Philippians Overview: Week One

Hello lovely Ladies! Welcome to week one!

Before diving into this week's study I would like to start off with one of my favorite Puritan Prayers called the Valley of Vision.

Lord, high and holy, meek and lowly,

Thou hast brought me to the valley of vision, where I live in the depths but see thee in the heights; hemmed in by mountains of sin I behold thy glory. Let me learn by paradox that the way down is up, that to be low is to be high, that the broken heart is the healed heart,

that the contrite spirit is the rejoicing spirit, that the repenting soul is the victorious soul,

that to have nothing is to possess all, that to bear the cross is to wear the crown,

 that to give is to receive, that the valley is the place of vision.

Lord, in the daytime stars can be seen from deepest wells,

and the deeper the wells the brighter thy stars shine;

 Let me find thy light in my darkness, thy life in my death, thy joy in my sorrow,

thy grace in my sin, thy riches in my poverty, thy glory in my valley.

The Valley of Vision, 1975  

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Here is the attachment for you to download and/or print of this weeks information and assignments:
Philippians Study Mo.1 Wk.1

Week one focuses on a brief introduction to the book of Philippians and therefore has a little more reading than we will have normally. The main purpose of this week is to provide history and context, and a general understanding of the themes that occur throughout this epistle.

Our memory verse of the month is Philippians 1:6 which says:

"And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ."

You'll see in the assignments that I encourage you to read through the book of Philippians in one sitting (and ideally a couple times in the week). I *promise* this is the most reading I'll suggest in a week and it is because doing so helps you get a good idea of the purpose of Paul's letter to the Philippians so that you can better understand specific verses in light of the entire message.

This weeks discussion question (to be posted in the comments, if you wish to participate) is:

    From your reading this week, what particular message or theme stood out to you that you feel women in the church today need to hear the most?

As we start this study please know that we are continuing to pray for you. If you have trouble with the link please let me know and I can email you the document directly. I can also print copies and bring them to church on Sunday if you would like a printed copy but do not have access to a printer.

Anchored in Christ,

Megan