New Testament Reading Plan Week 24: Philippians 3–Colossians 3
Philippians 3 contains a powerful paradigm for the Christian life: setting aside all things to gain Christ (vv. 7–11). Paul says later that this is how the mature think (v. 15). It’s interesting, though, that Paul uses the word “suffer” in verse 8—he has suffered the loss of all things and counts them as rubbish. It’s not easy to set aside things of the world for Christ, but after doing so we see them for what they are comparatively: rubbish. What are those things in your life that are hard to let go of but you know are rubbish?
Spend some time meditating on Philippians 4:4–7, rejoicing in all your circumstances—not because they are easy, but because “the Lord is at hand” (v. 5). Assess your anxieties, needs, and concerns for others, and then present them to God with thanksgiving in your heart for who God is and what he’s done (v. 6).
Colossians 1:9ff is a great example of how Scripture teaches us to pray for others. What are the things Paul and Timothy pray for the Christians in Colossae? Spend time praying these things for yourself and others you know.
In Colossians 2, Paul states openly why he is praying and ministering and “struggling” (v. 1) for his hearers: “that no one may delude you with plausible arguments” (v. 4). Verses 8 and 16–23 elaborate what these deceptive philosophies are, and verses 2 and 6–7 prescribe defenses against them—all means of holding to the gospel (vv. 3, 9–15). What are the empty philosophies of our time, and how might verses 2 and 6–7 help you avoid them?
Colossians 3 has a nice, clear structure to it: truth about our new life being wrapped up in Christ’s (vv. 1–4), commands for putting away the old self (5–11), and commands for putting on the new (12–17). Name one remnant of the old self you need to put to death and one garment of the new you need to put on, then list a specific action you can do for both. Pray for God to strengthen you to follow him in these areas.
New Testament Reading Plan Week 24: Philippians 3–Colossians 3