Posts that reference the book of Philippians

STT: The Journaling Method

Journaling Method title graphic featuring a woman's hand ready to write in a journal

When David wrote many of the Psalms, he wasn’t just recording theological truths—he was documenting his personal journey with God. “I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your wonders of old” (Psalm 77:11). Scripture itself contains many examples of spiritual journaling.

The Journaling Method combines Bible study with personal reflection, creating a written record of your spiritual insights, questions, and growth. This approach helps you process Scripture more deeply and track your spiritual journey over time.

1. Choose a Format

Select a journaling approach that works for you:

Verse mapping (write out a verse and surround it with observations)
SOAP method (Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer)
H.E.A.R. method (Highlight, Explain, Apply, Respond)
Two-column method (Scripture on left, personal reflections on right)
Free-form reflection (less structured, more conversational)

The format matters less than the consistent practice of engaging with Scripture in writing.

2. Record Your Observations

Write down what you notice in the text:

Key words or phrases that stand out to you
Questions that arise as you read
Cross-references to other passages
Historical or cultural insights
Initial thoughts about meaning

For example, when journaling about Matthew 6:25-34, you might note how Jesus uses natural examples (birds, lilies) to illustrate God’s care, or how worry is connected to faith.

3. Document Personal Application

Move from observation to personal response:

How this passage challenges your thinking
Areas where you need to grow or change
Specific actions you feel led to take
Prayers inspired by the text
Emotions or struggles the passage triggers

4. Review and Reflect

Periodically revisit your journal entries:

Notice patterns in what God is teaching you
Track your spiritual growth over time
See how God has answered prayers
Identify recurring struggles or questions
Remember God’s faithfulness in difficult seasons

For your next study session: Choose Psalm 23 or Philippians 4:4-8 (or another passage) for a journaling exercise. Read it slowly, then write your personal reflections on each verse. Note connections to your own life experiences. Record questions that arise. Write a prayer response. Date your entry so you can return to it later and see how your understanding has deepened.

What passage might you explore through journaling this week?

STT: Book Study Method

By Paula Wiseman Leave a Comment

Book Study Method title graphic featuring a marked open Bible with a pink pen

When Paul wrote to Timothy, he didn’t just send isolated verses—he sent entire letters meant to be read as complete units (2 Timothy 3:16-17). While verse-by-verse study is valuable, studying entire books using a book study method provides context and reveals the author’s complete message.

The Book Study Method helps you grasp the big picture of Scripture by examining entire biblical books as cohesive units with specific purposes, themes, and structures.

1. Survey the Book

Begin with a broad overview:

Read the entire book in one sitting (for shorter books)
Note the author, recipients, and historical setting
Identify the book’s literary genre (history, poetry, epistle, etc.)
Look for natural divisions or major sections
Spot recurring words, phrases, or themes

For example, reading through Philippians in one sitting (only 4 chapters) reveals joy as a dominant theme, appearing in various forms at least 16 times despite Paul writing from prison.

2. Create a Book Chart

Visualize the book’s structure:

Divide the book into major sections
Give each section a descriptive title
Note key verses for each section
Identify the main theme of each chapter
Draw connections between sections

A simple chart of 1 Peter might show how Peter moves from our identity in Christ (ch. 1-2) to how that identity shapes our relationships (ch. 2-3) to how we handle suffering (ch. 4-5).

3. Analyze the Purpose

Determine why the book was written:

Look for explicit purpose statements (John 20:31, 1 John 5:13)
Consider the historical context and needs of the original audience
Note problems or issues the author addresses
Identify the central message or argument

Galatians clearly addresses the problem of people adding works to faith for salvation, with Paul’s purpose being to defend the gospel of grace alone through faith alone.

4. Study Individual Sections

After understanding the whole, examine the parts:

Study chapters in light of the book’s overall purpose
See how each section contributes to the main message
Connect individual verses to their surrounding context
Notice how themes develop throughout the book

For your next study session: Choose the book of James for a book study. Read it entirely in one sitting (5 chapters). Create a simple chart showing the major sections. Identify recurring themes (wisdom, speech, faith and works, trials). Consider how each chapter contributes to James’ overall message about practical, lived-out faith.

What biblical book might you explore using this comprehensive book study method?

STT: The Topical Method

By Paula Wiseman Leave a Comment

The Topical Method title graphic featuring printers letters in a wood holder

When the disciples asked Jesus about the end times, He responded with an extensive teaching that connected multiple Old Testament prophecies into a cohesive picture (Matthew 24-25). This demonstrates the value of studying topics that span across Scripture rather than isolated passages.

The Topical Study Method allows you to trace important themes, doctrines, and concepts throughout the Bible, seeing how they develop and connect across different authors, time periods, and contexts.

1. Select a Focused Topic

Choose a specific topic to explore:

Theological concepts (grace, faith, redemption)
Character traits (patience, wisdom, courage)
Relationships (marriage, friendship, church)
Practical issues (money, work, speech)

The more focused your topic, the more manageable your study will be. For instance, rather than studying “prayer” (too broad), you might focus on “persistence in prayer” or “prayers of thanksgiving.”

2. Gather Relevant Passages

Collect verses related to your topic:

Use a concordance or Bible search tool to find key words
Look for synonyms and related concepts
Include both direct references and illustrative stories
Note passages from different biblical genres and authors

For example, a study on “joy” would include direct teachings (James 1:2-4), commands (Philippians 4:4), narratives (Acts 16:25), and poetic expressions (Psalm 30:5).

3. Organize Your Findings

Arrange passages to reveal patterns and progression:

Chronologically (how the concept developed over time)
By biblical author (how different writers approached it)
By aspect or subtopic (different dimensions of the theme)
From Old Testament to New Testament (covenant progression)

When studying “God’s faithfulness,” you might organize passages showing His faithfulness to individuals (Abraham, David), to Israel as a nation, and ultimately to all believers through Christ.

4. Synthesize Your Insights

Look for the big picture that emerges:

What consistent truths appear across Scripture?
How does the New Testament fulfill or expand Old Testament concepts?
What balanced perspective emerges from considering all passages?
How does this topic connect to the overall biblical narrative?

For your next study session: Choose “the heart” as your topic. Gather verses about the heart from different parts of Scripture (Proverbs 4:23, Ezekiel 36:26, Matthew 5:8, Romans 10:10). Notice how the Bible consistently portrays the heart as the center of our thoughts, emotions, and will—not just our feelings. Consider how this biblical understanding differs from our modern concept of “following your heart.”

What topic might you explore using this method to gain a more complete biblical understanding?

Standing Firm

By Paula Wiseman

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.” Matthew 7:24-25

Throughout this series, we’ve explored Jesus’ parable of the two builders—examining what it means to truly hear God’s Word, put it into practice, and withstand life’s inevitable storms. Today, we focus on the outcome Jesus promises to those who build wisely: “yet it did not fall.” This simple phrase contains a profound truth about the enduring nature of a life built on Christ’s teachings. While the foolish builder’s house “fell with a great crash,” the wise builder’s house remained standing—a testament to the lasting value of obedience to God’s Word.

The Greek word Jesus uses for “fall” (piptō) conveys more than just minor damage or temporary setback—it describes complete collapse or ruin. The promise isn’t that a life built on Christ will never experience difficulty or damage, but that it won’t ultimately collapse under pressure. There’s a fundamental integrity that remains even when everything else seems to be giving way. This “standing firm” represents both a present reality and an eternal promise—stability in this life and security in the life to come.

What does it mean to “stand firm” in biblical terms?

Throughout Scripture, this concept appears repeatedly as a mark of spiritual maturity and faithfulness. Paul urges believers to “stand firm in the faith” (1 Corinthians 16:13), to “stand firm in one spirit” (Philippians 1:27), and to “stand firm in the Lord” (Philippians 4:1). Peter encourages his readers to “stand firm” against the devil’s schemes (1 Peter 5:9). This standing represents active resistance against forces that would otherwise sweep us away.

Standing firm doesn’t mean rigidity or inflexibility. The wise builder’s house withstands storms not because it’s immovable but because it’s properly anchored. Like a tree with deep roots that can bend in strong winds without breaking, a life built on Christ’s teachings has both stability and adaptability. It can face changing circumstances, unexpected challenges, and cultural shifts without losing its essential character and purpose.

Perhaps most significantly, a life that stands firm leaves a legacy that extends beyond itself. Just as ancient structures built on proper foundations continue to stand centuries after their builders have passed away, lives built on Christ’s teachings continue to influence and inspire long after our earthly journey ends. Our children, grandchildren, friends, colleagues, and communities are all impacted by the witness of a life that remains standing when others collapse under pressure.

How do we build lives that stand firm and leave a lasting legacy?

Focus on character over accomplishments. While achievements may impress in the short term, character endures. Invest in developing godly qualities—integrity, humility, faithfulness, generosity—that will stand the test of time and continue to influence others after specific accomplishments are forgotten.
Make decisions with eternity in mind. When facing choices, ask not just “What will benefit me now?” but “What will matter in eternity?” This eternal perspective helps prioritize what truly lasts—relationships, spiritual growth, kingdom impact—over temporary gains or comforts.
Document your faith journey. Consider keeping a spiritual journal, recording God’s faithfulness through various seasons and challenges. Such testimonies become powerful legacy tools that can encourage others—especially family members—long after you’re gone.
Invest in the next generation. Intentionally mentor younger believers, sharing not just information but life experience. Paul’s instruction to Timothy—”And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others” (2 Timothy 2:2)—describes this multi-generational impact.

The ultimate test of how firmly we’ve built will come not in this life but in the next. Jesus concludes His Sermon on the Mount with a sobering reminder that many who claim to know Him will discover they’ve built on sand rather than rock (Matthew 7:21-23). The final evaluation isn’t based on religious activities or correct terminology but on whether we’ve truly built our lives on obedience to Christ’s teachings.

As we conclude this series on building a life that lasts, let’s commit to being not just hearers of God’s Word but doers—not just admirers of Jesus but followers. Let’s build not for temporary comfort or appearance but for lasting impact. For when the final storm comes—whether through death or Christ’s return—only what’s built on the rock will remain standing. And in that standing, our lives will testify to the wisdom, power, and faithfulness of the Master Builder who designed us for eternity.

As we approach the Easter season, we’ll turn our attention next week to “The Path to the Cross,” exploring Jesus’ journey through Holy Week and what His sacrifice teaches us about our own path of discipleship.

STT: The Application Method

By Paula Wiseman

STT Application Method title graphic with a lit bulb and the cord plugged into the wall outlet

After Jesus finished His Sermon on the Mount, He concluded with a powerful illustration: “Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock” (Matthew 7:24). The ultimate purpose of Bible study isn’t knowledge accumulation—it’s life transformation.

Application bridges the gap between the text and modern life. It moves us from understanding what the Bible means to experiencing how it changes us.

1. Identify Timeless Principles

Behind every specific command or historical situation lies a timeless truth:

Look for the underlying principle that transcends culture and time
Ask: “What does this passage reveal about God’s character or priorities?”
Consider how this principle appears in other parts of Scripture

For example, when Paul instructs women to cover their heads in worship (1 Corinthians 11), the timeless principle involves showing appropriate respect in worship according to cultural norms, not necessarily wearing specific headwear in all times and places.

2. Make It Personal

Move from general principles to specific application:

Replace general nouns with your name
Turn third-person statements into first-person commitments
Ask: “What would this look like in my life tomorrow?”

When reading Philippians 2:14 (“Do all things without grumbling or disputing”), personalize it: “Today, I will complete my work tasks without complaining, even when I face frustration.”

3. Be Specific and Measurable

Vague applications rarely lead to change:

Instead of “I’ll trust God more,” try “When I feel anxious about my job interview, I’ll pray Philippians 4:6-7”
Instead of “I’ll be more loving,” try “I’ll call my difficult neighbor this week and invite them for coffee”
Create concrete action steps with timeframes

4. Address All Dimensions

Scripture speaks to every aspect of our lives:

Beliefs: What truth should I embrace?
Actions: What behavior should I change?
Attitudes: What feeling or perspective should I adjust?
Relationships: How should I treat others differently?
Words: What should I say or not say?

For your next study session: Choose James 1:19-27 and identify at least one specific application in each dimension above. For example, under “Actions,” you might write: “I will set a timer for 5 minutes before responding to difficult emails to ensure I’m ‘slow to speak and slow to anger.'”

What passage might you practice applying to your life this week using these principles?

STT: Building Your Personal Bible Study Toolkit

By Paula Wiseman

STT: Building Personal Bible Study Toolkit title graphic with hand tools

Study Tip: Building Your Personal Bible Study Toolkit

When Jesus taught His disciples, He didn’t just give them answers—He equipped them with questions and methods to discover truth for themselves. “Search the Scriptures,” He said, “for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me” (John 5:39).

Effective Bible study isn’t about having someone else explain everything to you—it’s about developing skills to discover God’s truth for yourself. Here are some foundational techniques to include in your personal study toolkit. Today we’ll do an overview, then in the coming weeks, we’ll do a deeper dive into some different ways and approaches to incorporate into your Bible study.

1. The Question Method

Begin by asking basic questions of any passage:

Who wrote this and to whom?
What is the main point being made?
When and where did this take place?
Why was this written?
How does this apply to my life?

These simple questions open doors to deeper understanding without requiring advanced training.

2. The Word Study Approach

Choose a significant word in a passage and explore it:

Look up its original meaning (using a concordance or Bible dictionary)
Find other places it appears in Scripture
Notice how the meaning develops across different contexts

For example, tracing the word “love” through 1 Corinthians 13 reveals layers of meaning beyond our English understanding.

3. The Context Connection

Never read verses in isolation. Always:

Read the paragraphs before and after your passage
Consider the chapter’s overall message
Understand the book’s purpose and audience
Connect to the broader biblical narrative

Remember that Philippians 4:13 (“I can do all things…”) makes more sense when you see Paul was talking about contentment in various circumstances, not superhuman abilities.

4. The Personal Application

After understanding what the text meant to its original audience, ask:

What principle is illustrated here?
How does this reveal God’s character?
What might God be saying to me through this passage?
What specific action should I take in response?

For your first study session: Choose a shorter book like Philippians or James. Read it completely through in one sitting. Then go back and apply these four methods to one chapter. Notice how your understanding deepens with each approach.

What passage might you start with to practice these techniques?