Introduction to Philippians – Just the Facts Ma’am

Hi sweet women of the Word! How has your week been? Were you able to familiarize yourself with the wonder woven throughout this precious portion of the Word of God? Girls, I have to tell you, as I continually read through Paul’s letter to the church at Philippi, I felt like I could almost hear his heart. He loved that beautiful body of believers!

How ’bout you? What have you gleaned from your study this week? Were the layers you peeled back as sweet to you as they were to me? Oh friend, I wish we could just sit down over a cup of coffee and talk about our study together! My sweet friend, Kela posted her answers to our study in the comments sections! I would LOVE it if you’d be willing to do the same!

Now, I need to let you know we’re going to come across some very personal and reflective questions – so I realize you may not want to reveal those recesses of your heart for the world to see. But I want to invite you sweet girls to join the conversation of our community (as much as possible) in our study of the Word together!

Today we’re going to look at the key players in our narrative as well as our setting.

If you read through Acts 16, you saw a missionary’s dream come true as he reached his first convert and planted his first church in a new continent.

1. Based on your study this week, list the three missionaries that made their way across the European border into the Philippian town in Greece.

We tend to read through places we aren’t familiar with as if they’re just words on a page, not real places, with real people doing real life together. But that’s exactly what they are. Troas was a port town where fishing was most likely one of the its biggest sources of commerce. From there, the dynamic trio sailed across the Aegean Sea and made their way to Philippi.

2. Make a list of the towns mentioned in Acts 16.

3. Look at the list you just made and click on THIS LINK. It’s of one of the best sites I’ve found to take you on a tour of Paul’s 2nd missionary journey. You can click on each town and it will give you more information below the map. It’s an AMAZING informational site! Meander there. Explore the territory where the trio trod two thousand years ago.

4. Notice their trip took them right through Asia. Have you ever wondered why the Lord prohibited Paul from sharing the Gospel there?

5. When they entered Mysia, they then wanted to travel into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not let them do so. List some possible reasons why the Lord didn’t allow the missionary team to make their way into Asia or Bithynia. (Remember, all answers are only speculation).

6. Have you ever wanted to enter a ‘territory’ that you thought was the Lord’s will only to find out the Lord was closing that door?

There are times when we want to do something for the Lord, yet He says “No” to our anxious hearts. It’s easy to mistake the need for the call. Not every door is ours to walk through. We’re not always the one to do it; it’s not always the right time; others aren’t always ready for the message.

It’s not always easy to accept God’s “No’s” – especially when we think the need is so great, but like Paul, when we do, God uses us to do exceedingly abundantly above all we could ask or think.

This week we’ve walked the dusty trails of the Egnatia Way on our way to Philippi. We found that even Paul didn’t always get to do what was on his heart – oh no, sweet friend – he got to do more…he got to do so much more than he ever anticipated.

Today, the Lord may be calling you to obey His “No” before He will say “Yes” to your wildest dreams. This weekend, ask the Lord what He is saying “No” to and what He is saying “Yes” to – and then obey, sweet friend. You’ll be so glad you did when you find yourself kicking some dust up of your own!

I can’t wait until next week! We’re going to do some deep sea diving in the Word together and we are in for a treat! How could Philippians be anything less!

Oh, I need this study! And I’m so glad we’re in this together!

I also hope you’ll invite some of your friends to join our study of the power-packed Pauline epistle, Philippians! If you haven’t subscribed yet, you can click here to receive your Bible study in you inbox. Or click on the Google or Networkedblog links to receive it as a feed.

3 Comments

  1. Good stuff! Asking for the “no” is as hard as asking for the “yes”…at least for me. However, once we obey the NO from God, it's so much better. There is a relief that comes, ya know?

  2. Hi Donna ~ Thanks for popping in! You're so right – asking for the “no” is as hard as asking for the “yes.” I think it's actually harder for me.

    It's funny, but I was just thinking about you. How have you been doing?

  3. I've been busy…but good. Preparing for the Write2ignite writer's conference. MaryBeth Whalen is our keynote speaker this year. I hope you can come one day!

    Thank you for thinking of me. How are you?

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