By Ruth Dusingize 
HIGHLIGHT: Who do you look up to, one’s life by which you’re inspired to live similarly to? What character do you exhibit even amidst trials or crisis? And can joy always be experienced, balanced with contentment as we journey on with life? This week’s study leads us into answering these questions with relation to Jesus Christ and Apostle Paul.
KEY TEXT: Philippians 4:6 NKJV
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;”
SABBATH: This week’s lesson concludes our study of Philippians, overflowing with timeless principles for joyful Christian living. In his closing words, Paul reveals the secret to peace amid life’s uncertainties: trust in God, not circumstances.
When worries arise, faith anchors us in divine strength and quiet confidence. Like Jesus, Paul points us to the heart—a life centered in gratitude, prayer, and contentment. No earthly power can give what Christ supplies. As citizens of heaven, we rest in His promises, live with joy, and reflect the peace that passes all understanding.
SUNDAY: ROLE MODELS
Unlike the prevailing evil in the world today that gives examples of bad role models, Paul points us to the life of Jesus Christ as our best role model. Paul reminds us that we are all sinners in need of Christ, our Saviour. He also describes bad role models are those who aim and work towards creating disunity and disorder in the church of God.
They are enemies of the cross and they live for self entirely, having their bellies as their god. These, the Apostle calls us to refrain from their company.
(READ: Philippians 3:17-19; Ephesians 2:11-14; Romans 16:17&18)
MONDAY: STAND FAST IN THE LORD
True Christian citizenship is in Heaven and our ruler is Jesus Christ. For us to be able to be a part of this, we shall have our bodies renewed and transformed upon Christ’s second coming. In this fact, is where our hope lies. True Christianity covers not only overcoming the fear of death, but also overcoming death itself.
In addition, at that same time when Christ returns, eternal victory over death will be achieved as well. Having this in mind, therefore, we must live our lives with purpose, stand firm in Christ because we are assured that our heavenly status is far better than our earthly status.
(READ: Philippians 3:19-21; Job 19:25-27; Luke 24:39; 1Corinthians 15:42-44; 50-54; Colossians 3:4)
TUESDAY: REJOICE IN THE LORD-ALWAYS
Another pre-eminent theme across Paul’s letters, aside unity, is rejoicing in the Lord. We are in a world where we are faced with many uncertainties, however, as Christians, instead of worrying, we are called to delight in the everlasting hope that we find in the fact that Jesus Christ is coming back again. We overcome this earth’s anxieties through prayers whispered with faith, and we remain hopeful that they are answered when said to God with thanksgiving.
Furthermore, having the assurance that our prayers are asked in accordance to God’s will leaves us with peace in our hearts as we look forward to attaining eternal life, the gift we will get because we believe in Christ. (READ: Philippians 4:1-7; Matthew 6:25-34; 10:19; 24:33; 1Peter 5:7; Luke 2:14; 21:28; James 5:8,16; 1John 5:14; Psalms 29:11; Isaiah 9:6; John 14:27; 1Corinthians 14:33)
WEDNESDAY: THINK ON THESE THINGS
Living with joy is a command from God and Paul guides us, as he did the Philippians, on the principles of life that they had to follow through with so as to guard their hearts from corruption. The things we meditate upon affect the virtue we uphold and the kind of example we lead with our lives.
Hence, Paul calls upon us to think and dwell on that which is true, noble, right, pure, lovely and admirable-all these point to Christ’s character. In addition to this, Paul calls us to put these into practice as seen by his life’s example. (READ:Philippians 4:8-9; 1Corinthians 13:6; 2Corinthians 4:2; 11:32; Acts 9:24; 26:25; Psalms 119:165; Romans 1:18; Ephesians 4:15; 1Timothy 3:8; Titus 2:2; 1John 3:3)
THURSDAY: KEYS FOR CONTENTMENT
The hard times of life that we pass through teach us how to be grateful for God’s blessings upon us. When we feel sad or in need, our faith in God keeps us strong. In addition, when we have enough or plenty, just like Paul and Job acknowledged, we should remember that it can be lost in an instant. However, we are assured by God that once we ask according to His will, we shall receive.
Furthermore, knowing that God keeps His promises, we can ask Him to help us to save our family and friends eternally, for the courage to share our faith, for forgiveness, for strength to obey His Law, to have love towards those that hurt us, for wisdom to solve problems and to understand the Bible.
(READ: Philippians 4:10-13,19; Proverbs 23:5; Job 1:21; John 8:32; 1Timothy 2:3&4; 6:7; Psalms 23:1; Matthew 5:44; 6:32; 1Peter 5:7; James 1:5; 4:2; Revelation 22:17; 1John 1:9; Hebrews 13:20&21)
FRIDAY: FURTHER THOUGHT
God knows our wants, and has provided for them. The Lord has a treasure house of supplies for His children, and can give them what they need under all circumstances. Then why do we not trust Him? He has made precious promises to His children on condition of faithful obedience to His precepts. There is not a burden but He can remove, no darkness but He can dispel, no weakness but He can change to power, no fears but He can calm, no worthy aspiration but He can guide and justify.
(READ God’s Amazing Grace p.117; That I may know Him p.224 by Ellen G White)
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS;
- Though, of course, Jesus is the only perfect pattern, there are others who, at least in certain areas, could be good role models. At the same time, what kind of role model do you present to others?
- Why is the promise of eternal life so crucial to all that we believe? What could this world possibly offer that’s worth forfeiting what Christ offers us?
- How do you deal with the things that you have prayed for that have not yet come, or perhaps might never come?
- In the context of Philippians 4:8, what do you spend your time thinking about? How well does what you think about strengthen your faith and walk with the Lord?
Edwin Kyle Kule