We know that Northview people love to be in God’s Word and often ask for direction on different devotional apps and reading plans.

While there are several good options available through various sources, we’d like to encourage you to join in our Northview Devotional Guide which will guide you to read and reflect on the passages preached in our weekend sermons! We hope this will unite our congregation around the study of God’s Word, and help us to more readily absorb and apply the great teaching provided by our preaching pastors. Each week we’ll be providing a suggested schedule for working through a passage slowly (15 minutes a day). You’ll need a Bible and a notebook or blank paper to record your observations.

Printable Version

Each day we endeavour to 1) understand the story of the characters in the text; 2) connect to His story; and then 3) apply it to our story through adoration, confession and supplication.

DAY ONE | Understand Their Story

Read Philippians 2:19-30. This section of Paul’s letter is described as a “travelogue” because it describes Paul’s travel plans. What can we learn about Paul’s current situation and his hopes for the future? 

  • Review Philippians 1:7, 12-17 to remind yourself of Paul’s current circumstances. 
  • Who is Paul hoping to send to the Philippians? When does he hope to send them? 
  • What is Paul’s hope and expectation for his own personal travel plans? 
    • Notice his word choice regarding his plans (vs 19, 23, 24). What do these words reveal about how Paul views the future and his own control over it?
  • What do these verses reveal about how Paul feels about the Philippian church? 

 

Pray today in supplication that God would give you a right view of your current circumstances and a proper perspective as you look ahead to the future.

 

DAY TWO | Understand Their Story

Read Philippians 2:19-30 and focus on what we learn about Timothy and Epaphroditus. 

  • How does Paul describe Timothy? 
    • Why was he planning to send him to Philippi?
  • How does Paul describe Epaphroditus? 
    • Why was he planning to send him to Philippi? 
    • Why does Paul command the church to honour him? 
  • How would these men have encouraged the church in Philippi? 

 

Pray today in thanksgiving for your fellow believers, as well as leaders in the church. Are there specific people that God is bringing to mind that you can lift up in prayer today?

 

DAY THREE | Connect to His Story

Read Philippians 2:19-24 again. Then read the passages below to learn more about this man that Paul says is like no other. 

  • Acts 16:1-5. How did Paul and Timothy meet and begin ministering together? 
  • 1 Corinthians 4:14-17. How does Paul describe Timothy in this passage? Why does he send him to the Corinthians? 
  • 1 Thess. 3:1-3. How does Paul describe Timothy? What was he sent to do in Thessalonica?
  • Relect: What does Timothy’s example teach us about the kind of people we need to be as we seek to build the kingdom of God? 

 

Pray today in confession for the times you have put your own interests above the interests of Jesus Christ.

 

DAY FOUR | Connect to His Story

Read Philippians 2:25-30 again. In verse 25 Paul describes the work of the gospel in familial, vocational, and militaristic terms. 

  • Read 2 Timothy 2:1-7. What similar terms do you notice in this passage? What do these examples and images teach us about what to expect and how to live out the Christian life? 

 

In verses 27-30 Paul describes how Epaphroditus risked his life for the work of Christ. Read the following passages and note what they describe about suffering for Christ:

  • 2 Timothy 2:8-13
  • Romans 5:1-3
  • 1 Peter 4:12-19

Pray today in supplication that God would give you strength and willingness to suffer for the cause of Christ.

 

DAY FIVE | Apply to your Story

Read Philippians 2:19-30 once more. Reflect and consider what you can learn from the example of these three men (Paul, Timothy, and Epaphroditus). 

  • How would your brothers and sisters in Christ describe you when it comes to your commitment and service to Christ? Does this encourage or challenge you? 
  • Do you have a genuine concern for the church and your fellow believers? How does this show in your life, attitudes and actions? 
  • Are you willing to labour for the gospel? Are you willing to risk suffering or even your life? Why or why not? 

Pray in thanksgiving, remember that it is God who is working for you for his good pleasure!

 

  • Reflect on your attitude and heart. In what ways do you try to justify or legitimize your grumbling and disputing? Is your light dim, flickering, or snuffed out? 

Pray today in humility and openness as you consider how God may be calling you to serve Him and love His church.