13-Putting Philippians to Work
Chapter Thirteen
Now that you have completed your study of this exciting and practical letter, don’t lose what you have learned. The best thing about Bible study isn’t the learning but the living. So, here are a few suggestions for keeping the joy in your life.
1. Surrender your mind to the Lord at the beginning of each day. This is a part of dedication: “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice.… And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God” (Rom. 12:1–2). Give God your body, mind, and will—by faith—as you start each day.
2. Let the Holy Spirit renew your mind through the Word. Daily systematic reading of the Bible is a must if you are going to have victory and joy.
3. As you pray, ask God to give you that day a single mind, a submissive mind, a spiritual mind, a secure mind. As you contemplate the day’s schedule, be sure that nothing you have planned robs you of the joy God wants you to have. Perhaps you must meet a person you don’t especially like. Ask God to give you the submissive mind that you will need. Or maybe you must go through a difficult experience. Then be sure you have the single mind, concerned with Christ and the gospel, and not only with your own personal likes and dislikes.
4. During the day, “mind your mind.” If you find yourself losing your inner peace and joy, stop and take inventory: Do I have the single mind? Did I just miss an opportunity to glorify Christ? Or was I a bit pushy, so that I lost the submissive mind? If you discover you have sinned, then immediately confess it to the Lord (1 John 1:9). If possible, go back and remedy your mistake. If this cannot be done, ask God to give you another opportunity for witness.
5. Guard the gates of your mind. Remember Paul’s admonition in Philippians 4:8: “Whatsoever things are true … honest … just … pure … lovely … of good report … think on these things.” When an unkind or impure thought enters your mind, deal with it instantly. If you cultivate it, it will take root and grow—and rob you of your joy. Sometimes Satan will throw his “fiery darts” at you, and sometimes he will use other people to do it for him. One of the best ways to defeat the wrong kinds of thoughts is to fill your mind with Scripture; so take time to memorize the Word of God.
6. Remember that your joy is not meant to be a selfish thing; it is God’s way of glorifying Christ and helping others through you. Jesus first, Others second, Yourself last, and the result is JOY.
QUESTIONS FOR PERSONAL REFLECTION
OR GROUP DISCUSSION
1. What does it mean to be a “living sacrifice” to God?
2. What does it mean to be “transformed by the renewing of your mind”? How can this be accomplished?
3. Why is daily systematic reading of the Bible a must if you want joy and victory in your Christian life?
4. How can beginning the day with prayer prepare us for a joy-filled day in the Lord?
5. How will asking God to give you a submissive mind help you in your contacts with people each day?
6. How will being single-minded each day prepare us for difficult experiences we may have to face?
7. Why should we stop and take inventory of our state of mind and heart if we begin to lose our peace or joy during the day?
8. How can 1 John 1:9 help us maintain our joy throughout the day?
9. What should we do if we find wrong or impure thoughts creeping into our minds?
10. What have you learned from this study of Philippians that you feel will make a real difference in your Christian life?