I have completed other Discover Together Bible Studies by Sue Edwards and this is one of her best. I like the teaching videos in each lesson that can be accessed through a QR reader. Perfect for individuals and small groups.

Sue Edwards in her new book Philippians A Discover Together Bible Study published by Kregel Publications helps us Discovering Joy Through Relationship.

From the back cover: Discovering Joy Through Relationship.

Paul's brief letter to Philippi highlights what strengthens authentic connections -- skills like trust, humility, appropriate self-sacrifice, and generosity. It also sheds light on how to overcome toxic connection-killers like envy, comparison, and a critical spirit.



Join Sue Edwards on this inductive study of Philippians, where you will discover how to find and maintain beloved, organic, healthy community.

Sue Edwards' book is not an in-depth analysis of the whole book. Rather "Philippians" is eight studies focusing on the main topics Paul presented and are designed to provide a better understanding of just what the book is all about. By looking at what Paul had to say to the believers at Philippi we can apply what he was teaching them to our lives today. It is worth the time to sit and study this book and Sue Edwards has given us a marvelous tool in this study book. I recommend this book highly.

Completing each lesson requires about one-and-a-half hours. Readers still receive in-depth Bible study but with a minimum time commitment. For those who desire a more thorough study, including an opportunity to learn more about the history, culture and geography related to the Bible, Ms. Edwards has provided Digging Deeper questions. Answering these questions may require outside resources such as an atlas, Bible dictionary or concordance and challenge readers to examine complex theological issues and differing views more closely.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Kregel Publications. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

I have been working through this Bible study and I really am enjoying it. Sue opens with "How to Get the Most Out of a Discover Bible Study". Then "Why study Philippians?". Each Lesson has an Optional memory verse in the chapter you are studying. She begins the lesson with an introduction, a passage of Scripture to read and then lots of questions to get you into your Bible. There are some illustrations. Also a section off on the margins called Digging Deeper in which you can spend more time if you like studying different content that relates to the lesson. Sue also includes quotes from other authors or herself that apply to the lesson. There is also plenty of room for journaling and answering the questions.

Randomly throughout there are video sessions you can watch at Discovering Together Series. In these videos which last from 10-15 minutes, Sue talks and explains details related to the lesson or the book of the Bible.

The book consists of 8 total lessons. These can be done as quickly or as slowly as you like. You can take your time and meditate in depth on each lesson as God leads or do a quick question and answer session. The videos are free but also optional. Paul's joy in spite of his suffering and chains is evident throughout as well as the unity he has with other believers. How does he remain joyful? Deep study will help you understand Paul's secret to contentment.

I really have enjoyed this study. And would like to do some other ones that Sue has to offer. She has plenty of the available. This can be done as a personal study, or a small group study if preferred. Sue will get your wheels turning and your thinking cap on, and hopefully you will emerge from the study with a better knowledge of the book of Philippians, Paul's life, and also a little more mature in your Spiritual walk.

I was blessed with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion. I was not required to review it positively and no other compensation was provided.

There are a couple aspects of this Bible study I really like. The first relates to the whole Discover Together Bible Study series. The amount of time an individual can put into the study is varied. There is a basic level of participation that takes about fifteen minutes a day. For those who have more time and want to dig deeper, there are additional questions and resources exploring additional theological issues. Regardless of how busy one is, there is a level of study and participation that will work.

What I like about this particular study on Philippians is the emphasis on relationships. Edwards focuses on Paul's strong relationship with God and his deep friendship with the Philippians. She highlights the need for face-to-face community in this age of technology.

Edwards deals with issues of personal spiritual growth as well. For example, she notes that in Phil. 3:12-13 Paul is very open about his own limitations and inadequacies. She asks us if we struggle to admit ours. That could lead to a great discussion in a trusted group of friends.

There are lots of application questions in this study, taking Scripture and applying it to everyday life. There are questions like, How can you act on this? There are lots of good discussion and reflection questions too.

This study can be used on an individual basis or in a group. Group leaders can download a free guide to aid in leading. There are short videos to watch, linked with a QR code (or accessed at the study website). There are verses that can be memorized too.

This is a great eight week study reminding us of our need for community, using Paul as an example.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for the purpose of an independent and honest review.

Sue Edwards' Philippians Discovering Joy Through Relationship led me to start a Bible study. I haven't done a Bible study for quite a while. This one is great because it involves a whole book of the Bible. I especially like the fact that it will help me grow in my personal relationships. At the moment, I am studying "humility and self sacrifice." I thought of foot washing services my husband and I use to attend annually. I am happy to have attended these services because there was an intimate involvement with the congregation of the church. There is a quote in the Philippians lesson book. It is taken from Mudhouse Sabbath by Lauren Winner. "Community is, of course, central to Christianity at every life stage--after all, the very life of the Triune God tells us that we are persons only when we are in communion with one another."

Along with the quotes and scriptures, there are personal experiences from the author. She talks about her friends, her marriage and her professorship. I couldn't find anything to take lightly in this study book. I am reminded gently of my spiritual growth through Jesus Christ's help and my shortcomings as well. Sue Edwards also shares facts about the city of Philippi: the Romans, the women and Paul's life in jail. I am happy to have the back page with the works cited. There are books about our emotions, hearing God's voice and the beauty and wonder of learning about God.

There is a temptation to write that the questions are too hard. Not so. It's just that my mind is a bit rusty. I would like to make it my goal to do each book of the discovery series. How coincidental, serendipitous or primarily God knowing my needs, this book came first. It is the perfect topic for me.

I must also mention there is a helpful guide to Bible study at the beginning of the book. It gives a small list of Bible Help Companions. The author comes across as a sweetly chirping bird, like one of those on the cover and pages who wants you to love God's word and the people in the Bible.

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