Fall Devotional

September 17, 2009

Please read through the passage listed, and then return to focus on the specific verses listed in light of the question provided:

Day 1 - Phil. 1 – Consider Paul’s words as Christ is preached – with both good and evil intent, in both life and death. As we begin a new academic year, how can Paul’s exhortation in Phil 1:27 be brought to life on our campus?

27 Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, (Phi 1:27 ESV)

Day 2 - Phil. 2 – One of the ways we can life a live worthy of the gospel is by living in humility and unity. When we do this, we will be different. Are we actively seeking a blameless life or do we seek to blame others?

14 Do all things without grumbling or questioning, 15 that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world,  (Phi 2:14-15 ESV)

Day 3 - Phil. 3:1-11 – Our attempts to be actively blameless must be rooted in a dependent faith in the person and work of Jesus Christ alone. Francis Schaeffer called this an “active passivity.” Prayerfully consider and reflect: “Am I consistently living in the ‘active passivity’ of the Gospel, even as I prepare for the workload of a new semester?”

8 For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ  9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith  (Phi 3:8-9 ESV)

Day 4 - Phil. 3:12-4:1 – In our pressing onward this semester, the immediate goals of reading lists, papers and exams are important – but don’t let them cloud the bigger perspective on where we’re headed and where our citizenship is found.

14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus… our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, (Phi 3:14, 20 ESV)

Day 5 - Phil 4:2-9 – Paul calls his hearers – including us – to combine what we have heard and seen, and meditate upon, and then put them into practice. In the challenges of our busyness, we know that the God of peace will be with us in all we do.

8 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. 9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me – practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. (Phi 4:8-9 ESV)

 
Day 6 - Phil. 4:10-23 – Constantly bring to mind that the full scope of theology and Bible knowledge is beyond the limits of our comprehension. Yet, in, through, and by Jesus Christ, we can do all things which are in agreement with his holy will, for his glory, Amen.

13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me. (Phi 4:13 ESV)