FRIDAY

Philippians 2:10-11

As we come to the end of the week, having had the opportunity to think more deeply about the kind of king and kingdom that Jesus represents, let’s return again to the Key Verse that we began the week with. “That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:10-11). Having now had the opportunity to reflect on this passage in the light of what we’ve been thinking about this week, how does this passage speak more richly about what it means to bow the knee to Jesus, confessing that Jesus is Lord? What is so different about how and why we bow before Jesus and the way we relate to any other sources of power or authority in our lives? What is so unique about following this king that was born in Bethlehem a little over 2,000 years ago, that is as worthy of honor and praise now as ever?

• What new insights have you gained this week in terms of what it means to bow the knee before Jesus, and all that this entails?

• Where are the growing edges for you as you think about more fully embracing and embodying what it means to be a part of God’s kingdom, and to fully realize the kind of king we serve?

• What are the differences between humility and humiliation, being overwhelmed with awe and being overwhelmed with fear, being motivated by gratitude and grace rather than shame and anxiety?

• What questions do you have, or struggle with the most, when it comes to how we can begin, and continue, to live out the kingdom of God right now, and not just wait for it to show up at some point in the future?

• How can our waiting for the full realization of God’s kingdom when Jesus returns be less about pointing out what is not the kingdom, and more about living out what the kingdom truly is?

• As you think back over your reflections this week, what do you sense God inviting you to consider, more fully embrace, or perhaps is nudging you towards?