Scripture Reading

Philippians 1:20-26 (NLT)
"For I fully expect and hope that I will never be ashamed, but that I will continue to be bold for Christ, as I have been in the past. And I trust that my life will bring honor to Christ, whether I live or die. For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better. But if I live, I can do more fruitful work for Christ. So I really don’t know which is better. I’m torn between two desires: I long to go and be with Christ, which would be far better for me. But for your sakes, it is better that I continue to live. Knowing this, I am convinced that I will remain alive so I can continue to help all of you grow and experience the joy of your faith. And when I come to you again, you will have even more reason to take pride in Christ Jesus because of what he is doing through me."

Background
By this time in his life, Paul was an old man, worn down by repeated acts of cruelty and persecution. He longed to be with Christ, free from his earthly troubles, but he also recognized the value of continuing his work on Earth.

Paul reasoned that in death, he would see Christ face-to-face and experience ultimate peace. Yet, in life, he could help others discover salvation and grow in their faith. His perspective reveals a deep peace and joy in serving others, even amid hardship. Whether in life or death, Paul was at peace, knowing he was fulfilling God’s purpose.

Consider
Read through Philippians 1:20-26 again very slowly and take the time to discover Paul’s thought process. Other than Jesus, was there ever a person more devoted to sacrificial service to others than Paul? Other than Jesus, was there ever a person who deserved more to be able to lay down his burden and be united in heaven with God? Ever since his encounter with Christ, he had strived to be just like Jesus in obedience to God and in service to others. He did it all for the glory of Christ and in this, he found complete joy and contentment.

• What did Paul pray for the courage to do?
• How did Paul find joy in serving others?
• How was Paul able to find joy even in his imprisonment?
• How did Paul reconcile the benefit of dying with the benefit of continuing to live?
• Ultimately, what outcome regarding his own life and death did Paul prefer? Why?

Even as he faced the real possibility of death, Paul was content knowing his life had been spent living for Christ in the service of others. He saw death as the ultimate ‘gain’ because it meant being with Christ forever. But he was committed to helping others discover Christ, gain salvation, and grow in the joy of the Lord. He wanted to glorify Christ in everything—whether in life or in death.

• What is your top priority in life? Do you believe this aligns with God’s plan for you?
• How might you find more joy and contentment in life through service to others?
• In the end, will you be joyful knowing that your life brought honor to Christ?

Action
Take time this week to reflect on your life’s priorities. Are you living to bring glory to Christ through service to others? Adjust your focus to align with God’s purpose, seeking joy in serving others and honoring Christ.

Prayer
Lord, you are holy and worthy to be praised above anything this world has to offer. I confess that I have too often fallen short of your desires through my selfish living. Thank you for your grace as I begin to adjust my priorities right now to align with your plan for my life. Please continue to speak to me daily as I seek to glorify Christ through service to others. In the precious name of Jesus, Amen.

Week 5 Prayer Guide

Monday

Philippians 4:4-8
"Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon. Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus."

Father God, You bring absolute joy to my life, and I praise You for that. Guard my heart and mind to help me focus on others more and worry about myself less. Thank You for Jesus and His example of sacrificial living. Amen.

Tuesday

John 15:9-11
"I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love. When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!"

Holy God, you are higher than any other and worthy of my obedience. I agree that I am called to serve others in the name of Christ, but sometimes I lose sight of that. Thank you for your never-ending grace and how much you want me to find complete joy in you. Please continue to give me the will and the strength to follow your command to love others. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

Wednesday

John 15:7
"But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted!"

God Almighty, you give me the strength to accomplish great things through the power of the Holy Spirit that you placed in me. I know your word is the source of that strength but so often I fail to spend time in scripture to draw on that strength. Thank you for the victory over Satan that you have already won. Please help me to remain in your word, and boldly share the joy of your victory with others. In the powerful name of Jesus, Amen.

Thursday

Philippians 1:20-21
"For I fully expect and hope that I will never be ashamed, but that I will continue to be bold for Christ, as I have been in the past. And I trust that my life will bring honor to Christ, whether I live or die. For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better."

Lord God, you have shown me the way to have everlasting joy and contentment in all circumstances, in life and in death. It’s just crazy that I would ever get distracted from your purpose and perfect plan, but I do. Thank you for your son Jesus, our greatest example and for the example of your apostle Paul. Please help me to be more like them so that I can know eternal joy and contentment in the service of others. In the name of Jesus, my Lord, Amen.

Friday

Revelation 7:15-17
"That is why they stand in front of God’s throne and serve him day and night in his Temple. And he who sits on the throne will give them shelter. They will never again be hungry or thirsty; they will never be scorched by the heat of the sun. For the Lamb on the throne will be their Shepherd. He will lead them to springs of life-giving water. And God will wipe every tear from their eyes."

Heavenly Father, you welcome into glory all those who have placed their trust in your son Jesus and you don’t want anyone to perish. In my desire to get to heaven myself, sometimes I forget that you have charged me with helping others to find Jesus too. Thank you for your promise to be with me forever and to wipe away every tear when I see Jesus face to face. Please help me to share the love of Jesus and that great hope with others. What a day of rejoicing that will be! In the name of Jesus, my savior, Amen.