I’m finally taking a chance here and posting about something I’ve wanted to do here…for a long time already.
A Bible study.
I love to study, especially Bible books. It’s so exciting to be able to dig in and discover new truths. I decided to post about my study here on my blog as a way to have more accountability. And also because I enjoy hearing from others.
So. I’m throwing this out there. If you are interested in joining me, just comment below!
My goal is to post a new Bible passage to study every week, preferably Sunday afternoon or Monday morning.
I’d love to hear thoughts from you. Questions. Ideas. And then I’ll post some of my own.
I’m starting with the book of Philippians. (which you probably already figured out, seeing as it’s mentioned up there in the title and all… 😉 )
I have a study book here that I’m using, “Life Lessons from Philippians” by Max Lucado
I’m going to be using this as a study guide, along with my favorite study Bible.
In Max Lucado’s book, first he gives us an introduction to the book. The setting of it’s writing–prison. Yes, Paul, the one who wrote about joy and praying for others, was in chains. You’d never have known, from reading here….but it’s incredible to me when I stop and think about it.
Next, he gives Paul’s purposes for writing this letter to the Philippians.
First – he wanted to acknowledge the believers’ gift to him and express his joy in their continued partnership in sharing the gospel of Christ. Second – Paul wanted to explain the purpose and significance of his imprisonment. Third, Paul wished to address the issues of disunity that Epaphroditus had informed him were arising in the church among the believers. Paul repeatedly encourages them to model Christ’s example and try to see things eye-to-eye so peace and harmony will prevail in their fellowship. (taken from the Introduction, Life Lessons from Philippians, by Max Lucado)
On to the first chapter in this study book…
He has it entitled…
Praying for Others
The verses for this week are found in Philippians 1:1-11
Philippians 1 English Standard Version (ESV)
Greeting
1 Paul and Timothy, servants[a] of Christ Jesus,
To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers[b] and deacons:[c]
2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Thanksgiving and Prayer
3 I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, 4 always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. 6 And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. 7 It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace,[d] both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. 8 For God is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus. 9 And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, 10 so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.
(I really like studying with the ESV, because I find it helps me understand things a bit more clearly. What version/translation works good for you? )
As you read over these verses, what thoughts jump out at you? Anything in particular that catches your attention?
In regards to the idea of praying for others…how do you put it into practice?
And then, even just praying/talking with God in general… do you make it a daily habit? How do you make this work for you? What works best? How much time do you spend in an average day actually talking to the Lord?
These are just a few questions to get our thought processes rolling…a challenge to all of us.
All-of-a-kind Mom 