Philippians - Count it All Joy - lesson 8

Living with true joy. Paul's example of living in contentment of serving God in any area that He has you in. What comforting truth that if God has allowed you to live, He has a purpose for you to serve Him. Using your days to further the kingdom of God.

Jesus
Others
You

The love of Christ that causes you to live differently. Asking God if there is any area of my life that causes me not to live my life worthy of the gospel.

Philippians - Count it All Joy - lesson 7

As Kay opens up this lesson and lists the description of a true Christian, it is much different than our American idea of a Christian (a church going nice person). This lesson shares with us that there are 2 categories of people, those that have hope and those that do not have hope. And such wonderful verses of hope that God has given us in His word. Hope in Christ.

This lesson reminds me of the importance of sharing the gospel (proclaiming the good news just like we see Paul doing in Philippians). Proclaiming the change that God has made in my life. Living in a way that lets others see that I am a new creature because of God. Living a life of change. A changed life, living for God and God alone.

Philippians - Count it All Joy - lesson 6

This lesson reinforces the rule of interpreting scripture...CONTEXT is KING. It is the most important thing to understand when we are trying to figure out what a verse means. It is easy to read a verse or a passage and not stop and soak in what that verse is really saying and what it means.

We see in Philippians 1:19 there are 2 things that able us to stand faithful. Prayer and the provision of the Holy Spirit. I need that constant reminder to stop and think in any given situation to respond in a way that allows the Spirit to shine through me. With patience, love and kindness.

Philippians - Count it All Joy - lesson 5

Jumping in with the truth of the word...may we be filled with the fruit of righteousness which comes through Jesus Christ. Knowing that righteousness comes from God and knowing His Word and His son Jesus Christ.

It was great to mark the gospel in 1 Corinthians 15. These verses there are a great explanation of what the gospel is and it is important to be familiar with understanding gospel as it is a key word in the book of Philippians.

Clinging to that encouragement that what ever my circumstances are, God can use them to the greater purpose of the gospel. No matter what the motives are, no matter the reasons...may we proclaim Christ.

Philippians - Count it All Joy - lesson 4

It is so neat to do these studies in Precepts. I have been blessed by studying several books of the Bible with Precepts studies and it is neat to slowly dig through God's word, verse by verse - book by book. If you are new to marking the text with the colors and symbols, let me encourage you to give it a chance. It really does help me as the key words are marked and I can learn so much in this way.

This lesson is teaching us about the prayer that Paul prayed for those in Philippi. We can learn how to pray by studying his prayer. We learn that love abounds more and more with real knowledge and all discernment. Real love, not second hand love. Real knowledge from knowing the Word of God. Praying for knowledge and discernment and a love that is governing you, so that (purpose) you may approve the things that are excellent. We learn that approve is the word DOKIMOS - meaning put to test for the sake of approving, that it meets the qualifications.

Paul is challenging and praying that the believers be sincere (sinecera - with out wax). Without faults. Blameless. In the day of Christ. Praying and striving for the same.

Philippians - Count it All Joy - lesson 3

This lesson lets us understand that when Paul describes himself as a bond-servant, we see that this a voluntary slave. This is the person who wants to stay and serve forever. This is one who serves a fantastic master. This one understands that this master cares for the bond-servant. What a beautiful picture of God as our master. This is how Paul identifies himself, as a bond-servant of God.

Then we learn that when Paul interacted with Lydia (seller of purple) 11 years earlier, that resulted in the beginning of a church which included overseers and deacons. I spent my personal study time listing the qualities that are required for these rolls of leadership. It was good to focus on these qualities and understand that God has guidelines for leaders of the church.

Kay, in the online lesson, encourages us to keep a list of things that we learn about different topics in the study. Specifically, prayer in this lesson. I have taken this advice in other studies that I have done with Precepts and I have really appreciated what I have learned. I do go back and reference those lists and use what I have discovered in my own study time.

How neat to find comfort in God's truth. He who began a good work in me, will perfect it until the Day of Christ.

Philippians - Count it All Joy - lesson 2

I was so blessed by the idea that God allows difficulties in our lives in order to be a platform that we can glorify Him. We can move through the temporary circumstances and have joy.

We see in Acts 16 that Paul and Silas, even though they had been beaten and imprisoned, they were still singing and praising God. What amazing peace that comes from God that produces joy. Neat to see that God was in control of every detail, including the prison guard whose life was changed because of God's power.

This lesson had some good historical background from Acts 16 and information about Paul's missionary journeys. Most studies start out with a little historical background to help set the context of the text.

Striving to praise God no matter what my circumstances are.

Philippians - Count it All Joy - lesson 1

This is going to be a great study. I am sure anyone who is starting this and is new to Precepts will appreciate the basic info that is shared in this online (or on TV if you have it in your area) lesson. I spent most of my personal study time marking the text in chapter one. I am excited about digging deeper into this book and learning from this book.

No matter what our circumstances are, we can have joy and rejoice. I think we all need that gentle reminder, no matter what life is like for us. I am striving for my response to be full of joy, no matter what. Live according to God's Word. Our joy can come when we cling to God in every situation. Looking for that joy that comes with the peace of obedience.

Philippians - Count it All Joy

I am still finishing up my Isaiah study and am trying to start this one at the same time. I will try to catch up and get started on this lesson today or tomorrow. Feel free to leave comments here in the mean time. If you are new to Precepts, look on the side bar and find the label "GETTING STARTED". That will help you get started on doing your studies.

Isaiah (part 2) - lesson 45

God is looking for one who is humble. One who is contrite. One who trembles at His word. Isaiah 66:2.

Here in this last chapter we see the difference between the bright side of God's glory and the dark side of God's glory. A key verse in chapter 66 is verse 3 - we see the reason of why they are part of the dark side of God's glory. As they have chosen their own ways. Those who do not know God and those who do not obey the gospel. (2 Thes. 1)

Comfort and joy, ever lasting joy that will be yours if you accept the bright side of glory.

This book has been a wonderful study. There is still much more to learn, and I will keep studying.

Isaiah (part 2) - lesson 44

This lesson deals with the new heaven and the new earth. What wonderful truths that Jesus is preparing this place for us. And Jesus is the way, the truth and the life.

I love these lessons. I love this book. I cling to God's truths.

Isaiah (part 2) - lesson 43

Chapter 65 is about God who can be provoked by wrong worship. When worship is blended and allowed to be influenced by the world. God will not keep silent. He will respond.

There is a contrast in 65:10-11 where we see that God's people, His servants are the ones who seek God. Compared to the ones who forsake God. Beautiful and convicting picture of either you are seeking God or forsaking God. Following God or not.

Isaiah (part 2) - lesson 42

This prayer in chapter 54 is such a desperate cry out to God and acknowledging that God is in control. He is the potter. We are the clay. He is sovereign. We can trust Him. We must submit to His agenda.

Beautiful truth. Trustworthy God.

Isaiah (part 2) - lesson 41

Prophecy :

1/3 of the Bible
hard to understand
used to change hearts
used to stir up your minds
engaging us
not just for making charts - but for shaping hearts
should cause us to long for Christ to return
cause us to live in a way that where we live in holy conduct and godliness, longing for the day of the Lord
drawing us to Christ !!!

Isaiah (part 2) - lesson 40

Studying Isaiah 63:

Who is He? - Jesus, the Messiah coming on a day of vengeance bringing with Him His judgment and wrath.

Learning about God's character:

loving kindness, praises, God grants, great goodness, compassion, abundance and loving kindness.

Hesed- loving kindness- love and affection mixed with devotion and commitment.

God's presence brings protection, favor, provision.

Calling God my SAVIOR -

Isaiah (part 2) - lesson 39

It is OK to be persistent with coming to God in prayer.

1 Tim. 4:15-16

take pains with these things; be absorbed in them, so that your progress will be evident to all.

¹⁶Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things, for as you do this you will ensure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you.

Isaiah (part 2) - lesson 38

Such verses of hope in Isaiah 61 and 62. Rejoicing greatly in the Lord. God causes the righteousness and praise. Clothed with robes of righteousness and garments of salvation.

New name and a new character comes with that name. From Forsaken and Desolate to My Delight is in Her.

Isaiah (part 2) - lesson 37

Understanding more about Isaiah 61.

Learning about communication from God to Man via the prophet.
And from Man to God via the Priest through sacrifices.

It is neat to see that His people become a kingdom of communication with God. A royal priesthood. Which brings us to 1 Peter 2 - we are to be a chosen race, a royal priesthood, you may proclaim Christ. Let your light shine.

Isaiah (part 2) - lesson 36

Amazing power when the Spirit of the Lord is upon someone.

The Spirit of the Lord is upon him to:

1. Bring good news to the afflicted.
2. Bind up the broken hearted. (healing, restoration)
3. Proclaim liberty to the captives
Freedom to the prisoners
4. Proclaim the favorable year of the Lord and the day of vengeance of our God.

WOW. Great lesson. Love God's truth.

Isaiah (part 2) - lesson 35

When truth stumbles in the streets :

9. Darkness will not prevail

• The Lord will rise on Israel 60:1-3
• Israel's sons and daughters and the nations will come to Israel 60:4-9
• The nations will bow at the soles of the feet of Israel 60:10-14
• Israel will know joy, peace and righteousness 60:15-18
• The Lord will be Israel's everlasting light 60:19-20

10. God will hasten the return of truth in its time (in Jesus).