Philippians Bible Study Guide plus Streaming Video: Embracing Joy

by Mark Batterson

The 40 Days Through the Book series has been designed to help believers more actively engage with God's Word. Each study encourages participants to read through one book in the New Testament at least once during the course of 40 days (approximately 6 weeks of meetings) and will provide them with (1) a clear understanding of the background and culture in which the book was written, (2) insights into key passages of Scripture, and (3) clear applications and takeaways from the particular book that participants can apply to their lives. Each study will be recorded in the author's place of residence and will highlight stories and applications that are relevant to his or her ministry in that area.

In 40 Days Through the Book: Philippians Study Guide (DVD/downloads sold separately), bestselling author and pastor Mark Batterson guides small-group members through Paul's letter to the believers in the city of Philippi, revealing what the apostle's words meant to his original readers . . . and how they apply to us today. Participants will be encouraged as they listen to Mark's teachings and, through the accompanying study guide, challenged to read the book of Philippians on their own during the forty days they spend together in the study.

Designed for use with the 40 Days Through the Book: Philippians Video Study (sold separately).

Genres: Christian

128 pages, Paperback

Published August 31, 2021

About the author

Mark Batterson is the lead pastor of National Community Church in Washington, DC. One church in seven locations, NCC owns and operates Ebenezers Coffeehouse, The Miracle Theatre, and the DC Dream Center. NCC is currently developing a city block into The Capital Turnaround. This 100,000-square-foot space will include an event venue, child development center, mixed-use marketplace, and co-working space. Mark holds a Doctor of Ministry degree from Regent University and is the New York Times best-selling author of seventeen books, including The Circle Maker, In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day, Wild Goose Chase, Play the Man, Whisper, and, most recently, Double Blessing. Mark and his wife, Lora, live on Capitol Hill with their three children: Parker, Summer, and Josiah.

Reviews

[Debbie · Rating 2 out of 5]

"Philippians" is a scripture guide on Philippians featuring 6 sessions and can be used for group or individual study. I think this would work best as an individual study from my past experience with what works well in group studies. Each session started with viewing a streaming video (about 20 minutes long) with about 6 discussion questions. You then have 7 days worth of guided meditation on the verses: you read a verse or two and think about what it means for your life (using the author's paragraph to guide you). Usually, you're also given a few journaling questions (which you answer in a notebook or journal) and prompts on what to pray about.

The book provided a way to access the streaming video associated with this book, but the viewing privilege's will expire (though they don't tell you when). The video mostly re-hashed what was already provided in the book with a few extra historical details or comments thrown in. I was disappointed with the focus of many of the meditation and journaling prompts: where are you failing and what efforts can you make to change this? Then there were a few odd ones, like "List Christians that you know and care about that need to grow in wisdom and insight as they follow Jesus?" Um, shouldn't we all want to grow in wisdom and insight? And then there's Day 17 where the author implies that the Holy Spirit leaks out of us or something so that we need to keep asking for a new filling with the Holy Spirit. I don't think this is biblical and my church certainly wouldn't teach it.

I received a review copy of this book from the publisher through Amazon Vine.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am still in the process of this 40 days Bible Study on the book of Philippians and can't say enough good things about it. My book came with a code entitling me to watch the six streaming videos for the study sessions. This really makes the study come alive for me. Mark Batterson is gifted and knowledgeable teacher who adds so much depth and history to the study. The study can be done alone or with a group, depending on your preference, your situation, and opportunity.

Very impressive! I look forward to doing more Bible studies in this series! I rate this Bible study 5 stars and highly recommend it.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Studied this with LikeGroup. We always enjoy Batterson’s teaching. Great study and great conversations ensued.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

An in depth study of Philippians and our call as Christians

[Derek Griffon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Awesome overall study. Wish it was a book but it was a good study for fuel as I preached through this recently.