Sermon Blog for the week of February 13, 2022

Scripture Starting Point: Philippians 2:14-3:4

Memory Verse: Philippians 2:16

Message Reflection Questions

1. Begin in silence, recognizing the presence of Jesus. Imagine Jesus giving you new eyesight to see yourself as He sees you.

2. Read Philippians 2:14-3:4. What does this show you about Jesus? What does this say about humans?

3. Have you ever been to an AA meeting or other kind of recovery group? What was that like? If you are not working out your salvation in fear and trembling in community with a few other people, how are you doing it? How is that going? Are you ready to go to the next level, knowing that level will be downward? What is holding you back?

4. Does the sound of being poured out as a drink offering seem unreasonable to you? What are you afraid of when it comes to making an unconditional offering of your life to God? What are you afraid of when it comes to not making an unconditional offering of your life to God? Which fear is greater?

5. Could Paul count on you to "show genuine concern" for the welfare of others? Why do most people look out for their own interests and not the interests of Jesus Christ?

6. Have you ever been under real spiritual attack and warfare? Are you willing to offer yourself to Jesus for an assignment in his kingdom? How are you inspired by the Holy Spirit today? Is your hand raised? What holds you back?

7. How do you think of the difference between joy and happiness, and how have you seen those two things differently in your own experience? We don't rejoice because we have joy, we rejoice because we seek joy. What do you think about that?

Daily Readings

□ Feb 13 Philippians 2:14-3:4, Philippians 2:16

□ Feb 14 Philippians 1, Philippians 2:14-16

□ Feb 15 Philippians 2, Philippians 2:17-18

□ Feb 16 Philippians 3, Philippians 2:19-24

□ Feb 17 Philippians 4, Philippians 2:25-27

□ Feb 18 Philippians 2:28-30

□ Feb 19 Philippians 3:1-4, Philippians 2:16

Helpful Instructions for reading

1. Start with silence. Recognize that the Jesus in scripture is the Jesus with you where you are.

2. Thank God for something that happened in the last 24 hours.

3. Keep a list of names and descriptions of Jesus from the text. If someone calls him by certain name or characteristic, write this down. Ask: how can I receive Jesus as this name or characteristic? How can I live this name or characteristic in my life?

4. Finish in prayer for yourself, your family, your neighbors, your co-workers, your church. Consider praying through the nations at www.prayercast.com/nations.html.