"We are travellers…not yet in our native land" – St. Augustine
Our Bible study of the letter of St. Paul to the Philippians continued at the JP2 Group last Thursday. I’ve just put up my notes for the last section we read, the latter part of the first chapter:
Philippians: Introduction
Chapter 1: Session 1, Session 2
Chapter 2: Session 1, Session 2
Chapter 3: Session 1, Session 2
Chapter 4: Session 1, Session 2
I should hopefully have the next section done sometime this weekend…
Sorry it’s a bit late – it’s been a hell of a week…
Reading 1: 1 Kgs 3:5, 7-12
Scripture:
The LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream at night. God said, “Ask something of me and I will give it to you.” Solomon answered:
“O LORD, my God, you have made me, your servant, king to succeed my father David; but I am a mere youth, not knowing at all how to act. I serve you in the midst of the people whom you have chosen, a people so vast that it cannot be numbered or counted. Give your servant, therefore, an understanding heart to judge your people and to distinguish right from wrong. For who is able to govern this vast people of yours?”
The LORD was pleased that Solomon made this request. So God said to him:
“Because you have asked for this— not for a long life for yourself, nor for riches, nor for the life of your enemies, but for understanding so that you may know what is right— I do as you requested. I give you a heart so wise and understanding that there has never been anyone like you up to now, and after you there will come no one to equal you.”
Suggested Questions:
One of the things I decided upon while I was back in England was that I wanted to cook more. For the last few weekends, this is exactly what I’ve done, but I just wanted to record somewhere the recipes that I’ve used:
Week #1: Chili Con Carne
Week #2: Shepherd’s Pie
Week #3: Lasagna
My notes are a little shorter this week because we’re going to be spending less time on the readings this week in the JP2 Group.
Reading 1: Wis 12:13, 16-19
Scripture:
There is no god besides you who have the care of all, that you need show you have not unjustly condemned. For your might is the source of justice; your mastery over all things makes you lenient to all. For you show your might when the perfection of your power is disbelieved; and in those who know you, you rebuke temerity. But though you are master of might, you judge with clemency, and with much lenience you govern us; for power, whenever you will, attends you. And you taught your people, by these deeds, that those who are just must be kind; and you gave your children good ground for hope that you would permit repentance for their sins.
Suggested Questions:
One of the reasons I haven’t done much proper writing on this blog recently is that I have been preparing our next study in the JP2 Group. In an effort to increase people’s confidence in approaching the Bible, we are going to be working through one of the shorter books of the New Testament in its entirety.
After selecting two books, I put it to a vote and the winner was Paul’s letter to the Philippians. I love this letter of Paul’s, it’s just so beautiful and upbeat.
It’s going to be a work-in-progress, but I’ve decided to put my notes for this study up on this blog. I’ll be updating them as we go through the text. So far I’ve got the first session completed, up to verse eleven of the first chapter.
There’s a permanent link to these notes in this blog’s side panel, but you can also get to the completed sections by clicking on the links below:
Today’s my baptism anniversary. I had planned to do a longer post, but I’m busy preparing a study of Philippians which begins tomorrow, so instead I’ll be brief… 😉
Make sure it's got a rational soul...
Make sure it's thorough...
...and who says it has to be voluntary?