SUPPORTING SCRIPTURE

Philippians 2:1-2

 “Is the Bible relevant today?” This can sometimes be a question we ask ourselves when reading the Bible. So, we compiled Scripture meditations like this one to help see reasons why the Bible is relevant, and to help us connect with God.

 

You’re Never Alone

Sometimes it feels easier to go at it alone. We have all we need from God, and that’s enough, right? But, while God has given us everything we need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3), he’s also given us a community to share our lives with.

Paul encourages the Philippian church to share the love they have for Christ with one another, especially as they face trials (Philippians 1). Paul thanks them for walking with him in his trials, and then encourages them to do the same for each other. 

How can you be an encouragement to your community, and how can you allow your community to do the same for you?

Philippians 2:1-2

1 Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.

Observations from the Text

  • We’re encouraged and comforted by our relationship with Jesus (v. 1)
  • We have the gift of the Holy Spirit (v. 1)
  • God shows us tenderness and compassion (v. 1)
  • We should share in the same love, values, and mission (v. 2)

Prayers of Response

Heavenly Father, thank you that I’m never alone. Thank you for the gift of the Holy Spirit. Thank you for your community. 

Compassionate, merciful God, I’m so happy that I get to do life with  _________, so we can know you and love you better.

Prayer Requests

When I face _________, bring me a community to remind me of your encouragement, comfort, power, and love.

Lord who goes after the one,  _________ needs to feel your love as they walk through  _________ right now. 

Prayers of Readiness

Everlasting Hope, give me an opportunity to encourage  _________ today. May I sit with their suffering, and share in their love for you.

Trinity, three in one, when I struggle to understand  _________, I pray that I’d remember to be united with my brothers and sisters in Christ; that we’d all work together as one team.

 

Scripture meditations are one way to start reading the Bible more. They’re here to help us connect with God in the ordinary, extraordinary, everyday moments of life—visit this page for more!

Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™