Encouragement 

Philippians 1:3-11

Verses: 3-6     This letter is from Paul and Timothy - they are serving together in ministry.  Paul is in prison but Timothy is not.  It is possible that Timothy may be the one who is writing down what Paul is saying.  Paul is thanking the people for their support - how they have continued since day one to be faithful.  He prays for them daily and encourages them in their walk - that Jesus will continue to do a work in them until they see Him face to face.  We can have confidence in that very same thing. Jesus will continue to do a work in us for the rest of our lives.  He doesn’t quit halfway thru - He finishes what He starts.

Verses 7-11       As we go on, we see that Paul is continuing to encourage the Philippians - making mention that they have been with him in the good times and the bad.  They have shared his ministry and their love for each other is mutual.  He encourages them to continue doing what they have been doing - such as reading, studying and meditating on the Word.  It is only thru the Word that we will know what is excellent.  We will be able to discern what is of God and what isn’t.

Encouragement.  I want to encourage you to study the word.  And you don’t have to do it by yourselves.  Get a study partner.  You don’t have to be a bible scholar to do a bible study together.  If you don’t understand something, look it up.  There are many resources available online, as well as commentaries and bible dictionaries.  Many bibles have study notes that help explain things.  Read other versions of the bible to see how they word something - sometimes that is all that it takes to clear up what the passage is saying.  Last, but not least, let the Holy Spirit reveal things to you.  Practice meditating on the passage and then write down what you feel it means.  God wants us to grow in the knowledge of Him, so He is going to help us do just that.

 

So think about who you would like to do a bible study with - maybe your best friend, or maybe your mother or family member.  A bible is all you need, and I can probably say with confidence, that everyone probably owns a bible.  I encourage you to make this the year for growing.