Blog Friend Bible Study- Wk 1

My friend, Abigail, who is also a fellow Army wife came up with the great idea to do a Bible study through the blog world.  Since I currently have 1 friend in the entire state, no Church home yet and no real way to connect or fellowship with other believers I thought this would be a fun idea to join in on.  If you want to join in too, you can go to Abligail's Blog and read the instructions and get started.  Don't worry about it if you missed Week 1...you can catch up next week.

This week I read the entire book of Philippians (it is only 4 chapters) and basically just came up with an overview of the topics and details of the book.  As the weeks go by we will be breaking down the book into chapters.  So....here it goes...

Notes on Philippians:
Who wrote the book?  Paul
When?  He wrote the book from prison!!!
Audience?  Church of Philippi, but it is also for all of us!

Main themes:
Ch.1
-Joy!  This guy was full of joy...even from prison!  I'm not thinking that would be my #1 emotion if I was locked up.
-Paul was in chains for the gospel.  Basically, his suffering was being used for the greater good for the kingdom.
-Did this guy enjoy suffering?  I think he actually did.
- I think I can learn a lot from Paul's character just from Chapter 1.  More to come on Ch. 1 next week!
Ch.2
-Do nothing selfishly, but in humility for others!  Doesn't this sound like it is quite the opposite of what sounds pleasant and normal in our society?  Most things I do are probably more selfish than they are for others.  Don't get me wrong...I love doing things for others, but that verse said do NOTHING selfishly.  Hmmm...
-Do everything without complaining or arguing!  I whine a lot....is that complaining?  And...I like to be right...so often I might argue my point.  Ok...so apparently I have a lot to learn from Ch. 2 as well.
Ch.3
-Rejoice!  Again Paul is just so joyful from prison!
-Forget what is behind and strain toward what is ahead.  This is a good one for this week as I am trying to encourage loved ones as they go through tough times.
Ch. 4
-Rejoice!  Again....
-My favorite verse ever!!!  Phil. 4:6-7  Do not be anxious about ANYTHING, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
-Learning to be content in your situation....whether poor, rich, happy, sad....this is a big one for me living so far away from home without family.  I really try to find the good in my situation, but I would be lying if I said I don't on the rare occasion feel a wee bit sorry for myself.
-Another favorite verse.  Phil. 4:13  I can do all this through him who gives me strength.


So...those are my general thoughts, but as the weeks go on and I begin to really pick apart each chapter and verse apart I will go more in depth.  Click Here to read what Abigail's thoughts are on Philippians.