Philippians Bible Study by Sue Edwards

A "how-to" study for finding joy in authentic relationships and community

Women long for healthy, deep relationships with those around them. Knowing what those look like can be tricky, however. Where do we go to seek them? How can we approach them? How can we maintain those relationships, despite our own weaknesses?

Sue Edwards is happy to lead the way through Scripture to discover and maintain beloved, organic friendships. Paul's letter to early Christians is an ideal place to find these answers. This short letter highlights the skills that strengthen authentic connections--skills like trust, humility, healthy self-sacrifice, a generous spirit, and more. It also sheds light on how to overcome toxic connection-killers like envy, comparison, and critical attitudes.

Philipians: Discovering Joy Through Relationship works its way through Paul's words as a model for deep, authentic community and healthy relationships between believers. When readers reach the end, they'll have a thorough sense of the content of this ancient letter, and of its relevance for today. Although Paul was under house arrest, he was able to draw joy from his relationships, and we can do the same, no matter our circumstances. Edwards strives to ensure that this Bible study will do more than transfer intellectual information; it will also transform hearts and inspire practice and application.

This book is available through Kregel, Amazon

About the Author:
Sue Edwards (MA, Dallas Theological Seminary; D.Min., Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary) teaches full-time in the Christian Education Department at Dallas Theological Seminary. She has more than twenty-five years of experience teaching, pastoring, and directing women's ministries. In addition, Sue speaks at retreats, conferences, and seminars across the country, and is author of the Discover Together Bible Study Series.
You can get to know Sue better at Meet Sue on her website

My Thoughts:

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.