A God Worth Following (Part 2)
Daily Bible Studies for the Week of January 19, 2009
This Week’s Scripture: Philippians 2:5-13 NLT
5You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.
6Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to.
7Instead, he gave up his divine privileges, he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being.
When he appeared in human form,
8he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.
9Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names,
10that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
12Dear friends, you always followed my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away, it is even more important. Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. 13For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.
Monday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You for sending Jesus into the world to show us Yourself in human form! I pray today that I may follow the Apostle Paul’s admonition and have the same attitude in my life as Jesus. Fill me with the Holy Spirit that I may think, speak and act like Jesus. I ask this prayer in His name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
5You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.
What attitude did Jesus have?
How can we have the same attitude?
Today’s Challenge: I will live today with the attitude of Jesus—an attitude of humility!
Tuesday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, there’s no way a human being can understand what Jesus gave up to become a human being on our behalf. All we can do is thank Him for that great sacrifice, and for His willingness to leave heaven so that one day we may enter it! Thank You, and praise You Jesus! Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
6 Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God
as something to cling to.
If you were in Jesus’ position, do you think you would have been able to give up equality with God? Why or why not?
What does it mean to you that Jesus was and is God?
Today’s Challenge: I will live with gratitude to Jesus for His great sacrifice on my behalf!
Wednesday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, once again, I give you thanks and praise for sending Jesus, and I thank You, Jesus, for being willing to take the position of a slave on my behalf! I pray that I, too, may follow Your example and live in humility and service toward others. This I pray in Your holy name! Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
7 Instead, he gave up his divine privileges, he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being.
What does it mean to you that Jesus became a “slave” for us?
What is the most amazing aspect of Jesus’ incarnation to you?
Today’s Challenge: I will live with humility and an attitude of servanthood to reflect Jesus life in me!
Thursday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Jesus, and Jesus thank You for Your obedience to Your Heavenly Father! I praise You that You were willing to die on the cross in my place, so that one day I may live forever with You! I do confess that You are Lord, and I bow before You in worship and praise! Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
8 he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.
9 Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names,
10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
What is the most amazing truth to you in verses 8-11?
What do these verses tell us about God?
Today’s Challenge: I will bow before Jesus and follow Him fully as my Savior and Lord!
Friday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I pray for the power of Your Holy Spirit that I may hear Your voice and do Your will. I am committed to working hard to show the results of my salvation, and ask that You empower me to do so. This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
12Dear friends, you always followed my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away, it is even more important. Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear.
Why would it be more important for the Philippian believers to follow Paul’s instructions when he was “away” than when he was with them?
What does it mean to obey God with “deep reverence and fear”?
Today’s Challenge: I will work to show the results of my salvation in all I do today!
Saturday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You for giving me both the desire and the power to do what pleases You! Fill me afresh with Your Holy spirit that I may both now Your will and do it! This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
13For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.
How does God “work” in us?
What comfort does it give you to know that God is working in us?
Today’s Challenge: I will give the Holy Spirit control of my life today so that I may both desire and do God’s will!