Joy: A Study of Philippians: A Study of Philippians

by Deb Burma

This eight-session women's Bible study features an in-depth study of the book of Philippians, focusing on the book's four themes of joy, humility, confidence, and contentment

Ample materials are provided to make the sessions flexible for personal or group use and to accommodate changing schedules and individual needs. Targeted study, discussion and reflection questions, and life-application challenges guide you in your exploration of Joy.

Genres: Nonfiction

216 pages, Paperback

Published March 19, 2020

About the author

With infectious warmth and wit, Deb Burma speaks with authenticity and passion. Faithful to God‘s Word, she shares His extravagant grace in Christ as she touches the hearts of women, meeting them in the moments of their everyday lives. (Visit Deb at her website, Extravagant Grace: www.debburma.com.)

Author of bestsellers, JOY: A Study of Philippians, and Living a Chocolate Life, Deb has penned an assortment of Christian-living books, Bible studies, retreat kits, and devotionals, including Be Still & Know, Leaning on Jesus, and her latest 2024 release, Immeasurably More: 100 Devotions on God's Extravagant Grace, all published by Concordia Publishing House (CPH). Her work has appeared in several periodicals, including Today's Christian Living.

Deb earned a degree in Economics and Finance, then followed the Lord’s lead to direct women’s and family ministries while raising a family and pursuing additional training in writing, speaking, and theology under the direction of noted authors, editors, and theologians.

Deb has spoken at national and regional conferences across the country, as well as retreats and ministry events. She has led workshops and sectionals for the Best Practices for Ministry (BPM) Conferences, the Women’s Leadership Institute’s National Conferences, and more. Her ministry travels have taken her to 30+ states and Canada, aboard a Caribbean cruise ship, and continue to lead her down the street to her home church.

Raised on a ranch in South Dakota, Deb and her family shared adventures residing in five different states before calling Nebraska home. Deb is a follower of Jesus, a pastor's wife, and the proud mother of three amazing young adults. She's a blogger, a women's ministry leader, and a self-proclaimed coffee/chocolate connoisseur. (She never travels without chocolate in one hand and a flavored hot latte in the other!) Above all, Deb is a grace-filled woman of God.

Reviews

[Elisabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Bible study is so rich with truth, that I can't help but smile! I love that Burma unpacks Philippians in small chunks, allowing readers to really dig into the Word while keeping each snippet in context of the whole book. Focused on Christ, and the JOY we have in Him, this study format works well for both individual and group study. She provides tons of extra context and information throughout the margins of the entire study, engaging individuals no matter their comfort level with studying Scripture. By the end of the study, participants will see both of the JOY they have in Christ, and the joy in everyday life. Combining Biblical context, a verse-by-verse study of Philippians, and practical applications in our lives today, JOY is a study that people of all age ranges and walks of life will relate to and benefit from.

[Eden Keefe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whether you are looking for a personal study or a group study, I highly recommend Joy: A Study of Philippians. It has much to offer - a personal style of writing, in-depth Scripture study, insightful questions, real-life application, and ways to respond on social media (JOY snapshots) or in personal journaling. Deb Burma will - through Paul's Letter to the Philippians - unpack the joy found in Christ and guide the reader to recognize it in everyday living.

[Elizabeth]

My favorite study by Deb!

[Michelle Diercks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have fallen in love with this Bible Study on Joy. Whether you have studied Philippians many times or maybe you have only thought about it; this book is for you.

Deb has taken each verse and unwrapped it just for you. As you go through the study, God will meet you in each moment. He will fill you with His peace and His joy.

This Bible Study is a gift!

[Ruth Meyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is with mixed feelings that I come to the end of this eight-week Bible study. I have so enjoyed the sessions and the insights I have gained throughout this study, but I am sad to see it come to an end now! Philippians is my favorite book of the Bible, and I appreciate how Deb works through the text slowly, focusing on two or three verses a day. This allows the reader to reflect on those few verses and think about them throughout the day. But at the same time, she puts each text in the context of the surrounding verses. This is suitable for personal or group study, deep enough to get something out of each session, but not too heavy. I can work through each lesson in about 15 minutes. My only slight criticism is in regards to the layout. There is not nearly enough space for me to write my answers under the questions. If you’re the type of person who likes to write out answers in the book itself, consider doing these answers in a separate notebook instead. I found my answers spilling over into the margins many times. Still, the Bible study itself is one of the best I’ve done. If you’re looking for a good Bible study, I highly recommend this one!

[Rebecca Jank Limmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This study, using everyday language, makes it easier to connect to what can be everyday JOY (even in hard times), by helping me relate Paul's letter to Philippians into my everyday faith life. I love the easy-to-relate-stories, the homework I can work through in reasonable time (which includes questions, fill in the blanks and self-reflection invitations), the joyful challenges for each day, the special delivery extra info in the margins, and the "answers" available to me in the back if I want something spelled out. I'm enjoying doing it on my own, but it's also set up for a group study, with a group page at the end of chapters, to promote community sharing and encouragement. I hope to also use it this way soon! I can already see it changing my perspective and focus to be where Christ wants it to be, to a place of delight, peace, and thankfulness, as well as a place of hope, encouragement and perseverance.

[Paulette Huber · Rating 5 out of 5]

This wonderful Bible Study based on Philippians promises much more than a “happy happy joy” feeling. (Although, our emotions are also God’s gifts...even some joy dancing too?!”) But Deb Burma encourages us to draw from that deep, abiding “joy of the Lord as our strength” in all situations of life, even in our conflicts and sorrows. We are reminded that in Christ we HAVE joy because our salvation is the root of all joy and joy is a fruit of the spirit. I appreciate her research of historical facts and the occasional Greek and Hebrew text to add depth, meaning, and sound doctrine. Each week you may study and explore personally or as a group and be reminded how joy in Christ is part of our whole Christian life!

[Colleen · Rating 2 out of 5]

This devotional came with high reviews, but I thought it was shallow and didn't go deep enough into the material. Each days lesson took only a short time.

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

God’s timing is perfect, but Deb Burma’s is also pretty amazing. I found each daily study to be a peaceful 20-30 minute read, complete with scripture “proof” references, gentle encouragement, personal anecdotes, and prayer starters to enrich my daily walk with my Savior Jesus in exactly the ways He intended. Thank you, Deb, for a joy-filled study!! (TRUE joy, not the fluffy, fickle, fading version the world gives.) I appreciated her insightful study notes throughout the entire book, and sample answers included at the end! Though meant to be completed in 40 days, I took about 60. You can go at any pace that suits you!!

[D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely perfect book for those seeking JOY on a daily basis! I have both read this book personally and also did it as a Bible study with a group of women (about 15-20). Every single week, women raved about how this book is exactly what they needed! This book walks through Philippians and the Apostle Paul's inspired words on JOY. (Paul was in a very difficult spot, much like how we often feel & especially during a stressful year.) Deb also weaves in personal stories and respected commentaries about the texts. Great questions for thinking deeper, personal application, and group discussions.

[Molly Dixon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This study has been exactly what I needed in my life. Deb points us to the Word of God and uses Paul as an example of how through any circumstance life may throw at us, we can still live in Joy when we live as God's children. She gives many examples on how Paul did it, and also gives us little Joy challenges on how we, too, can live and lead a Joy-filled life in Christ.

[Alison · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an insightful book! One you look forward to reading. She helps you to dive deep into the Word learning all about how to find Joy. I truly enjoyed this book and learned a lot more about myself in the process.

[Janet · Rating 3 out of 5]

Started out strong but seemed to fade. It turned into a typical verse Bible study more than a topic-focused study and some of her claims are contrary to what I've previously studied and read from several scholars. I was disappointed overall.

[Elizabeth Knaus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed reading this with a group of ladies as a Bible study via Zoom and found truth-filled, uplifting, creative approach with good discussion topics.

[Ami Loper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who couldn’t use more “Joy” in their lives?

The Bible Study I recently led at our church was based on the book, “Joy,” by Deb Burma and was a deep dive into the book of Philippians.

We all thoroughly enjoyed the in-depth insights into Paul’s life and the context for his writing such a power-packed book that brought us back and back again to our need for JOY and our ability to find it even in challenging circumstances.

This book was also packed with practicality as it gave us numerous ideas for, not only finding JOY in our lives, but letting that JOY splash out onto those around us.

We also watched the brief (approximately 5 minute) videos that companioned each week’s study. Deb’s genuineness and like-ability made her feel like a real friend by the end of our journey together.

Although it’s clear Deb’s target audience is women, I’d highly recommend this study if you are planning a Bible study and are seeing the need for more JOY!

[Sheryl VerWey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful in-depth study of the book of Philippians. Deb helps the reader find true joy that Paul expresses to his readers in Phillips even while facing an uncertain future. The wonderful Joyful challenges are a bonus.

[Mira Prater · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not good. No one in my bible study finished it. Blah.

[Tena Mae Holmgren · Rating 3 out of 5]

The study itself was good. I just needed more direct connections between the philippians chapter to the study. It felt like it glazed over the surface and dove deep very randomly.

[Nancy Pretty · Rating 5 out of 5]

JOY!!!! Doing this Bible study with sisters and niece. What a great promise our Good Lord gives! Find joy in every thing...especially your struggles

[Debra Hofland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the deep dive into the book of Philippians! The sidebars on almost every page add depth to the text and explain vocabulary of less-familiar words. Burma's stories were a friendly aspect that made the lessons come alive.

If you are a women's Bible study leader, this book is GREAT in all respects but it is. LOT to cover in a once&weekly meeting format, unless you have longer time for class (my class had about 1 1/4 hrs & part of that is settling in). My recommendation would be to (1) pick n choose which weekday part (verses from Philippians) of the week's readings/lessons to cover, then go in-depth on that day's lesson OR (2) turn this into a class that meets weekly & covers the whole thing but over 16 sessions & split the 8 chapters into two parts.

You will never be sorry you worked thru this book.