Abide | 6 Months in the New Testament - Daily Readings From the Bible Sample

Prayer

You’ll take a few minutes to read through today’s passages in just a moment. Before you do, start with a simple prayer like this:

“God, I invite you into this moment and ask that you open my heart to Your Word. Help me to know you deeply through it, and let your truth transform my heart, mind, and soul today.”

Once you finish your reading, take a few moments to walk through P.R.A.Y.

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P - PAUSE to be still. Meditate on what you’ve just read, allowing it to sink in.

R - REFLECT on Scripture. What was God saying to you today through His Word? Speak aloud a verse to remember, and maybe even write it down.

A - ASK for God’s help. The challenge is to be with Jesus and become more like Him. How does today’s Word challenge you to do that?

Y - YIELD to His will in your life. God lovingly invites you into His beautiful plan for you, His church, and the world. Take up His invitation to live differently; understanding His plan is beyond anything we could ask or imagine.

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Some Context on Philippians

Who Wrote the Book of Philippians?

Christian tradition holds that the Apostle Paul wrote the book of Philippians.

Who was the Book of Philippians written for?

This letter is written to the church at Philippi, which Paul helped establish in Acts 16.

Context

The events described in Philippians take place in the city of Philippi. Philippians was likely composed while Paul was in custody in Rome between 60 and 64 C.E. The church at Philippi had sent a gift to Paul in Rome by the hand of Epaphroditus (Phl 4:10,18). Paul uses this occasion not only to thank them, but to comfort them concerning his situation as a prisoner for Jesus Christ (Phl 1:12-14). He also writes of his plans to send Timothy soon (Phl 2:19-24) and why he considered it necessary to send Epaphroditus back to them (Phl 2:25-30).

Literary Styles

The book of Philippians is a letter to the churches in Philippi.

Key Themes

1. Imitation of Jesus through humble service
2. The hope for the resurrection life
3. God’s gift of peace in difficulty

Structure

Philippians has five parts. Chapter 1:1-26 tells of Paul’s gratefulness. 1:27-2:18 focuses on imitating Jesus. 2:19-30 explores imitating Jesus. 3:1-4:1 describes Paul’s life as an imitation of Jesus. And 4:2-23 reflects on Jesus’ humility.