Philippians 1

Read the first chapter through two or three times to get an overall view.
Now read it slowly, meditating on each verse. Remember that scriptural meditation means prayerful reflection—in order to understand and apply. Make a list of possible verses for your application.
As you examine Chapter 1, consider what it contributes to the major theme of Philippians.

In Book 8 you summarized chapters by paragraphs. The next step is summary outlines. As you read Philippians 1 decide on the paragraph divisions. Write a brief title for each paragraph (as you did in I John 5) then summarize it. Or if you prefer, summarize the paragraphs first, then write titles. Try this for Chapter 1 on scratch paper before going over the divisions and titles given on the next page.

Suggested titles are given for three paragraphs of Philippians 1. If you like your own titles better, write them in. Add your summaries of the paragraphs, again averaging 5-10 words per verse (150 to 300 words for the chapter, not including your paragraph titles).

As you go through the chapter, list below the problems which come to mind. Try to identify and state the problem clearly (see examples), not merely "What does this verse mean?"

As in your study of I John, you will find that cross references illuminate the passage and add to your understanding of it.
Find three or more cross references for some of the other outstanding verses in Philippians 1—such as verses 12, 18, 20, 27 and 29. First try to find them from Scripture passages you can think of that touch on the same subject or illustrate it. Use other helps if necessary.

The personal application section in these studies helps you take a portion of Scripture that speaks to your heart, meditate on it, and develop practical steps toward making it part of your life.
The following three steps outline the way to develop your application on the verse you choose. These steps are not new—they are basically a development of what you did in Book 8.

1 State what the verse or verses say or imply is God's will for some area of a Christian's life.
2 Tell what your life is actually like in this area, giving a recent instance if possible.
3 Describe what you have already done or intend to do, to help bring your life into line with God's will in this portion of His Word.

Here is an example of an application from Philippians 1:14:

1 What should our lives be like? Verse 14 indicates that Christians should speak the Word boldly and without fear—even if it should result in suffering, as it did with Paul.
2 What is my life like? I often let fear stand in the way of speaking boldly of Christ. The wide open opportunity I missed last night especially comes to mind. I could have brought in my testimony while visiting with the new neighbors, when churchgoing was mentioned.
3 What can I do about it? Because of the challenge of this verse, I am praying that the Lord will give me boldness to use an opportunity to include my testimony in conversation with someone before the week is out. I am praying for three people in particular to whom I might have such an opportunity to witness.

Now write your own three-point application.