Daily Bible Reading - December 2020 God's Life-Giving Word of JoySample

  

December 28

Introduction

Today we begin reading the apostle Paul’s Letter to the Philippians, which he wrote while in jail. Paul had established the church in Philippi, located in the Roman province of Macedonia (Acts 16:12), and it was the first church he had established on European soil. The letter is marked by its emphasis on joy, confidence, unity, and perseverance in the Christian faith and life. It also reveals the deep affection Paul had for the church at Philippi. He begins with a greeting, traditionally used in formal Greek letter writing, followed by a prayer of thanksgiving, and then proceeds to share the good news about Christ.

Scripture Reading 

Philippians 1:1-30

Today’s Key Verse: Philippians 1:11

Your lives will be filled with the truly good qualities which only Jesus Christ can produce, for the glory and praise of God.

Reflect

Reread verses 3-11. For what does Paul pray? What does Paul’s prayer indicate about his relationship with the Philippian church? Paul refers to Christ’s return a number of times throughout the letter. In this opening chapter, the reference appears in verses 6 and 10; and Paul expected Christ’s return to happen soon. How does this expectation influence what he says in verses 20-30?

Pray

Lord God, help me to keep on growing more and more, together with true knowledge and perfect judgment, so that I will be able to choose what is best and be free from all impurity and blame on the Day of Christ. Amen.

Prayer Concern

Prison chaplains

Tomorrow’s Reading

Philippians 2:1-30: Paul describes Christ as the example of true humility.