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JOY! — A Bible Study on Philippians for Women, by Keri Folmar
Keri’s Bible studies are endorsed by Kathleen Nielson, Diane Schreiner, Connie Dever, Gloria Furman and many more.
Bible Study on Philippians – Joy by Keri Folmar
The Book of Philippians, written by the Apostle Paul, is a rich letter filled with encouragement and theological insight. Its main themes include joy in Christ, unity and humility, perseverance in faith, Christ-centered living, gratitude and generosity, and contentment and peace. Paul encourages believers to rejoice despite hardships, live humbly and in unity, remain steadfast in faith, and find true purpose in Christ.
In Joy — A Bible Study on Philippians for Women, wise and helpful questions guide you deep into the text using the three basic steps of all sound Bible study: Observe, Interpret, Apply.
- This is a 10-week inductive study guide for women
- Each week’s chapter is divided into sections for 5 days of study
- Covers the entire book of Philippians
- Ideal for small groups, individuals, or 1-on-1 mentoring
- Lots of extra white space for journaling
- Spiral-bound for lay-flat ease of writing
When we study the Bible inductively we want to know what the author meant when he wrote to his original audience. This involves reading Bible passages in context and asking questions about the text. The goal is to find the meaning and significance from the text itself.
We do this automatically every day when we read news, social media, or even recipes! Not surprisingly, it is also the best way to study God’s word.
At the beginning of this study you’ll find a brief, helpful introduction, including optional Notes for Leaders. This is followed by clear, simple questions that will help you to Observe what is being said, Interpret what Paul was communicating to his original readers, and Apply the book of Romans in your own life.
Joy — A Bible Study on Philippians for Women is part of the Delighting in the Word series by Keri Folmar, from Cruciform Press. Each study in the series will impress the truths of Scripture upon your heart and strengthen your Bible study skills. Come delight in God’s word, and be encouraged to live more effectively for Jesus and his gospel!
The growing Delighting in the Word Series:
- Includes studies on the Gospel of Mark, Romans, Ephesians, Philippians, Titus, and James, with more to come
- Endorsed by Kathleen Nielson, Kristie Anyabwile, Diane Schreiner, Connie Dever, Gloria Furman, and many more
- Loved and trusted by churches and Christians worldwide since 2012
Author
Passionate about encouraging women to delight in the Scriptures, Keri runs women’s Bible studies at the Evangelical Christian Church of Dubai (ECCD) where she is privileged to teach fascinating women from every inhabited continent. In addition to the Delighting in the Word Bible study series, she has written The Good Portion: Scripture, a book that encourages women to discover the treasure and enjoy the sweetness of God’s word, as well as the booklets How Can Women Thrive in the Local Church? and How Can I Grow in Hospitality? Keri is the wife of John, who is the senior pastor of ECCD, and they have three grown children. She also co-hosts Priscilla Talk, a 9Marks podcast.
Endorsements
“I highly recommend that you embark on this study.”
—Gloria Furman
Click for selected endorsements
“This study points the way into the biblical text, offering a clear and effective guide in studying Paul’s letter to the Philippian church. Keri Folmar encourages her readers first and foremost to listen well to God’s inspired Word.”
—Kathleen Nielson is author of the Living Word Bible Studies; Director of Women’s Initiatives, The Gospel Coalition; and wife of Niel, who served as President of Covenant College from 2002 to 2012.
“Keri’s Bible study will not only bring the truths of Philippians to bear upon your life, but will also train you up for better, more effective study of any book of the Bible with her consistent use of the three questions needed in all good Bible study: Observation, Interpretation, and Application.”
—Connie Dever is author of The Praise Factory children’s ministry curriculum and wife of Mark, senior pastor of Capitol Hill Baptist Church and president of 9Marks
“Keri lets the Scriptures do the talking! No cleverly invented stories, ancillary anecdotes, or emotional manipulation here. Keri takes us deeper into the text, deeper into the heart of Paul, deeper into the mind of Christ, and deeper into our own hearts as we pursue Christ for joy in all things. Each new week of study provides a review of the previous week, to help us keep in context what we’ve studied. The subsequent days are for gold digging, and there are rich treasures to discover as we unfold the truth that our joy ultimately comes from glorifying God in every sphere and circumstance of life. I highly commend this study for your pursuit of joy.”
—Kristie Anyabwile is a North Carolina native and graduate of NC State University with a degree in history. Her husband, Thabiti, serves as Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church, Grand Cayman, and as a Council Member for The Gospel Coalition.
“Keri Folmar is convinced that God is God-centered and that for the sake of our joy, we should be, too. This inductive study will increase your joy in a loving God who is sovereign over all things. I highly recommend that you embark on this study with some other ladies. Then you can all watch in amazement at how God gives you contentment in him as he shows you the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus as Lord.”
—Gloria Furman is a pastor’s wife in the Middle East, a Crossway author, and editor for the Domestic Kingdom blog.
Amazon Review –
“Great resource for ladies Bible study.”
I have found this to an extremely well written study on Philippians. I am currently using this study in a Bible study at our church. It uses the inductive study model asking questions about the text that makes you observe, interpret and apply the text to you life. Keri asks insightful questions and lays out the saving gospel clearly. Included in this study is a very helpful guide to leaders with an explanation of what an inductive study is all about. I have found this study to be a true “joy” to go through and have loved to see how the Word of God is changing the hearts of ladies through this excellent resource. I can highly recommend this to any who is searching for good gospel-driven study material for women.
Monica, in a 5-star review on Amazon
Amazon Review –
“I highly recommend picking up this study for personal or group study.”
I am doing this study with women from my church right now. It is a very helpful guide in learning how to study the Word of God inductively. Keri clearly lays out the three steps to inductive study (observation, interpretation and application) and then carefully walks us through the passages in this way. Our group is finding the study of Philippians refreshing and good for our soul.
The study would be great for Christians or Non-Christians as the gospel is clearly laid out time and time again. The great part about that is Keri’s reinforcement that the gospel isn’t just for the unbelieving heart but for all as that which compels us to grow more like Christ. I highly recommend picking up this study for personal or group study.
Lisa, in a 5-star review on Amazon
Amazon Review –
The questions are beyond the ordinary fill in the blank sort. There are 3 kinds of questions designed to get you to apply truths to your life. I also like the spiral binding for ease of use.
J.C., in a 5-star review on Amazon
Amazon Review –
“So nice to have a solid study for women!”
So nice to have a solid study for women! There is so much fluff out there, Bible studies based on video and personality. This is a good, basic, verse by verse study of Philippians. I am using it with a group of ladies this summer, and we are thoroughly enjoying it. Glad I found this through Cruciform Press, a reliable publisher of doctrinally sound materials!
P. Koranda, in a 5-star review on Amazon
Amazon Review –
“I appreciate how it helps me dig into Scripture and come away with a deeper understanding and appreciation for God’s word.”
I’ve been using Keri Folmar’s study on Philippians during my quiet times. My church uses the inductive method for our Wednesday evening Bible studies, and I had been wanting to learn and apply this same approach to my individual study time. Folmar’s Joy! study has been a wonderful resource that approaches Philippians inductively, and I appreciate how it helps me dig into Scripture and come away with a deeper understanding and appreciation for God’s word.
Laura, in a 5-star review on Amazon
Amazon Review –
I am loving this Bible study!
I am loving this Bible study! I have long lacked any kind of method when it comes to studying the Bible and spent a good amount of time researching a simple yet solid study guide that would teach me how to study the Word on my own. This study uses the inductive method and I love that approach as it teaches you to examine God’s Word in context, which is so important. I also love that the author reminds you to spend time I prayer before each time of study. I can’t wait to finish this one and then move on to the James study!
Lauren, in a 5-star review on Amazon
Amazon Review –
“This inductive study of Philippians leads the student to the well of true Joy.”
I am currently co-leading a small group of ladies through the study of Philippians using Keri Folmar’s Joy: A Bible Study on Philippians for Women. In a world where people are constantly searching for happiness, this inductive study of Philippians leads the student to the well of true Joy—knowing and serving our Lord Jesus Christ. Keri encourages Christian ladies to study the Bible in order to know who God truly is and to keep the Gospel central to their daily lives. By knowing the God of the Bible, we can challenge our cultural stereotypes of God to find our true joy in Him in every circumstance. This study is also an effective guide to shepherd non believers to the truth of the cross and its relevance to our everyday lives.
Kim, in a 5-star review on Amazon
Lark Lawson –
My friend & I have been in many Bible studies over the past 25 years this is excellent! I makes you think and it is one of the best.
Thanks Keri for your insight, format and love for the Lord.
Lark Lawson
Aaron Lee –
Why am I reviewing a Bible Study on Philippians for women? First, I heard many great things about this study and wanted to check it out. Second, our church has a lot of community groups but not a lot of Bible study groups. I wanted to see if this was a resource I could suggest. After reading and interacting with this study, it is one that I wholeheartedly recommend.
A Trustworthy Teacher
Author Keri Folmar is the wife of John Folmar, pastor of the United Christian Church of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. She is also the mother of three children. Interestingly, once as chief counsel of House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, she was a staff writer of the Partial Birth Abortion Ban.
Folmar knows how to write, but she lets Scripture do the talking in this 10-week BIble study. The basic steps of observation, interpretation, and application are highlighted for the reader. Generous white space is dedicated to interacting with the text. The study opens by asking the reader to do an overview of the entire letter. Background information on how a First Century would receive this letter was refreshing to read.
Philippians 4
I had to see what Folmar presents in Philippians 4, and she does not disappoint in asking the hard questions. For instance, she asks, “In which circumstances or areas of life do you find it hardest to be content? Examine the following areas.”
She then lists marriage, singleness, children, health, financial difficulties or financial abundance, family relationships, career, church, and living arrangements. As a new father, I remember the uncertain time and discontentment that can creep up on a waiting husband and wife. I appreciate that Folmar tackles this question within the context of Scripture and helps the reader find contentment in Christ.
Written with Joy
But it is not just in Philippians 4 where she asks the hard questions. She challenges her readers throughout the book to really think about what the Bible says. She encourages everyone to wrestle with the text. There are questions for single women, married women, older women, and younger women. I benefitted from this study as a man, and I recommend it for anyone who is ready for serious study.
I was provided a complimentary copy of JOY! — A Bible Study on Philippians for Women in exchange for an honest review.