Paul's relationship with God's people in the city of Philippi was forged through struggles, pain, public turmoil, and partnership in ministry. — Mark Batterson
Philippians: A Love Letter by Mark Batterson from session one, Philippians: Embracing Joy Welcome to Bible Study of the Week, where every Sunday we give you the free first sessions of video Bible studies from leading authors, pastors, and Bible teachers.
Mark Batterson is the lead pastor of National Community Church in Washington, DC and bestselling author of The Circle Maker.
In Philippians: Embracing Joy, he guides us 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.
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All throughout history, people have been writing love letters in an attempt to express the passions of their heart. But a few notable examples stand out above the rest. As a young military officer, Napoleon Bonaparte met Josephine in 1795 and fell in love with her.
He wrote letters to her while he was at war, though she rarely wrote back to him. In one of these notes, he stated, "A few days ago I thought I loved you; but since I last saw you, I feel I love you a thousand times more. All the time I have known you, I adore you more each day."
Ludwig van Beethoven was a famous German composer who works rank among the most performed in all of classic music. He first began writing music in 1802 and continued to compose works until his death in 1827 — even in spite of increasing deafness. Beethoven's passion rang out in his music, but as it turns out, he could be passionate in his words as well. After his death, an unsent love letter was found among his papers in which he expressed these sentiments: "My thoughts rush to you, my immortal beloved, now and then joyfully, then again sadly, waiting to know whether Fate will hear our prayer—to face life I must live altogether with you or never see you." The intended recipient of this letter remains a mystery.
But the most famous love letter of them all is found in the Bible. The book known simply as the "Song of Songs" is a passionate dialogue between a man and his beloved. In one section of the letter, the man uses this descriptive language to describe his beloved:
How beautiful you are, my darling! Oh, how beautiful! Your eyes behind your veil are doves. Your hair is like a flock of goats descending from the hills of Gilead. Your teeth are like a flock of sheep just shorn, coming up from the washing. each has its twin; not one of them is alone. — Song of Solomon 4:1–2
The book of Philippians is also an ancient love letter. But it is not a letter between a man and a woman. Rather, it is a letter sent from the heart of God to His Church, His people, His Bride. The words are inspired through the apostle Paul to the church in the city of Philippi.
But the words of this letter are clearly a message from the heart of God to His beloved… to you and me.
Your Turn
Watch the video, come get the remaining session one study questions, and share your thoughts on this study on our blog. We want to hear from you
Do you need a shot of joy or a boost of holy optimism in your life?
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Save 30% off + get FREE shipping on your order of $35 or more Philippians: Embracing Joy 6-Session Video Bible Study with Study Guide Study Guide List Price: $19.99 Sale Price: $13.99 (30% off) Do you need a shot of joy or a boost of holy optimism in your life? Join pastor Mark Batterson in this video Bible study of Paul's most emotional letter that will help you fix your eyes on Jesus and know that you can do all things through Christ because the tomb is empty! This Study Guide includes:
In this 40 Days Through the Book video Bible study, Mark Batterson serves as a tour guide on Paul's letter to the Philippians. Paul, writing from a jail cell, speaks of joy, gratitude, unity, and purpose.
Learn both the content and the context of the letter and then how you can directly apply the message to your daily life.
Join Mark on a journey through Paul's letters to the Philippians that connects the dots between this letter filled with joy and your Christian walk by...
The 40 Days Through the Book series is designed to help you actively engage with God's Word. Each study encourages you to read through selected books in the New Testament at least once during the course of the study. As. You do, you will gain (1) an understanding of the background and culture of the book or letter, (2) insights into key passages that you might have overlooked before, and (3) clear takeaways that you can apply today to your life. Sessions include:
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