Philippians Step #1:The Whole Book
Week 1: The four A's (with memorization tips)
Welcome to week one of studying Philippians!
For a full description of the foundations and full method see: Introduction to Life Transformation Groups
This week, we will read through the entire book of Philippians at least once.
Ideally, you will read through it in one sitting—it’s short enough that you should be able to carve out the time needed. Even more ideal, is to read it more than once throughout this week. Familiarize yourself with the book as a whole. Remember, it’s important to understand the bigger picture before examining the details.
Tip: Try reading from a couple of different trusted versions, such as the ESV, CSB, and NKJV if you have access to them. This can expand our understanding.
Listening to an audio version can also be helpful, and it’s okay to use this when time is an issue. There is value in both hearing and reading! Just put it in.
This is also the time to:
Write down any questions that came to mind as you read
Make a note of any words you don’t understand or would like to understand more deeply
Perhaps jot down anything you notice regarding things that are:
Emphasized
Repeated
Related
Reminder: Filter your study through the lens of the 5 P’s: Purpose, Perspective, Patience, Process, and Prayer
Once you’ve got a feel for the overall book, it’s time to write your first General Statement (or paraphrase, summary, etc.—however you need to think of it!). 1
▲ I think this book is about_____
This can be one sentence or several paragraphs—you get to decide based on the time you have. (You may start small and build up to adding more as you gain experience and ability. It’s like building a muscle!)
Example:
After that, it’s time to check your study-bible notes, break out your reference materials, or simply get your Google fingers ready! 😉 It’s time to establish the 4 A’s:
Authorship: Who wrote it? When?
Audience: Who were the original readers?
(Remember, we want to understand it first through the lens of the original readers at that time and place before seeing how it applies to us now in this time and place)
Architecture: What genre is it? What structure is used?
7 types of literary genres: Old Testament narrative (law & History), poetry, Old Testament Wisdom, Old Testament prophets, New Testament narrative, letters, and apocalyptic
Keep in mind that a book may fall into more than one category: For example, Ezekiel is prophetic and narrative–even apocalyptic.
Aim (purpose): Why was the book written?
↓ Verses for the Philippians Scripture Memory Challenge:
4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness[d] be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned[e] and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
Philippians 4:4-9
Please note, this is a challenge, not a requirement or mandate. I guarantee you will benefit from participating in the challenge, as hiding God’s Word in our hearts will never return void, but if it is something that would keep you from participating in the rest, you can add it down the road. A word of encouragement: Some is better than none.
Why memorize scripture?
If we want our hearts and minds to be transformed, we must saturate ourselves with His Word.
Colossians 3:16 tells us to “let the Word of Christ dwell in us richly.”
Deuteronomy 11:18 says, “Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads.”
John 15:7 says, “If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.”
How do we let the word dwell in us? How do his words abide in us? How do we bind them on our hands and hearts? We learn to love it and put it in more than anything else. We fill up on His Word, consuming it continually, letting it nourish our souls.
And we memorize it.
As we memorize, we repeat the truth over and over.
This is literally transforming our thinking and searing His Words into our minds and hearts. It changes us and becomes a part of who we are.
Memorization Tips:
Write out the verses on a notecard and keep it with your phone. Whenever you find yourself reaching for your phone, spend a few minutes working on the verses.
Keep the verses posted where you will see them often—for example, near your kitchen sink, on your bathroom mirror, etc. It’s amazing how much you can accomplish while brushing your teeth 😉
Some people also print out the verses, slide them into a Ziplock bag, and post them on the shower wall to work on when showering. Whatever it takes! Get creative—and please share your tips with the rest of us in the comments!
Listen to this podcast if you have time to go deeper (I highly recommend it!): Scripture Memory 101 (full transcript is also available to read), and this post is a wealth of tips and resources for Scripture Memorization.
Accountability questions to consider:
Did my words this week contain more complaining or thanksgiving?
How can I be more aware and intentional of my heart posture and word choices?
A Prayer:
Father,
As we begin this journey of studying Philippians, I pray that you will open our spiritual eyes to see the wonderful things you have revealed in your Word. Please help us make space in our days to study your Word; help us to treasure and guard our time with you. May it go deep into our hearts, may it transform our lives, and above all, help us to love you more and see you for who you are. Remove any veil from our eyes so that we may see you clearly. I ask that we will be receptive to your Spirit as you guide us into all truth. We give you all honor, glory, and praise!
In Jesus’ name,
Amen
Blessings🤍
Bible Study Steps: Credit to Glenna Marshall from her book Everyday Faithfulness