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 | Paul’s Certainty and Hope

Read Philippians 1:18b-30, and then focus on two verses: Philippians 1:18b-20.

  • According to Philippians 1:19, how will Paul’s current situation (imprisonment) turn out for his deliverance?  What are the two things which Paul knows will help him?
    • Reflect:  When you hear of people needing physical or emotional deliverance from a situation, do you immediately pray for them and ask the Holy Spirit to help them? Why or why not?
  • According to Philippians 1:20, what does Paul expect and hope WILL NOT happen to him?
  • According to Philippians 1:20, what does Paul expect and hope WILL happen to him?
    • Reflect: Have you ever prayed that Christ will be honoured in your body, whether you live or die? How does Paul’s attitude convict or challenge you?

Pray today in Supplication, asking God to strengthen people through your prayers and through the Holy Spirit.

 

DAY TWO | Paul’s Clarity of Focus

Read Philippians 1:18b-30 and then focus on only one verse: Philippians 1:21.

  • Paul says, for me to live is Christ.   
    • Finish this sentence for yourself:  “For me to live is …………………. ?” (What are YOU living for? What characterizes your life / your goals / dreams? List everything that comes to mind)
  • Paul says, for me to die is gain. 
    • Finish this sentence for yourself:  “For me to die is …………………. ?” (What thoughts / emotions / regrets come to mind when YOU think of dying? List as many as you can)
    • Reflect: How do you think you could move from your natural responses towards Paul’s response to life and death? What changes would the Spirit need to make in your heart and mind?

Pray today in Confession, asking God to reveal what goals and dreams and fears prevent you from fully trusting him in life and death.

 

DAY THREE | Paul’s Commitment to Fruitfulness

Read Philippians 1:18b-30 and then focus on four verses: Philippians 1:22-26.

  • What does Paul say will happen if he lives?
  • What does Paul say will happen if he dies?
  • Why is he convinced that he will live?
    • Reflect:  Can you say, like Paul, that your life consists of fruitful labor?
    • Reflect:  Can you say, like Paul, that you help other progress, and have joy, in the faith?

Pray today in Adoration. God provides us with fruitful labor, and allows us to walk alongside other believers as we progress in the faith.  Thank him for our community of people: his church! 

 

DAY FOUR | Paul’s Command of Unity

Read Philippians 1:18b-30 and then focus on two verses: Philippians 1:27-28.

  • What is Paul’s only command to the Philippians?
  • Paul lists four attitudes or actions that are part of living a worthy life in verses 27b-28. What are they?
    • Reflect: Which of these four is most difficult for you right now? 

Pray today in Supplication, asking God to help you to stand firm with other Christians, in one Spirit, with one mind, striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, and not being frightened by your opponents.

 

DAY FIVE | Paul’s Connection to Jesus

Read Philippians 1:18b-30 and then focus on the last two verses: Philippians 1:29-30.

Paul considers it a privilege for the Philippians to believe in Jesus and also to suffer for his sake, as he has. Why?

  • Read 2 Timothy 2:8-13.  What will happen to those who suffer and endure for Jesus’ sake?
  • Read Revelation 2:7, 2:11, 2:17, 2:26-28, 3:5, 3:12, 3:21. What is promised to those who conquer (ESV) or are victorious (NIV)?

Pray today in Adoration! God has secured salvation for His people and holds out an amazing future to those who walk with him in the midst of suffering. Remembering the first verses we studied this week? Whatever we are facing, we (like Paul) can ask for the prayer, and rely on the help of the Holy Spirit.