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The Book of Philippians: Paul’s Letter to Philippi

Daily Bible Reading “Be Content” (Philippians 4:11)

Posted on March 29, 2022 by Deborah H. Bateman

Be Content

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Philippians 4:11.

“Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content” (Philippians 4:11).

What does it mean to be content? Some words that remind me of what it means to be content are satisfied, pleased, or happy.

In chapter four of Paul’s letter to the Philippians, Paul was rejoicing because the Philippians cared enough for him to help support him financially.

The Philippians lost touch with Paul for two years, while he was in prison for sharing the Gospel. They didn’t know where he was. Once they heard that Paul was in prison in Rome they reconnected with him and continued supporting him.

It is important for people in ministry to have people who support their work both through prayer and financial support. When people dedicate their lives to serving God and sharing the Gospel, many times the financial support they get from those who care for them is the only means they have of caring for their own personal needs and the needs of the ministry.

Paul had learned whatever state he was in to be content. Paul knew what it felt like to be satisfied and he knew how it felt to be hungry. There were times in his life when he had plenty and times when he was in lack. He learned through it all to be content in Christ.

This is a lesson we can learn from Paul. It is easy to be content when things are going good in our lives and we have everything we want and need. It is much harder to be content when life is difficult and we are in want or lack the essentials. We need to learn to trust God enough to be content no matter what our circumstances.

Sometimes when we’re having difficulty we learn to trust God more. If life was always easy we would think we didn’t need God and that we could do everything by ourselves. Sometimes in the difficult times we learn to become more dependent on God. We learn we can’t always do things in our own strength, but we can do all things through Christ, who strengthens us.

That reminds me of one of my favorite Scriptures, which is also from this chapter, Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” This verse has given me strength from time to time in my life. I have quoted this Scripture over and over during difficult times and it helped me to get through some of the battles of life.

Another one of my favorite Scriptures is Philippians 4:19: “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus” I remember claiming this verse when I lost my job. I was concerned about the future and it comforted me and soothed my spirit. It reminded me that I could trust God to supply all of my needs. When we know that we can trust God we can be content.

The writer of the book of Hebrews, which some believe may have been the Apostle Paul as well, reminds us not to be greedy or covet things we don’t have, but to be content with what we have. In Hebrews 13:5-6, he says, ”Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.”

Things to think about:

In what ways do you depend on God to meet your needs?
In what ways do you lean on God for strength?
In what ways have you become content in Christ?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

We thank You for this Scripture that reminds us to be content. We see that Paul learned to be content with his life no matter the circumstances. Help us to be content in Christ. Paul was thankful for the Philippians and their contribution to his ministry. Help us to be thankful for the people You bring into our lives to help support us and lift us up to You in prayer. Paul trusted You to supply all of his needs. Help us to have the same kind of faith and trust in You as Paul did. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Bible Verse for Journaling and Memorization:

Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.

– Philippians 4:11

Have you read: The Book of Philippians: Paul’s Letter to Philippi

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About the Book:

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

The Book of Philippians: Paul’s Letter to Philippi

Daily Bible Reading “Be Like-minded” (Philippians 2:2)

Posted on March 28, 2022 by Deborah H. Bateman

Be Likeminded

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Philippians 2.

“Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind” (Philippians 2:2).

In Philippians 2 Paul talks to the church of Philippi about being like-minded. What does it mean to be like-minded?

Some of the phrases that might be the same as to be like-minded are:

Be in unison
Be in harmony
Be compatible
Be of one mind
Be in one accord
Be in agreement with one another
Have a singleness of mind and purpose
Be joined together
Have a singleness of heart
Be one in spirit and mind
Share the same feelings
Be on the same wave length
Focus on the same goal
Unite in spirit
Be intent on one purpose

In this Scripture Paul explains to the people how important it is for them to be united as one body in Christ. He reminds them of the humility of Jesus, who took on the body of a man and was crucified on the cross for our sins. He encourages them to let the mind of Christ be in them.

He tells them to do all things without grumbling and arguing so that we might be lights in the midst of this dark and perverse world. If we don’t shine our lights in the darkness, who will?

Jesus reminded us of this in Matthew 5:16 when He said, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”

The enemy will do everything he can to try to destroy the body of Christ by trying to divide and conquer us. He will to ruin our testimony by having us bicker and argue or disagree. He will use anything he can to get our minds and focus off of what we should be doing and cause division among believers. He knows he can discourage us by causing us to have disagreements with one another.

I don’t like arguing and fussing with people. There are some subjects that are best left alone. Some things can be a touchy subject for a lot of people, especially religion and politics. I don’t try to force my opinion about either one on other people.

Even though I write and teach about the Bible, I know not everybody is going to agree wholeheartedly with me. I realize that some things are personal and everybody has to make their own decisions about them. I can tell them what I believe and what the Bible says, but in the end it is up to them to decide what they want to believe.

We all have our own opinions about some things and everybody is entitled to their opinion. Why can’t we agree to disagree with one another? We should not feel intimidated by other people because we happen not to agree with them. But, some people will try to make you feel ignorant if you don’t agree with them, like their opinion is the only one that matters.

Even God, when He created us gave us a free will, the right to make our own choices. Some people try to cause division. We especially need to be on guard against this in the church and even in our own families. The enemy will take the smallest things and blow them out of proportion in order to cause strife and division among us.

If I have questions about certain things I try to discuss it or talk it over with my husband or daughters in private. I know that even if we disagree they won’t stop loving me because we have a different opinion. The best thing we can do, as believers, is pray and ask God to show us the right thing to do.

Jesus warned us in John 10:10, “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.”

Do we want to live, as believers, letting the enemy rob us of our joy, peace, and unity with one another, or do we want to live the abundant life that Jesus died to give us? Let’s strive to be like-minded and live in one accord with one another. After all, if we are basing our opinions on the Bible we should all be of the same mind.

Daily Bible Reading:

Philippians 2:1-16

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.

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.

Things to think about:

How does this Scripture say that we, as believers, should treat one another?
What does it mean to be like-minded?
What does it mean to be in one accord?
How should we act?
After reading this Scripture, is there any area you need to repent of or ask God for help?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank you for this Scripture where Paul reminds us to be likeminded and live in one accord with one another. Help us to strive to do so. Forgive us of the times that we have not been in unity with our brothers and sisters in Christ. Help us not to let little things cause division among us and keep us from doing what we are supposed to be doing for You. Forgive us, LORD and help us to be what You would have us to be. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Bible Verse for Journaling of Memorization:

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

– Philippians 2:2

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PS. Thank you for coming to DeborahHBateman.com to study the Bible with us. Come back again tomorrow. Please invite your friends and family to join us for Bible Study.

Featured Book:

by Deborah H. Bateman

About the Book:

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
at: http://DeborahHBateman.com/subscribe

Have a blessed day,

Deborah

The Book of Philippians: Paul’s Letter to Philippi

Daily Bible Reading “Think on These Things” (Philippians 4:8)

Posted on January 2, 2018 by Deborah H. Bateman

Think on These Things

Do you ever have trouble with thinking negative thoughts? I guess we all do from time to time. Some of us may have more trouble with this than others. When we focus on the negative things that are going on in our lives it can bring us down.

In Philippians 4:8 Paul tells the Philippians to think on things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of good report, virtuous, and praise worthy.

This is good advice for us today. It is hard to be negative and have a bad attitude if we are spending our time praying, praising God for His blessings, and thinking on good things.

This is a good Scripture for us to keep close to our hearts and mind to remind us of what we should be thinking about daily. If you have negative thoughts come into your mind, remember this Scripture, quote it to yourself and go through the list of what Paul says we should think about, if it doesn’t measure up, then cast those thoughts aside. This will help you to train yourself to think about good things rather than focusing on negative things.

Daily Bible Reading:

Philippians 4:8

8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Things to think about:

Do you have trouble keeping a positive attitude?
What do you do when you start thinking negatively?
How can we retrain our brain to think good thoughts?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for this Scripture where Paul reminds the Philippians to think about good things. Help us to use this as our guide. Help us not to have a negative attitude. Help us to be grateful to You for all Your many blessings. Keep a guard over our hearts and minds. Don’t let the enemy use our thoughts to discourage us. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Bible Verse to Journal or Memorize:

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. – Philippians 4:8

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PS. Thank you for coming to DeborahHBateman.com to study the Bible with us. Come back again tomorrow. Please invite your friends and family to join us for Bible Study.

Featured Book:

by Deborah H. Bateman

About the Book:

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.

For those of you interested in Bible journaling 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.

Go to: Amazon

Get your copy now!

Subscribe to Deborah H. Bateman to receive
Daily Bible Reading Lessons in your inbox
at: http://DeborahHBateman.com/subscribe

Have a blessed day,

Deborah

I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 3:14

Daily Bible Reading “The High Calling of God” (Philippians 3:12-21)

Posted on January 1, 2018 by Deborah H. Bateman

The High Calling of God

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Philippians 3:12-21. I thought this would be a good lesson for us to consider on New Year’s Day as we plan and look forward to the coming year. We see in this Scripture where Paul shows his humility by saying that it isn’t as though he had already attained. What does Paul mean by that statement? Paul didn’t think of himself as being better than others or as having arrived. He knew he wasn’t perfect and he would never be perfect in this life. He was forgiven because of his salvation, but he was still striving to be what God would have him be. We’re all a work in progress. No matter how long you’ve been a Christian, there is still work to be done.

Paul says he forgets the things that are behind him and reaches forward to the things that are before him. Paul states, “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” That is good advice for all of us. We can’t change what is behind us by worrying about it. We only have a chance to make the future better by living in the present moment and doing God’s will now. Paul knew he had a call on his life from God. He wanted to do whatever God wanted him to do.

Paul exhorts the mature Christians to have this same thought process. He wanted them to be like-minded. Paul urged them to walk in unity. Paul tells them that if they don’t have this same mindset then it is up to God. He will deal with them to change their minds. Paul wasn’t depending on himself to make them see the truth.

Paul set the example by following Christ. Even though Paul wasn’t perfect, which none of us are, he was a good example for the Philippians to follow. Paul also tells them to look at other leaders in their midst who set good examples and follow them.

Paul warns them again that there are those who are enemies of the cross of Christ. These people are bound for destruction. They’re only concerned about earthly things. Their only concern was to please themselves. Don’t let them lead you down the wrong path. Paul didn’t want these people to divide the believers.

As Christians our citizenship is in heaven. Our conversation should be about heaven. Our focus is on our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Only He can take these sinful bodies that we live in and change them into glorious heavenly bodies like His. This is only possible because God is omnipotent. Only He could cause this transformation.

Daily Bible Reading:

Philippians 3:12-21

12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.

13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,

14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

15 Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.

16 Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing.

17 Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.

18 (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:

19 Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.)

20 For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:

21 Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue.

Things to think about:

What did Paul mean when he said he hadn’t attained?

Of what did Paul warn the Philippians?

How can we press forward with Christ?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

We thank You for this Scripture in the book of Philippians. We see that even Paul Knew he hadn’t arrived. He was still striving to be and do what You wanted of him. Help us to realize that we still haven’t arrived either. You are still working on all of us to transform us into new creatures in Christ. Help us to be on guard against those who would mislead us, just as Paul warned the Philippians. Thank You that You have the power to change these old sinful bodies of ours into new heavenly bodies. We love You, Lord. Amen.

Bible Verse to Journal or Memorize:

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Featured Book:

The Book of Philippians: Paul’s Letter to Philippi

by Deborah H. Bateman

About the Book:

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
at: http://DeborahHBateman.com/subscribe

Wishing you a happy and prosperous New Year!

Have a blessed day,

Deborah