Paul often begins his letters by praying for the church, thanking God for them. 

Who could you pray for today? 

Who could you thank God for?

What a prayer, that our love would abound more. That our knowledge and insight in Jesus would grow and that we would be filled with the fruit of righteousness. Spend a moment to pray this prayer. 

Is there anything God is calling you into obedience in?

 Paul is in chains, he is in prison, yet he is rejoicing! What a perspective, what incredible faith. We can always rejoice despite our circumstance. There are blessings from God all around. 

What can you rejoice in today? 

Paul calls us to conduct ourselves in a manner worthy of the Gospel. We are saved by faith in Jesus alone. Jesus then calls us to follow his example and teaching, example in humble selfless love. 

What does it mean to follow Christ? 

What does it look like to live in obedience because of the Good News of Jesus? 

What a beautiful poem on the humility of Jesus. Read it slow, take it in. What a Saviour we have.  

Because of the humility and heart of Christ, Paul calls us to imitate him and live our lives following his example. It is very easy to grumble and argue. 

What is the opposite of this?  

Paul commends Epaphroditus. He calls him a brother, co-worker and soldier. Think on those three titles. 

What would it look like for us to be these for other people? 

Paul had quite a resume, but he considered it garbage compared to what he gained in Christ. We can often boast in ourselves, how we act or what we achieve. It is a dangerous path. Let’s boast in the cross. 

Often to continue on we have to leave the past behind. This could be mistakes or success, everything in-between. 

Is there anything you are holding onto or looking back on that it’s time to let go? 

Paul declares our citizenship is in heaven. 

What does it mean to have a heavenly perspective? 

What is important to us? 

What is our hope in? 

Stand firm in the Lord! Sometimes we run, sometimes we walk, often we need to just stand firm. 

How can we stand firm today? 

Rejoice! Rejoice again! It is a theme in this letter. How important thanksgiving is to Paul, and to Jesus. Let our gentleness be evident. 

What does that look like? 

Here Paul gives us a strategy to peace. Pray about things that come to mind, this should be our go to. Pray with thanksgiving. The promise is the peace of God. Practice this today. 

Think about what you are thinking about. Paul tells us to be intentional with our mind. This doesn’t just happen we have to put it into practice as Paul calls us to. 

How is your mind? 

As Paul comes to a close he gives us some more gold, the secret to contentment in every situation. Remember the man is in jail! The secret, Jesus Christ who gives us strength. Things, titles, roles and even people will come and go. Jesus and his finished work, the Holy Spirit he sent, these will last forever.