Philippians 1

A friends church (well, okay, it's a third mine! lol) Has been doing a teen bible study on wednesday nights. We worked our way through 2 Timothy and are now working on Philippians. :) And I was encouraged by someone to share this with other people......so here goes!

Philippians 1:29 "For unto you it is given on behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake." (and here comes what I was thinking) It's not enough to just believe in Christ. In James 2:19 it talk about even the devils believe in Christ! Yes, we ARE called to believe in Christ, but we're also called to so much MORE! How much do you love someone if you're not willing to suffer, even a little bit, for them? The same rule applies here! Love is not JUST a feeling, but an action as well. And our actions b/c of our love for Christ might lead us to suffering. But as Paul put it in vs. 21 "For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain." (see, I snuck in 2 verses from our chapter! lol) I was thinking (yes, it's dangerous, I might make my brain explode) that while I get something different from each of the verses I discuss (with myself or the group) they all lead back to how we live. So here comes rounds 2 and 3!

Philippians 1:27-28 "Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind, striving together for the faith of the gospel; And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God." What I got out of these is quite simple, live like and for Christ , no matter who's watching or what they might do. It brought to my mind Hebrews 13:5-6. Read it and you'll see why it did. :)

Philippians 1:14 "And many of the brethren of the Lord, waxing confident in my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear." For me this verse was one of encouragement. Living our lives as Christ would have us to, especially when suffering, in pain, or faced with hard choices, can give others the strength, desire, and courage to live their lives for Christ and speak out for him as well. Aside from the obvious reason of it pleases God, it was giving me a reason to live my life well for others to see and be encouraged by. I hope anyway....... :)