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The Book of Philippians: Paul’s Letter to Philippi

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by Deborah H. Bateman

The Book of Philippians: Paul’s Letter to Philippi is a Daily Bible Reading study of the book of Philippians by Deborah H. Bateman. The book of Philippians is from the New Testament of the Bible and is one of the Apostle Paul’s letters. In the book of Philippians Paul encourages the saints at Philippi to be strong in their faith, to stand fast in the Lord, and to be content in Christ.

Paul loved the Philippians and it shows in his writing to them. Paul knew that they loved him as well. The Philippians showed their love for Paul by supporting his ministry.

Paul would never forget the Philippians because of the way they cared for him when he ministered to them. They would always have a special place in his heart.

Paul wanted the best for the Philippians. He wanted to make sure they never let anybody steer them in the wrong direction. He wanted them to stay on course and do the things he had taught them whether he was with them or not.

The Book of Philippians: Paul’s Letter to Philippi contains ten Daily Bible Reading lessons. Each lesson consists of a brief commentary, the Daily Bible Reading Scripture, several questions for contemplation or discussion, and a prayer for the day to go along with the lesson. This is a great Bible study for individual daily devotions or for a group Bible study.

For those of you interested in Bible journaling, may I suggest you pick your favorite Bible verse from each lesson and journal about it. This will be a great reminder of the lessons you learn as you read and study this book.

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Have a blessed day,

Deborah

Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to …

Daily Bible Reading “Rejoice in the Lord” (Philippians 3:1-11)

Posted on September 16, 2019 by Deborah H. Bateman

Rejoice in the Lord

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Philippians 3:1-11. Paul exhorts the Philippians to rejoice in the Lord. We can’t base our happiness on our situations or circumstances. If we do, we will be miserable. We can only base our joy on trusting God to work all things together for good as is stated in Romans 8:28, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”

Paul warns them by saying, “Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision.” What do you suppose Paul means by that statement? Paul was telling them to beware of anyone who would try to devour them by telling them anything other than the true gospel. There were those who were legalistic. They still believed their salvation was based on the law of the Old Testament. They didn’t base their Christianity on faith in God through Jesus Christ.

Paul goes on to remind them that as Christians, we are the circumcision who worship God in spirit; rejoice in Jesus Christ and have no confidence in the flesh. Paul says that if any man thinks he can have confidence in the flesh it would be him. Paul was circumcised on the eighth day. He was a descendant of Abraham from Israel. He was born in the tribe of Benjamin. Paul says, he was a Hebrew of the Hebrews. He was a Pharisee concerning the law. Paul was zealous, he obeyed the law.

Whatever was gain to Paul he counted as loss for Christ. Paul says he counts everything as loss for the knowledge of Christ. Paul suffered loss of everything, but counted it as nothing in order to win Christ. Paul knew his righteousness wasn’t found in anything he did. It was found in faith in God through Jesus Christ.

Paul’s desire was to know Christ, the power of His resurrection, the fellowship of His sufferings, and to be made conformable unto His death. Paul was willing by any means to attain the resurrection of the dead. Paul’s desire was to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. He suffered a lot for the cause of Christ, but he didn’t put his hope in his flesh or anything he had done. His only hope was his faith in what Jesus Christ did on the cross so we might have eternal life.

Daily Bible Reading:

Philippians 3:1-11

1 Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe.

2 Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision.

3 For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.

4 Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more:

5 Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee;

6 Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.

7 But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.

8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,

9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:

10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;

11 If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.

Things to think about:

Is your hope in Christ?

How can we trust in Christ and not our circumstances to make us happy?

In what ways do you rejoice in the Lord knowing that He works all things together for good?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

We thank You for this Scripture in the book of Philippians. We see where Paul exhorted the Philippians to rejoice in You in spite of their circumstances. Help us to do this as well. Paul told them to beware of those who might try to mislead them. Help us to be on guard and know Your Word so we will know the truth and not be easily misled. Paul reminds them that the only hope we have is in Christ’s death on the cross and His resurrection. Help us to place our hope in Him. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Daily Bible Verse:

The Book of Philippians: Paul’s Letter to Philippi

me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe.

– Philippians 3:1

Christian Music Video: Rejoice in the Lord (a cappella) – Hamilton Family

Thank you for coming to DeborahHBateman.com to study the Bible with us. Come back again tomorrow. Invite your friends and family members to join us.

Featured Book:

by Deborah H. Bateman

Paul loved the Philippians and it shows in his writing to them. Paul knew that they loved him as well. The Philippians showed their love for Paul by supporting his ministry.

Paul would never forget the Philippians because of the way they cared for him when he ministered to them. They would always have a special place in his heart.

Go to: Amazon

Get your copy now!

Subscribe to Deborah H. Bateman to receive
Daily Bible Reading Lessons in your inbox.

Have a blessed day,

Deborah

Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but …

Daily Bible Reading “Work Out Your Salvation with Fear and Trembling” (Philippians 2:12-30)

Posted on September 15, 2019 by Deborah H. Bateman

Work Out Your Salvation with Fear and Trembling

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Philippians 2:12-30. Paul tells the Philippians to work out their own salvation with fear and trembling. What does Paul mean by this saying? He says that the Philippians had always obeyed God. He wanted them to continue to be obedient to God whether he was present with them or not.

Paul reminds them that it is God who works in them to do His good pleasure. He tells them to do everything without complaining and arguing. Paul wanted them to set an example so they might shine as lights in the world. He wanted them to be blameless and harmless, sons of God. God had done the work of salvation on the inside of them. Paul wanted their actions to match up with the work God had done in them.

Paul’s desire for them was that they stand on the Word of life so that he might not have labored in vain, and would be able to rejoice with them in the day of Christ. Paul says if he is offered for sacrifice and service of their faith, he will rejoice. Paul wanted the Philippians to rejoice with him.

Paul says he trusts the Lord to send Timothy to be with them so he can know how they are doing. Paul knew he would be comforted if Timothy was there with them. Paul knew Timothy would care for the Philippians. Paul and Timothy were like-minded.

Timothy had served alongside Paul in sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ. Paul says he is hoping to send Timothy as soon as he knows what is happening with his situation. Paul tells them that he hopes he will be able to go see them as well.

Paul states he is going to send Epaphroditus his brother in Christ, as well. Ephaphroditus was a fellow laborer and fellow soldier in the army of God. Look at all the ways Paul describes Epaphroditus. He says Ephaphroditus was their messenger and he also ministered to Paul. As Christians, we can be all these things to each other that Paul described about Epaphroditus.

Paul tells them Epaphroditus had been very ill and almost died. God had mercy on him and spared his life. Paul asks them to receive him with gladness. Ephaphroditus missed the Philippians very much while he was visiting with Paul. He was anxious to return to check on the Philippians and to minister to them.

Daily Bible Reading:

Philippians 2:12-30

12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

14 Do all things without murmurings and disputings:

15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;

16 Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.

17 Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all.

18 For the same cause also do ye joy, and rejoice with me.

19 But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state.

20 For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state.

21 For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ’s.

22 But ye know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he hath served with me in the gospel.

23 Him therefore I hope to send presently, so soon as I shall see how it will go with me.

24 But I trust in the Lord that I also myself shall come shortly.

25 Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants.

26 For he longed after you all, and was full of heaviness, because that ye had heard that he had been sick.

27 For indeed he was sick nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow.

28 I sent him therefore the more carefully, that, when ye see him again, ye may rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful.

29 Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in reputation:

30 Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me.

Things to think about:

Why did Paul want to send Timothy to the Philippians?

Why was Paul sending Epaphroditus?

In what ways have you worked out your salvation?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for this Scripture in the book of Philippians. We see that Paul tells the Philippians how they should conduct themselves. Help us to conduct ourselves in a manner that would bring glory and honor to You. We see that You provided other Christians to work along with Paul to further Your kingdom. Lead us to the people You would have us to work along with in our service to You. Thank You for loving us. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Daily Bible Verse:

The Book of Philippians: Paul’s Letter to Philippi

now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

– Philippians 2:12

Christian Music Video:

Thank you for coming to DeborahHBateman.com to study the Bible with us. Come back again tomorrow. Invite your friends and family members to join us.

Featured Book:

by Deborah H. Bateman

Paul loved the Philippians and it shows in his writing to them. Paul knew that they loved him as well. The Philippians showed their love for Paul by supporting his ministry.

Paul would never forget the Philippians because of the way they cared for him when he ministered to them. They would always have a special place in his heart.

Go to: Amazon

Get your copy now!

Subscribe to Deborah H. Bateman to receive
Daily Bible Reading Lessons in your inbox.

Have a blessed day,

Deborah

Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind …

Daily Bible Reading “Jesus Messiah, Name above all Names” (Philippians 2:1-11)

Posted on September 12, 2019 by Deborah H. Bateman

Jesus Messiah, Name above all Names

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Philippians 2:1-11. In the last lesson Paul dealt with conflicts from the outside world. In this lesson Paul is dealing with conflicts within the body of Christ. Paul starts by saying, “If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies.” What does Paul mean by all of that statement?

Consolation of Christ – Paul asks them if they have had any consolation in Christ. Look at this Scripture in 2 Thessalonians 2:16, “Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace …” God and Jesus gives us everlasting consolation and hope through grace. Has God and Jesus ever consoled you?

Comfort of Love – God’s comfort makes us brave and strong. God and Jesus comfort us, and then in return we’re able to comfort others with the same comfort they’ve given us. This is stated in this Scripture:

2 Corinthians 1:3-5, “Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ.” Has God the Father and Jesus Christ ever comforted you?

Have you ever been through a trial and then noticed how God puts someone else who is going through the same thing in your path so you can console them? This has happened to me over and over again. God uses the trials of our life in order for us to bring comfort to others. Don’t let the experiences you’ve had go to waste. Share with others in order to comfort and console them in their trials the same way God comforted and consoled you during your trials of life.

Christians have fellowship with the Spirit. The Holy Spirit of God leads, guides, and directs us. These are the things God uses to show His tender love and mercy toward us. Paul is telling them, “If you have received any of these, then show these same kinds of love and mercy toward one another. “ He reminds them not to do anything out of strife or vain glory, but be humble and think of others more than yourself.

Paul exhorted them to be in one accord, of one mind, and one spirit. Paul tells them to use Christ as their example and have the same humility He did. Jesus Christ, who was equal with God, humbled Himself and became as man. He was obedient to God through His death on the cross. In return God exhorted Him and gave Him a name that is above every name. That at the name of Jesus every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Daily Bible Reading:

Philippians 2:1-11

1 If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,

2 Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.

3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.

4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.

5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:

7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:

8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:

10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;

11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Things to think about:

List times you have received comfort from God in your life.

List some times and people you have comforted in the same way.

What are some areas in which we can comfort one another?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for this Scripture in the book of Philippians. We see that Paul exhorted the Philippians to treat others with the same love and mercy You have shown to them. Help us remember to do that as well. We see where Paul told them to use Jesus as their example. He humbled Himself to do Your will. You exhorted Him because of His obedience. Help us to be humble and obedient. Help us to do Your will. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Daily Bible Verse:

The Book of Philippians: Paul’s Letter to Philippi

let each esteem other better than themselves.

– Philippians 2:3

Christian Music Video: Jesus Messiah – Chris Tomlin

Thank you for coming to DeborahHBateman.com to study the Bible with us. Come back again tomorrow. Invite your friends and family members to join us.

Featured Book:

by Deborah H. Bateman

Paul loved the Philippians and it shows in his writing to them. Paul knew that they loved him as well. The Philippians showed their love for Paul by supporting his ministry.

Paul would never forget the Philippians because of the way they cared for him when he ministered to them. They would always have a special place in his heart.

Go to: Amazon

Get your copy now!

Subscribe to Deborah H. Bateman to receive
Daily Bible Reading Lessons in your inbox.

Have a blessed day,

Deborah

Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that …

Daily Bible Reading “For Me to Live is Christ and to Die is Gain” (Philippians 1:21-30)

Posted on September 11, 2019 by Deborah H. Bateman

For Me to Live is Christ and to Die is Gain

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Philippians 1:21-30. Paul starts this Scripture by saying, “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” What do you think Paul meant by that statement? Paul knew since he was a Christian, when he died, he was going to heaven. Therefore, he wasn’t worried about dying. He would gain by being in the presence of God. As a martyr, his death would be a gain for the cause of Christ.

Paul also knew that if he continued to live, his life would be a gain for the kingdom of God. Paul was a fruitful Christian. It would also be a gain for the Philippians. They would have Paul to continue to encourage them in their faith. Even though Paul’s death would be martyrdom for the cause of Christ, he sensed his work on earth wasn’t done.

Paul says that he was pressed between the two. Have you ever noticed this attitude when someone gets near the end of life? They may not be afraid of death, especially if they are a Christian, because they know their reward is in heaven. Although they hate to give up this life and leave behind those they love and care for in this world. This is what Paul meant about being torn between the two.

Paul told the Philippians, whether he came to be with them again or not, he wanted them to stand strong in the faith. He reminded them to let their conversation be as it suited the gospel of Christ. Paul encouraged the Philippians to be good citizens of the kingdom of God. Paul wanted them to know, whether he came to see them or not, he would be checking on them. The Philippians were accountable to Paul. He wanted them to work together for the continuance of faith in the gospel of Christ.

It helps us to be accountable to another Christian. By having an accountability partner we know there is someone who cares enough for us to check on the progress we are making in our relationship with God. It is encouraging to have someone you can call on to pray for you in times of trouble. It is also good to know you have someone who supports you in your Christian walk.

Paul didn’t want the Philippians to be afraid of their adversaries. He encouraged them to be strong in their faith. Paul wanted them to know and realize that they weren’t only to believe in Christ, as Christians, but they may also have to suffer for His cause. The Philippians had seen the sufferings of Paul. He didn’t want them to be so afraid that they wouldn’t stand up for the gospel. Paul wanted them to be strong in the Lord and be willing to do whatever it took to protect the gospel of Christ.

Daily Bible Reading:

Philippians 1:21-30

21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

22 But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not.

23 For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:

24 Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you.

25 And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith;

26 That your rejoicing may be more abundant in Jesus Christ for me by my coming to you again.

27 Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;

28 And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God.

29 For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;

30 Having the same conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear to be in me.

Things to think about:

What did Paul mean by saying, “For me to live is Christ and to die is gain?”

Why was Paul torn between living and dying?

Do you have an accountability partner in the faith?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

We thank You for this Scripture in the book of Philippians. We see that Paul said, “For me to live is Christ to die is gain.” Help us, as Christians, to have this same confidence in Your Word. Help us to be fruitful Christians, as Paul was. Help us to be accountable for our actions. Give us strength not to fear the enemy, but to stand strong for the work of the Lord. We love You, LORD. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Daily Bible Verse:

The Book of Philippians: Paul’s Letter to Philippi

whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;

– Philippians 1:27

Christian Music Video:

Featured Book:

by Deborah H. Bateman

Paul loved the Philippians and it shows in his writing to them. Paul knew that they loved him as well. The Philippians showed their love for Paul by supporting his ministry.

Paul would never forget the Philippians because of the way they cared for him when he ministered to them. They would always have a special place in his heart.

Go to: Amazon

Get your copy now!

Subscribe to Deborah H. Bateman to receive
Daily Bible Reading Lessons in your inbox.

Have a blessed day,

Deborah