Philippians 2:12-18 (NIV)
Read by: Clayton Cullaton
Have you ever been in a situation where something happened and you realized that you were the person who had to be in charge? Maybe you were used to leaning on a parent or grandparent, a leader or mentor, a supervisor or colleague, but this time they aren’t there. It’s up to you to figure it out. I had a moment like this as a young leader in InterVarsity. A group of friends as I decided to lead a summer bible study. And it got way bigger than any of us anticipated. And when things went sideways, there was that collective moment when we all realized that we had to step up and get serious about our leadership and trust in Jesus as leaders.
Paul sees this kind of thing as inevitable for the Philippians, and he’s exhorting them to get serious about their allegiance to Jesus, or, as he says, “to work it out with fear and trembling.”
Listen now to Paul’s encouragement from Philippians 2:12-18.
----------REFLECT----------
1. What part of Paul’s exhortation stood out to you in this passage?
2. Any good coach knows how to tell their team where to focus their attention in a way that resonates and inspires. But it always speaks to an area that needs improvement. So, which encouragement resonates with you? “Get serious about your faith?” “Don’t argue or grumble?” Or, “hold firmly to the word of life?” Ask the Lord to help you this week with one of these.
3. Paul seems to encourage them by telling them how joyful and faithful he will be--even if the worst comes of his situation (that is, if he’s put to death). His faith likely inspired the Philippians. What about you? Who’s faith inspires yours? Take a moment to thank Jesus for them and consider reaching out to tell them that.
----------GO DEEPER----------
Bible Project Podcast: New Testament Letters >>
Bible Project Video: New Testament Letters: Historical Context >>
Bible Project Video: New Testament Letters: Literary Context >>
Bible Project Video: Philippians >>
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