Summer Reading Plan: Philippians 4

And just like that, we're entering the final week of July and the final week of our Summer Reading Plan! In Philippians 4, Paul begins to close his letter to the Philippian church. Expressing his deep affection for the believers in the church, Paul stresses both his love for the Philippians as well as his longing to see them.

Paul then turns to a specific situation within the church, imploring Euodia and Syntyche to settle their disagreement and exhorts the church to unity once again. This section includes some very well-known verses about joy and anxiety. Paul calls for believers to rejoice at all times. As Max Anders writes in Volume 8 of the Holman New Testament Commentary, "Such joy resides not in circumstances or positive attitudes toward life. Joy reigns in the heart only when Christ is Lord of life. Joy is always in the Lord” [Max Anders, Galatians-Colossians, vol. 8, Holman New Testament Commentary (Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1999), 261].

Paul closed his letter by thanking the Philippians for their gift and encourages the church by detailing the joy that can be found in contentment and resting in God's provision.

If you'd like a little guidance on how to break up the chapter across the week, here's a suggestion:

• Monday, July 25: Philippians 4:1-7

• Tuesday, July 26: Philippians 4:8-9

• Wednesday, July 27: Philippians 4:10-14

• Thursday, July 28: Philippians 4:15-20

• Friday, July 29: Philippians 4:21-23

• Saturday, July 30: Look over Philippians 4 as a whole. Because Philippians was written as a letter, consider writing out the first chapter by hand.

• Sunday, July 31: Is there a verse that stuck out to you personally during this week's reading? Focus on memorizing it.

Question to ask yourself as you read: How am I experiencing joy in God's provision and presence in my life, regardless of my circumstances?

Let us know what you're learning in the comments or on social media! Find us on Facebook and Instagram.