Perseverance

Devotion for Aug. 22 – Aug. 28 - Perseverance

Think as you read:

What does perseverance look like for a Christian?

Read Philippians 4

Explore God’s Word

- Who does Paul ask to help Euodia and Syntyche to get along (v. 3)? Do you think this is referring to the entire Philippian congregation, or a single person?

- What reason does Paul give for urging the Philippians to rejoice and be gentle (v. 5)?

- What will happen when the Philippians refrain from being anxious, and offer their requests to God with thankfulness (v. 7)?

- What else does Paul say will bring peace as they persevere (vv. 8-9)?

- What is the “secret” (vv. 11-13) Paul has learned about being content in every situation (v. 13)?

- Paul assures the Philippians that God will meet their needs according to whom (v. 19)?

- Paul’s reference to “Caesar’s household (v. 22)” demonstrates that the Gospel had penetrated the hostile city of Rome. As Paul exhorts the Philippians to persevere, why might this be encouraging news to end on (v. 22)?

Apply God’s Word

- Have you ever been in a position to help two other Christians get along? When situations like this arise, do you try to justify not getting involved by claiming “it’s none of my business?”

- Rejoicing is integral in helping us to persevere. Do you struggle with being able to sincerely rejoice? What might be causing this?

- Are you able to bring your requests to God without being anxious? When you have succeeded in doing this, what difference has it made?

- What true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable (v. 8) things do you have to focus on?

- What are you in need of? Have you discovered Paul’s secret of being content for yourself?

Respond in Prayer

Ask God to help you do what is necessary to enable yourself and others to persevere faithfully. Rest in Scripture’s promise that your strength does not come from yourself.