We are excited to announce our next study here at Do Not Depart…Philippians!
Each week, for the next 13 weeks, we will be studying a new passage from the book of Philippians. The most exciting thing about this is you can study on your own, alongside of us! We have put together a study guide to help you spend daily time in this book.
If you are looking for something to study this summer, we would LOVE for you to join us. This is in conjunction with Inspired to Action’s Maximize Your Mornings summer session, yet anyone is welcome to join in the Bible study.
The Plan
There are five days of simple study questions for each week’s passage. Begin each day with a short prayer, asking God to open your heart to His Word, then use the day’s questions to help you read and study the passage. Have your journal open, ready to jot down what you discover through your time of study.
Day 1: READ
Read the passage. Keep a pen and your journal handy. Write down any questions or observations you may have about the passage. Then reread the passage.
Day 2: TRUTHS
Today, with your journal and pen ready, we are going to look for specific TRUTHS in the passage. We will read the passage three times, each time answering one of the following questions:
- What does this passage teach about God?
- What does this passage teach about Paul?
- What can I learn about my identity in Christ?
As you find truths, list them in your journal. Consider making a master list of all you learn about God, Paul, and yourself throughout the book of Philippians.
Day 3: PROMISES
Read this week’s passage and this time look for PROMISES.
- As you find a promise write it out in your journal, figure out if it is a conditional or unconditional promise. A conditional promise usually contains “if…then.”
- List out the conditions and what will result if those conditions are met.
Day 4: COMMANDS
Read this week’s passage. As you read, note any COMMANDS in your journal. Read the passage again, this time looking for any implied commands. We can learn much from the experiences and failures of people in the Bible. As the Word commends or disapproves of certain characteristics, we can use this as a model towards Christ-likeness.
Day 5: APPLY
Today we are going to make the passage personal through application. Journal through these questions:
- How does my view of God line up with this passage’s teaching about God?
- What is the Lord leading me to DO as a result of this passage?
Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to do the work in your heart so that you may walk in obedience to this passage.
UPDATE: Be sure to download the study guide, which includes the schedule and the study questions on cards you can print out to keep in your Bible! You can find the study guide over at Inspired to Action.
The Schedule
Week 2: Philippians 1:12-18 God’s purpose in Paul’s imprisonment
Week 3: Philippians 1:19-26 Paul’s desires: God’s people and God’s presence
Week 4: Philippians 1:27-30 God’s gospel-purpose for us
Week 5: Philippians 2:1-11 Paul’s charge to unity through following the example of Christ
Week 6: Philippians 2:12-18 Paul’s charge to Word-centered obedience
Week 7: Philippians 2:19-30 Servants of the gospel (examples to follow)
Week 8: Philippians 3:1-11 The surpassing worth of Christ, our righteousness
Week 9: Philippians 3:12-21 Paul’s example: Press on toward the call of Christ
Week 10: Philippians 4:1-9 Paul’s plea: Pursue the peace of God
Week 11: Philippians 4:10-23 Paul’s contentment in God’s provision
The Result
You may not find “answers” to each of these questions each week. The point is to begin training yourself to look for truths, promises, commands and application points when you read the Bible. After walking through the book of Philippians this way, you might just be ready for another book all on your own! You will certainly encounter Jesus in a deeper way, and that is what this is all about.
If you plan to study with us, we would love to know! Just leave us a comment. We are looking forward to taking this journey with you! We will be posting each Thursday Friday with some insights on each passage, so be sure to stay tuned!
Thanks for the study! Looking forward to it.
Count me in!
Yay! Count me in! This will hopefully get me back on track for memorizing Philippians :-)
I am currently doing a Read Through The Bible In A Year plan with a friend but these study tips are wonderful. I will be reading your posts and notes, they are encouraging even though I am not doing the exact same study.
Absolutely! It really can be used for any book- just change the “what do I learn about Paul?” to the other author or characters you are reading about!
I’ll be joining in! I have been reading through the Bible, but with a hectic schedule I am needing something more focused and easy to take in smaller bites. I look forward to studying with you and others from MYM. Thanks!
I didn’t end up hiding Philippians in my heart but I can read it :) When does it start?
Haha! I just laughed out loud. You crack me up.
I am so glad you will be joining us, Sarah. War Eagle!
I am so excited. I will be joining in. Thank you for doing this!
I am new to the site but I am really looking forward to being part of this study.
I’m currently memorizing Philippians and am definitely in for the study!
Your awesome Katie Thank you! Im in:)
So excited about this!!!
I love the book of Philippians! I’ll probably be doing this! :)
I am in. I have been needing another structured study…..I believe God has picked this for me. Thank you
Oh, count me in! I just realized how I am in need of a more structured study so this fits the bill wonderfully for me – thank you!
I’m in! On Day 3 for the first Week’s passage. :)
I’ve called the first passage from Day 1 the Circle of Love….Christ, .Paul, the Philippians….all connected by love….i had a further thought today…that there is potential in our relationships for each one to be a circle of love….Christ, me, them (husband, children, friends, family, co-workers, neighbors, etc)…as i think of that i am thinking that it takes each relationship to a whole new level…the Circle of Love…still pondering…love this Book……
I will be starting the study next week! I had to finish a study that I was doing already. Very excited to get started :)
You should find it easy to jump in to, and even catch up quickly! Glad you will be joining us, Kim!
I’m a little late to the game…but, better late than never, right? Thanks for this study