Philippians 1–4. Find Solutions in the Scriptures to Life’s Challenges

Choice 1: Philippians 1–4. Find Solutions in the Scriptures to Life’s Challenges

We can gain counsel to life’s challenges through the study of Philippians in the New Testament.

·      People sometimes argue and complain over petty matters in church meetings or throughout the week.

o   Philippians 2:1-8 gives some great counsel concerning this challenge. We are told to be “like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind” (verse 2). We are told to “esteem other better than self” (verse 3). If we strive to be humble and to serve our fellowman, I do not think we will argue over “petty matters” and will instead work to be “of one mind.”

·      Many youth feel that their parents’ testimony is sufficient for them. Since they have good parents, they rely on them for all their spiritual strength.

o   In Philippians 2:12 we are told to, “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” We all need to understand that we cannot have a firm foundation in Christ if we are dependent on someone else’s testimony and beliefs. The New Testament Student Manual, Religion 211-212 gives more insight to this topic, “An outstanding doctrine of the Church is that each individual carries the responsibility to work out his own salvation, and salvation is a process of gradual development. … ‘Work out your salvation’ is an exhortation to demonstrate by activity, by thoughtful, obedient effort the reality of faith. But this must be done with a consciousness that absolute dependence upon self may produce pride and weakness that will bring failure. With ‘fear and trembling’ we should seek the strength and grace of God for inspiration to obtain the final victory. To work out one’s salvation is not to sit idly by dreaming and yearning for God miraculously to thrust bounteous blessings into our laps. It is to perform daily, hourly, momentarily, if necessary, the immediate task or duty at hand, and to continue happily in such performance as the years come and go, leaving the fruits of such labors either for self or for others to be bestowed as a just and beneficent Father may determine.”

In other challenges in our lives we must remember to sacrifice all things for the Lord and we will be blessed. With any challenge or affliction we do have the companionship of the Holy Ghost. Through sincere scripture study we can receive answers through the Holy Ghost, “feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do” (2 Nephi 32:3).