This last Sunday we finished our Philippians series with Ian Ford sharing on Philippians chapter 4.
Here’s some reflection/discussion questions after reading through Philippians 4.
- In this text, Paul says says: “The Lord is at hand”. Consider what this might have meant to him and his life (considering he was writing from house arrest with martyrdom looming). What might this have meant to the Philippians? Finally, what does this mean for you and your life and what you’re facing?
- Paul talks about prayer and thanksgiving as two ways of combatting anxiety and fear. Discuss or write down your fears, or the things in your life that make you feel anxious. Pray about them – simply taking them to God, asking for him to help you, and to be with you. What can you be thankful of, despite the list you have created? Thank God for what He has already given you, not least of which being knowing Jesus through his perfect saving work on the cross.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
- Consider the above quotation from the Philippians 4. What sorts of things do you flodd your mind with that perhaps are unhelpful and add to your fear and anxiety? Ian mentioned that perhaps, for example, starting the day looking at a social media news feed might be really unhelpful. What could it look like for you to make some adjustments to rather be filling your mind with what is true, honourable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent and worthy of praise?
- Over the course of the Philippians series, what has been most impactful to you? Share/write down how you been challenged, inspired or encouraged. Are there some old habits and ways of thinking that you’d like to replace with new practices? Perhaps you might like to reread through the letter (it’s only 4 chapters!) and allow God to speak to you again through the scriptures that we’ve been studying.
