Hey Sweet Friends,
Welcome to Virtual VBS for GrownUp Girls® Week Two! Together we’re studying the book of Philippians.*
This week’s theme is “Pressing On in Humility.”
READ: Philippians Chapter Two. You can read this chapter every day (or every day in a different translation!) or focus on 3-4 verses at a time.
NOTE: When I think of humility, I also think of the word “gentleness” — which someone once defined as “power under control.” As you read this week, consider how Jesus set an example for us in this. How (and why) should humility characterize our interactions with others? What might that look like in YOUR life?
REFLECT: Use the following prompts to reflect on this week’s chapter and record your answers in your notebook or journal.
When Scripture talks about following Jesus – living the life of a disciple (not talking about our salvation here) – it seems to indicate that there are some things Jesus asks us to do, some steps He asks us to take. Action is required on our part – with rewards to come, for those who respond in obedience. Yet Scripture also teaches that there’s no striving, no desperate attempt to earn God’s grace or favor with our good works, no hopelessly trying to measure up. We are already “accepted in the Beloved.”
How do we keep a balanced perspective, in light of verses like Philippians 2:13-16 and 3:3?
Perhaps one of the greatest challenges for us as believers is determining how to “hold firmly to the word of life” (Philippians 2:16) and stand firm in the truth, without compromise (as other Scriptures urge us) when we’re confronted with other believers who interpret Scripture differently than we do! Their doctrine or practice is different (and, we believe, wrong). That seems to be when a lot of the name-calling and mudslinging begins, especially online. But this is not a new problem! Paul confronted it in his day.
In light of Philippians 1:18, 27, 2:1-15, how can we approach this scenario differently? And where does humility come in?
MEMORIZE: Philippians 2:13 in the translation of your choice.
*Most of our VBS activity now takes place in a Facebook group at http://www.facebook.com/virtualvbsforgrownupgirls (Because of our privacy settings, sometimes this link doesn’t work unless you go directly to FB and enter it there.) We’d love to have you join us …
