Read Philippians 2:14-18
“Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people. Hold firmly to the word of life; then, on the day of Christ’s return, I will be proud that I did not run the race in vain and that my work was not useless. But I will rejoice even if I lose my life, pouring it out like a liquid offering to God, just like your faithful service is an offering to God. And I want all of you to share that joy. Yes, you should rejoice, and I will share your joy.”
Discover
1. What are we to do without complaining and arguing? Why? How does it glorify God?
2. What is the word of life we are to hold firmly to? See these verses for cross reference.
3. Paul revisits the possibility of his death in verse 20. Why does he say he can rejoice, even if this happens?
Respond
1. As you think about your everyday life, what is an instigator for complaining or arguing? Spend a few minutes talking this over with God now. Ask for His help to, instead of complaining or arguing, be a bright light in a dark world. Ask for Him to fill you with joy amidst difficult circumstances.
2. What do you think it looks like to hold firmly to the word of life? How can holding firmly to Jesus and being in His Word, the Bible, on a daily basis move you from a life of complaining and arguing to a life of rejoicing?
For Families with Kids at Home
Today, pray this verse over your family: pray that you would do everything without complaining or arguing, and that you would shine like bright lights in a world of darkness. Pray that your family would share the joy of God with everyone you come into contact with, and that your family would point to the grace of Jesus.