College Athletes Challenge - First Word on Philippians 1
Kailey Ivins • Mar 15, 2021
College Athletes from all over the country connected with FCA have banded together to study the same chapter of the Bible each week! NKU was charged with creating some supporting content to one of the weeks. The following is the devotional "First Word" for Philippians 1.
FIRST WORD
Being a part of the mission of Christ is a lot like being on a sports team. There are highs and lows, but you can trust that you have faithful teammates working toward the same goal. But what happens when your teammates aren’t on the same trajectory as you? Or, you have a coach that doesn’t want the best for the team? Your team crumbles. Paul’s letter to the Philippians offers encouragement and advice on being faithful followers of Christ while spreading the Good News. We are called to build each other up so that whatever evil we may face, we stand firm together.
In the first part of Philippians 1, Paul offers thanks and prayer to the loyal followers in Philippi. Paul understands, and is even joyful that he has partners in spreading the Good News. Although he is writing to the Philippians, we are all partners in defending and confirming the truth of the Good News. Paul prays that we will grow in knowledge and understanding so we can bring glory and praise to God: “May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation—the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ—for this will bring much glory and praise to God” (Philippians 1:11 NLT).
The next part is about Paul’s circumstances and advancing the gospel. Paul writes this letter while in prison because of his faith in Christ. However, he has joy rooted in Jesus that does not depend on external circumstances. His imprisonment has caused believers to gain confidence and speak boldly of God’s message without fear. Paul is an example of using your present circumstances, whether good or bad, to bring glory to God. He is willing to lay down his life for Christ: “For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better. But if I live, I can do more fruitful work for Christ” (1:21-22).
In the final part, Paul encourages followers to live as citizens of heaven: “Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ” (1:27). We cannot just talk the talk, but we must walk the walk.
The same saying applies in sports. We can go on and on about how good we are at our sport, but if we do not put in the work, then we are likely to fail. However, the wonderful thing is we are not called to walk the walk alone, but together with Christ-followers: “Standing together with one spirit and one purpose, fighting together for the faith, which is the Good News” (1:27).
Paul concludes Philippians 1 with a sobering statement: “For you have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for him. We are in this struggle together”
(1:29-30). Paul informs us that we may face suffering for Christ, and that should consider it a privilege. Yet, Paul remains confident in Christ, no matter the cost. We must stand firm and do the same!
Through suffering, our eyes are opened to the weight of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross.
CHALLENGE - This week's challenge is to dive into the following questions:
What does it mean to “conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ”?
Describe what suffering might look like in your life. Can suffering be more than physical hardships?
What does it mean to you that “we are in this struggle together?”
AUTHOR
Kailey Ivins
Women's Soccer
Northern Kentucky University
NKY FCA Blog
NKY FCA huddle report form
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