This week we will be studying Philippians 4:10-23.
Sometimes we think that just by reading something once, that we will catch the gist of it. While that might be true, we usually just get the gist of the gist. I have found that before I really understand anything significant, I need to read it at least three times. So, for the sake of being thorough, try the following.
- First, read the passage through.
- Next, pray that God might give you insight and read it again.
- Finally, pray again that as you read it a third time that you might gain more insight than the first two times.
- Was there anything that you missed the first time through that you caught on either the second or third time through?
- What do you think the actual “gist” of this passage is?
- Were there any words that jumped out to you or caused you to wonder about their place here?
- Take the commonly referred to line “I can do all things” – How do you interpret that line within the context of what Paul is saying?
- Imagine you are receiving this letter from Paul, what are you getting out of it?
Close with a time of prayer. Ask God for the strength to do all things.
By Dan Bender