solve enough to find the “right” answers. I’ve been chewing on the idea of why do I hold onto anxiety? What do I get by living in that place?
I am praying for you Jennifer.
I NEEDED today’s reading!!!! Thank You Lord for these scriptures and revelations!!!
NOTHING can keep us from Your Amazing and all-encompassing Love!! Thank You Father!!!
Jesus + nothing = EVERYTHING!!!
PRAYING for ALL of your prayer requests!!!
MADISON, there are just no words to convey how sorry I am…. I am sending you the most comforting ((hug)) I have in me… and am surrounding you and holding you up to our Gracious and Loving Heavenly Father, the Great Comforter and Healer. May you curl up in His lap and stay with Him. He LOVES you so… ❤️❤️❤️
Maybe this is a weird interpretation of the readings, but I see such contrast in the words of Solomon vs Paul. I know Paul’s heart is for Christ, but I have this idea that maybe he was ultra zealous to the point he didn’t know how to slow down & enjoy life. Like, maybe he thought he couldn’t enjoy life, like that would be opposed to his mission from Christ. I don’t know if that makes senses. But it sounds like he was go-go-go all the time… But I know that is his personality, too. Yet, even Solomon says in verse 12/13 that we should enjoy the fruit of our labor. Did Paul ever do that? I
I know the church blessed him and spent time with him. But did he truly enjoy the life God gave him? Idk. Maybe I am wrong and he had good work/life balance, but reading this morning, I am kind of annoyed at Paul’s passion for work, lol.
I know life is for Jesus… But we are not superhuman… there is a time to rest.
I am so thankful for his work, regardless.. for his testimony and life of faith. Clearly, regardless of his understanding of this, his life was enormously!!! fruitful… By the grace of God.
Catching up on the weekends comments and lifting up all the prayer requests mentioned! @Kelly I saw your comment and my roommate and I are getting along really well! We’ve been watching the Olympics together most nights and are having good conversations! I know she comes from a faith background but not sure if she’s actively pursuing her faith. Prayers I can shine the love of Jesus to her and be a good witness!
What do I long for more than Jesus? Marriage. A life partner. Someone to cling to during the highs and lows of life. Someone to never leave me and encourage me. I laugh to myself because even though I want all those things, I already HAVE them in Christ. HE is with me (and HAS been with me) through EVERY high and low. He will NEVER leave me OR forsake me. He holds me and carries me through my darkest moments. While I want a physical presence for all those things, I’m reminded that our bodies were once dust and will return to dust. It is the Spirit that is eternal. May the Lord strengthen me in my waiting season, that like Paul is encouraging the Philippians I will find joy in EVERY circumstance, and fully rely on Jesus as the leader of my life. Have a blessed Monday sisters! <3
The thing I most long for peace. Yet, I forget that Jesus is the prince of peace. When I turn to Him, the peace that I so often try to find in the world is right there.
Please pray for me. I am returning back to my career after a two year hiatus and am very nervous. But I know this is where God wants me. Please pray that I remember fear is a lier.
What do I long for in this world? Instant gratification comes to mind. That “need” that feels urgent but is only a temporary fix, temporary comfort. Security, Control.. things that I think will make life better. I’ve lived long enough to look back and be grateful for the lack of control and the things I didn’t gain instantly. Because throughout the journey God reveals himself most in my lacking. He has mercifully shown me my own sinful heart – but praise God He hasn’t left me there!
TINA – so sorry to hear about your nephew. May God’s peace fill your heart and your family’s hearts at this time.
MADISON – so sorry to hear of your miscarriage. May the God of all comfort be with you as you grieve.
1. No matter how I frame this it sounds prideful. However, I have been disappointed and harmed by this world and others enough in this life that there is nothing I long for MORE than Jesus. I do long to see loved ones saved, true justice and peace come to the suffering, revival in church, healing for the afflicted, my undivided devotion to the Lord, and so forth. BUT Jesus is above all that.
“My eager expectation and hope is that I will not be ashamed about anything, but that now as always, with all courage, Christ will be highly honored in my body, whether by life or by death.”
2. To accept Christ’s invitation to eternal life, I must also accept His invitation to the fellowship of His sufferings. In this, my redemption is made complete.
TINA – I am sorry to hear of your losses, praying for you and yours. I was thinking of and praying for you (Churchmouse also) this morning before I started reading – thankful for you!
KARRIE – continuing to pray for you, your husband and your marriage – and the Lord’s guidance and wisdom.
MARI V – praying for your daughter.
ADRIENNE – praying for son Jon, his pain/healing, you and the relationship – and the pain you’re feeling. I recently had a situation that I am still dealing with – involving a close family member (that is also one of my closest friends) that I had been visiting almost daily and taking food etc. due to general pandemic isolation & loss of spouse. A couple of months ago (out of the blue or so it felt) they said they needed a break. It is still going on although I have seen them a couple of times recently. I have cried a river of tears over the rejection, for lack of a better word.
MADISON – so sorry for your heartbreaking loss! Praying.
KATIE J – praying for you as you say goodbye to Trey. Pets are so loyal and loving, thankful for that.
JIMIN LEE – praying for you, husband, children, and your prayer requests. For salvation, healing, safety, relationship, awareness of words and actions and their effect on those around us.
Oh Tina, thank you for sharing, I am so sorry and praying for you and your family. You are such an example to us, Christ is with you, holding and loving you my dear,
I have died a thousand times. And a thousand times more.
Each day I die a little more, and each day I live, Christ in me..
But God…
The last few weeks have been an example of Gods presence, God in the ruins.. God be praised for sure..
2 days ago I heard of a beloved nephews passing, I have been in shock.. But God, through the sorrow of loss these last few weeks, I have also known peace, I have also known His closeness, for my sake, but also to be able to journey with those who have needed a hug or two wrapped in the Saviours love.
Yes indeed,
To live is Christ, and to die is gain..
It is only through Christ that I can be the person I am called to be..
Amen..
Thankful… and prayerful for you all.., for all your troubles and joys, I lift you all up to Him, a God who hears, knows sees and is restoring, renewing, re- connecting, redeeming, rebuilding, refreshing, removing, recalling… responding..
But God… friends..
But God..
Happy Monday wrapped as always in love and hugs from across the pond..❤
Oh, Tina, I am so sorry. Peaceful prayers
Sorry for your loss Tina. Sadly, you are a person familiar with grief.