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 1:1-11, in which Paul opens his letter to the church in Philippi.

 

  • What details do we learn about Paul in these opening verses? 
    • What does he call himself? 
    • What emotions is he feeling? 
    • What are his present circumstances? 
  • What details do we learn about the recipients of the letter (the church in Philippi)? 
    • What does Paul call them? 
    • How does Paul feel about them? 
    • How are they partners with Paul?

 

Pray today in thanksgiving: like Paul and the Philippian believers, you are saints, servants of Christ if you have been saved. Thank God for the grace and peace He gives to His people.

DAY TWO | UNDERSTAND THEIR STORY

Read Philippians 1:1-11 again. Today as you read, focus on Paul’s prayer for the Philippians.

 

  • How does Paul describe his prayers in verses 3-4? 
  • What is Paul’s prayer for the Philippians according to verses 9-11? 
    • Why does he pray for their love to abound more? How will this affect their lives? 
  • Why do you think it is important to grow not just in love, but in knowledge and discernment as well? How can you grow in these areas? 

 

Pray today in Reflection and Confession. Is your love abounding more? Are you growing in knowledge and discernment? Pray Paul’s prayer for yourself today.

DAY THREE | CONNECT TO HIS STORY

In Philippians 1:6 Paul says that he is confident that God will complete the good work He has begun in these believers. Scripture is clear that we can be confident in our salvation because God does the work in us! 

 

  • Read Ephesians 1:3-14. What does this passage reveal about God’s plan, purpose, and sovereignty over our salvation? 
  • Read Romans 8:28-30. What has God predestined for all believers – those whom He “foreknew”?
    • Why is it significant that all the verbs in verses 29-30 are in the past tense? 

 

Pray today in thanksgiving: for your security in salvation! If you have not accepted Christ, why not pray today that He might begin His good work in you!?

 

DAY FOUR | CONNECT TO HIS STORY

Paul repeats the phrase “day of Christ” twice in this short passage as he writes about his hope and prayer for the Philippian believers to be complete and blameless. What is this “day” that he is referring to? 

 

  • What instructions and details are described in Philippians 2:14-26 about this day? 
  • What similarities do you notice in 1 Corinthians 1:4-9, which also uses this phrase?

Unlike the “Day of the Lord” which usually refers to final judgment and wrath on sinners, the day of Christ seems to refer more to the final salvation and glorification of believers. 

 

  • Read 2 Timothy 4:6-8. Is this a day we need to fear? Why or why not? 

 

Reflect on the reality that you will stand before Christ one day. Pray in thanksgiving, confession, and adoration as you seek to finish your race well. Pray that His Spirit continues His work in you until that day.

 

DAY FIVE | APPLY TO OUR STORY

Read Philippians 1:1-11 one more time. 

 

  • Why is Paul so thankful for this church? 
    • Is there an example here for you to follow as a member/attender of Northview? Are you someone whom your pastors are thankful for?
  • How does Paul’s prayer encourage or convict you today? 
    • What steps might you need to take so that your life will be filled with the fruit of righteousness?
  • How can Paul’s example of prayer influence and inform your own prayers?

 

Pray in Intercession today: Take some time to pray Paul’s prayer in verses 9-11 for another believing friend or family member.