Read Chapter 14 of Grasping God’s Word

Genre Report 6: Letters

Name:

Directions: Read chapter 14 of Grasping God’s Word.

Read Philippians with no interruptions within a single sitting in order to appreciate the “Big Picture” or “Panorama” of the book. While reading speed will vary from student to student, the idea is not to zip through the text but to read it at a moderate and normal pace. Each report will take some time, so it is important to clear the schedule and find a location of minimal distraction. Immediately after reading Philippians in one-sitting, respond to the following questions. While the reflection will not necessarily be graded with respect to right or wrong answers, points will be deducted for lack of thoughtful engagement. Since part of the intention of the exercise is to connect with God through the reading, before you begin pray for God to open your heart and mind to the message He has for you.

(1) What is the situation that Paul appears to be addressing in the letter? In other words, what is going on in the church at Philippi that has likely motivated Paul to write this letter?

To me it seems that Paul is addressing a church that he cares for deeply. Because he has been away from them for a while, it seems he just wanted to write to them and remind them about what living the Christian life is all about. Paul might have heard some new about disagreements going on within the church, because he talks a lot about the body of Christ being united.

(2) If you could summarize the main message of the letter in one sentence what would it be?

Instructions for how to live the Christian life.

(3) What are the major themes developed in the letter? (develop this with complete sentences)

The major themes seem to be:

- Living bold lives that tell the world about Christ and Heaven.

- Living as humble servants of Jesus Christ.

- Living an obedient life as children of God.

(3) What did you notice, or what struck you, regarding the content of the book from reading it in one sitting?

What struck me was how much Paul covered in such a short letter. It is only a few chapters long, but there is so much that can be taken and applied to our daily lives. Paul truly sums up what is looks like to be a Christian.

(5) What does the letter urge the church to believe, to hope for, and to do?

Paul urges the church to believe in Christ for everything, for He is their hope. More than anything, he encourages them