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 2:1-11. Then focus on verses 1-4. 

  • Look for the instructions/commands given in these verses. What is Paul asking the Philippians to do? 
    • What does this tell us about the state of the Philippian church? What problem are they facing?
    • How are these instructions connected to Paul’s earlier command in Philippians 1:27?
  • In verse 1 Paul gives a fourfold basis for his appeal. Consider each phrase. 
    • What do these phrases reveal about the identity, character, hope, and blessing of Christian community? 

Pray in thanksgiving today as you consider the blessings of being in Christ and part of a church community. 

DAY TWO | Understand Their Story

Read Phliippians 2:1-11. Then focus on verses 5-11 and underline or highlight all references of Jesus. 

  • How does Paul describe Jesus’ attitude in 2:5-6?
  • What actions does he describe Jesus taking in 2:7-8?
    • How are Jesus’ actions and attitude connected to the instructions in 2:1-4?
  • What has God done according to 2:9?
    • What will be the result of God’s actions according to 2:10-11? 

Pray today in adoration as you consider and reflect on the attitude and actions of God the Son and God the Father, to the glory of God. 

DAY THREE | Connect to His Story

Read Philippians 2:1-11. The themes of humility and unity are very evident in this passage. 

(According to Philippians 4:2-3, there were at least two women in the Philippian church who were not living in harmony with each other.) This call for unity has been foundational for the church since its beginning. Read the following passages and note what they reveal about unity.

  • John 17:9-10, 20-23. What does Jesus pray for believers? 
    • What does this passage reveal about the unity of God the Father and God the Son? 
  • Ephesians 4:1-6. What does unity look like in this passage? 
    • What does this passage point to as the foundation of our unity? 
  • 2 Corinthians 13:11-14. How does Paul’s closing exhortation to the Corinthian church relate to the importance of unity in the church? 

Pray today in confession in areas/situations where you have allowed division to pop up or your own selfishness to take away from the unity God calls us to. Ask God for humility to love your brothers and sisters well. 

DAY FOUR | Connect to His Story

Read Philippians 2:5-11 again. This passage teaches us about the person, nature, and role of Christ – not only as an example to follow, but a theological foundation for why we would behave a certain way as Christians. 

  • Philippians 2:6 states that Jesus is God. What do the following passages add?
    • John 1:1-3
    • Colossians 1:15-17
  • Philippians 2:7-9 teaches that Jesus is human. What do the following passages add?
    • Hebrews 2:14-17
    • Galatians 4:4
  • Philippians 2:9-11 explains how though Jesus humbled Himself, God exalted Him. What do the following passages reveal about this exaltation? 
    • 1 Corinthians 15:20-28
    • Revelation 5:11-14

Pray today in adoration and worship of Jesus, fully God and fully man. Do you confess Him as Lord?

DAY FIVE | Apply to your Story

Read Philippians 2:1-11 one more time, reflecting on all you have studied this week. 

  • Reflect: What has convicted you this week as you studied Paul’s call to unity?  
    • Why is humility necessary for unity?
    • In what areas are you motivated by selfish ambition or looking only to your own interests instead of considering others more significant than yourself?
  • Reflect: How does focusing on the attitude, actions, nature, and character of Jesus affect your understanding and desire for unity with your fellow believers? What must this unity be based on?

Pray today in confession as you consider times when you may have added to a spirit of disunity instead of being in full accord with your brothers and sisters.