Arise and Abide

Reading from 1 Timothy 1:1-11 (NLT) ~Greeting From Paul, Warning Against False Teachings~ Scripture reading followed by discussion looking at the law, avoiding meaningless discussions and speculations funneling the conversation back to the good news.

Reading from Philippians 4:1-23 (NLT) ~Words of Encouragement, Paul’s Thanks for Their Gifts, Paul’s Final Greeting~ Scripture reading followed by discussion looking at ‘doing all things through Christ who strengthens me’. Paul’s appeal for the sisters to make amends. Not worrying about anything, God’s peace guarding our hearts and minds applied to racing thoughts.

Reading from Philippians 3:12-21 (NLT) ~Pressing Toward the Goal~ Scripture reading followed by discussion looking at the journey forward. Forgetting the past speaks to having our sins separated from us. Forgetting all the things that keep us from being the creature God created us to be.

Reading from Philippians 3:1-11 (NLT) ~The Priceless Value of Knowing Christ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion looking at how everything is worthless compared to knowing Christ and experiencing the presence of God.

Reading from Philippians 2:19-30 (NLT) ~Paul Commends Timothy, Paul Commends Epaphroditus~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Paul’s high praise for Timothy. The worry of the church in Philippi causing Paul and his companions to worry. Keep our eyes off the worries of the what ifs and fix them on the goodness of God and remember His promises.

Reading from Philippians 2:1-18 (NLT) ~Have the Attitude of Christ, Shine Brightly For Christ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Agreeing whole heartedly with one another is dependent on one’s heart attitude. Thinking about others and looking at them as Christ would see them. Jesus emptied Himself, we die to ourselves. Running the race and fixing your gaze.

Reading from Philippians 1:20-30 (NLT) ~Paul’s Life for Christ, Live as Citizens of Heaven~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. It is time for Christians to be bolder in their love and their sharing of the Gospel with others. Life is for the benefit of others, living lives of servants. Studying the life and teachings of Jesus is the only way to learn to live for Christ. Suffering occurs when you live by faith, but it is suffering like what Christ experienced in His life.

Reading from Philippians 1:1-19 (NLT) ~Greetings from Paul, Paul’s Thanksgiving and Prayer, Paul’s Joy that Christ is Preached~ Scripture reading followed by discussion looking at growing in Christ, grace, and peace. Paul’s ability to see how God is being glorified even when his circumstance gives him every opportunity to grumble against God.

Reading from Ephesians 6:10-24 (NLT) ~The Whole Armor of God, Final Greetings~ Scripture reading followed by discussion looking at putting on the armor of God, over thinking problems does not help solve them. When the enemy attacks it comes with a lot of noise and distractions in effort to get our focus off Jesus. When we dress ourselves in the armor of God, we will be wearing something that will remind us of our identity, our King, and His promises, which never fail.

Reading from Ephesians 5:21-6:9 (NLT) ~Spirit-Guided Relationships: Wives and Husbands, Children and Parents, Slaves and Masters~ Scripture reading followed by discussion looking at wives submitting to their husbands and the spiritual challenge and responsibility God places on husbands. Working and serving as though your actions were for the Lord and not people.