Summer Reading Plan: Philippians 3

As we mark the halfway point of our Summer Reading Plan, today we move into Philippians 3. At this point in his letter, Paul turned his attention to two specific topics: living the Christian life and avoiding false teachers. Rather than falling prey to false teachers who distorted the gospel and taught that outward actions made you more acceptable to God, Paul exhorted his readers to rely on what Christ Jesus had already done.

Knowing Christ is the real source of joy and salvation, Paul stressed. The Christian life isn't about following a set of rules or doing certain things; it isn't about all the things you can achieve or your own goodness. All of this is meaningless in light of a relationship with Jesus.

Finally, Paul encourages his readers to persevere, to press on "to reach the end of the race" (NLT). Not one of us has "arrived," spiritually speaking. Rather than focus on our own goodness or achievements, Paul calls us to focus on Jesus.

July 18-24 we'll be focusing on Philippians 3. If you'd like a little guidance on how to break up the chapter, here's a suggestion:

• Monday, July 18: Philippians 3:1-6

• Tuesday, July 19: Philippians 3:7-11

• Wednesday, July 20: Philippians 3:12-14

• Thursday, July 21: Philippians 3:15-16

• Friday, July 22: Philippians 3:17-21

• Saturday, July 23: Look over Philippians 3 as a whole. Because Philippians was written as a letter, consider writing out the first chapter by hand.

• Sunday, July 24: Is there a verse that stuck out to you personally during this week's reading? Focus on memorizing it.

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