Philippians by Mark Batterson

Philippians
by Mark Batterson

ISBN-13: 9780593197882
Paperback: 128 pages
Publisher: Zondervan
Released: August 31st 2021

Source: Review copy from the publisher through Amazon Vine.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
The 40 Days Through the Book series has been designed to help believers more actively engage with God's Word. Each study encourages participants to read through one book in the New Testament at least once during the course of 40 days (approximately 6 weeks of meetings) and will provide them with a clear understanding of the background and culture in which the book was written, insights into key passages of Scripture, and clear applications and takeaways from the particular book that participants can apply to their lives. Each study will be recorded in the author's place of residence and will highlight stories and applications that are relevant to his or her ministry in that area.


My Review:
Philippians is a scripture guide on Philippians featuring 6 sessions and can be used for group or individual study. Each session started with viewing a streaming video (about 20 minutes long) with about 6 discussion questions. You then have 7 days worth of guided meditation on the verses: you read a verse or two and think about what it means for your life (using the author's paragraph to guide you). Usually, you're also given a few journaling questions (which you answer in a notebook or journal) and prompts on what to pray about.

The book provided a way to access the streaming video associated with this book, but the viewing privilege's will expire (though they don't tell you when). The first video mostly re-hashed what was already provided in the book. You get a clear idea of the substance of what was said in the other videos just from the group discussion questions, so it's not a complete loss if you can't watch the video for some reason. Each video covered a topic inspired by the verses and was full of short, pity sayings. Video 4 mentioned the saving work of Jesus and Video 5 meantioned following the example of Jesus, but the book didn't really deepen your relationship with Jesus. I was disappointed that many of the meditation and journaling prompts focused on 'where are you failing and what efforts can you make to change this?' though the prayer prompts at least remind you to ask for God's help. So many Christians are discouraged by this focus on not measuring up with little balancing focus on the one who does and who loves us. There were also a few odd prompts, like "List Christians that you know and care about that need to grow in wisdom and insight as they follow Jesus?" Since Paul was praying that for every believer and we should all want to grow in wisdom and insight, why single people out? And then there's Day 17 where the author implies that the Holy Spirit leaks out of us or something so that we need to keep asking for a new filling with the Holy Spirit. My church certainly wouldn't teach this, and I don't think it's consistant with NT teachings. I didn't gain any new insights into the Bible from this, so I'm not very enthusiastic about this study.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.