color key

Color markings in Scriptures found here are meant as an aid in understanding the topics and princples to which the Biblical phrases refer.

blue = God

red = commands

green = promises

pink = prophecy

orange = truth, wisdom, knowledge and understanding

brown = sin to avoid, effects of sin, or the basic nature of man

red underline = examples to follow

other color underlines have the same meanings, but as a secondary emphasis to the text color

Philippians 4:10-23 (NLT)

philippians 4:10-23 nlt

How I praise the Lord that you are concerned about me again. I know you have always been concerned for me, but you didn’t have the chance to help me. Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, Who gives me strength.

Even so, you have done well to share with me in my present difficulty. As you know, you Philippians were the only ones who gave me financial help when I first brought you the Good News and then traveled on from Macedonia. No other church did this. Even when I was in Thessalonica you sent help more than once.

I don’t say this because I want a gift from you. Rather, I want you to receive a reward for your kindness. At the moment I have all I need—and more! I am generously supplied with the gifts you sent me with Epaphroditus. They are a sweet-smelling sacrifice that is acceptable and pleasing to God.

And this same God Who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus. Now all glory to God our Father forever and ever! Amen.

Give my greetings to each of God’s holy people—all who belong to Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me send you their greetings. And all the rest of God’s people send you greetings, too, especially those in Caesar’s household.

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Beyond Theory?

questions to ponder

Q. How did the Philippians show kindness to Paul? How can you follow their example?

Q. What attitude did the Philippians have towards Paul? How can you follow their example?

Q. What was Paul’s motive in informing the Philippians about himself? What lesson can you take away about your own expression of yourself?

Q. What specific circumstances in your life do you have trouble being content with? How can you learn contentment? What can you do to participate in that learning process? What is at least one practical step you can start practicing today to be more content?

Q. What hope did Paul have for the Philippians’ needs? Is that the same hope he had for himself? What connections can you think of between confidence in God’s supply for you and giving to the needs of others and the Gospel work?

Q. What common action can we take in our everyday lives to simply show concern for each other and encourage one another? Are you stirred to reach out to anyone in a simple way? Who is that? When will you do it? How?

Q. Did any other passages come to mind while studying today?

Q. Did today’s study change your thinking towards God? If so, in what way?

Q. Did today’s study change your thinking towards others? If so, in what way?

Q. What did you learn about Love today?

Q. What did you learn about Truth today?

Q. Do you sense any different attitude in yourself from today’s study? If so, what is different?

Q. What did the Holy Spirit convict you with today?

Q. What did the Holy Spirit encourage you in today?

Q. What did the Holy Spirit stir up within you today?

Q. What is one specific thing you can do to obey the Lord from His Word today?

Get nothing from today’s study? What might be hindering your heart from responding if to just the reading of the Scriptures? Is there something to make right? Is there something you need to confess to another you’ve wronged? Is there some lack of faith? Do you know the Lord personally?Do you need help? Don’t sit back and wait...seek, ask and you shall find.