I finished memorizing the Book of Philippians this past January. It was the first Book of the Bible I had ever finished memorizing fully. A feeling of accomplishment washed over me as I finished memorizing. It was a feeling like no other. This portion of scripture was eternally planted in my heart, and no one could take it out! It inspired me to memorize more. It was then that I decided to memorize one Book of the Bible each month this year. So far I have been keeping up with my goal, and have memorized three Books of the Bible. Currently I am working on 2 Timothy for the month of April. Since I have been spending so much time memorizing these larger portions of scripture, I’ve experienced scripture in action. So many of the verses would make their way into my daily thoughts, conversations, and even writing projects. This inspired me to just write an entire blog post on what I’ve learned from the Book of Philippians just since memorizing it. I also plan on writing about the other Books I memorize in the future (and the others I’ve completed so far), so keep an eye out for those new posts! Here is my list of 10 things God has shown me as I’ve memorized this amazing Book! 1. Philippians 4 was the first chapter in the Book that I memorized (I know, out of order). One of the first things that stood out to me was the word “moderation” in verse 5. In other versions this word is “gentleness.” As a young woman it stood out to me that my moderation (kind of like modesty) and gentleness should be known to everyone I am around. I shouldn’t be one way around a certain group of friends, then change who I am with a different group. I’m to be pleasing in His sight no matter who I’m with or how those around me act. 2. Philippians 4:4 says rejoice twice. It doesn’t say to rejoice only when you feel like it, but to rejoice always. I wrote this verse on an index card and taped to my window. Whenever I felt down about something I’d remember that verse written by Paul, the one who was sitting in prison at the time he wrote it, telling me to rejoice in the Lord always. If Paul did it in his circumstances, so can I. 3. Paul was of the tribe of Benjamin, an Israelite, and a man who seemed to have it all...but he chose to give it all up for Christ. He counted everything he had as loss compared to Christ. He valued the knowledge of the things of God over his earthly status and treasures. Like Moses, he chose rather to suffer with the people of God instead of enjoying the pleasures of sin for a season (Heb. 11:25). 4. Philippians 2:14-16 - “Do all things without murmurings and disputings: That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.” We as Christians are to: Not complain, shine as lights in this world (you have to be different from the darkness in order to shine in it), hold out the Word of life, and rejoice in the day of Christ. As a result, we can be confident that we haven’t run our race in vain. 5. If there’s anything good in me at all, it's Christ. I thought Paul was an amazing man who had it all together, but even he said in Philippians 3:9 that he didn’t have his own righteousness. His righteousness was of God, through faith in Christ. How amazing is that? We, just like Paul, don’t have to try to live up to the law’s standards because Christ already did that work for us. Now our only boast is in Him - the One who took our place so that we could be the ones clothed in His righteousness. We can do away with the works and cling to His grace. It is sufficient for us. 6. It is God that works in us to will and to do of His good pleasure (Ph. 2:13). Any good in us is a result of His work in us, and any work He does in us wasn’t begun because of what we’ve done, but because He chose to initiate and transform us for His glory. 7. To live is Christ, and to die is gain. No, really. To live is Christ and to die is gain. Let that sink in. After reading it a dozen times from reviewing that passage over and over, it started to change my perspective. It brought me so much joy to know that as Christians, it’s not us who live, but Christ in us, and when it's all said and done, fullness of joy truly begins. 8. If Christ, the King of the world, the Son of God, the one present when the foundations of the earth were made, the one who can count the hairs on my head, saved me from sin, and knows every word before I speak, took upon Him the form of a servant and humbled himself, what does that mean for me? Who am I to think I’m to be served and not serve others? Who am I to think that I’m worthy of more praise than He received? 9. Philippians 2:4 says to “Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.” I have been challenged since memorizing that verse to put this into action, and when I haven’t, I’ve been convicted because I now know what God’s Word has to say. His truths actively direct me in the right path I am to go. 10. I really can memorize an entire Book of the Bible, and so can you! So there you have it! 10 out of many things that the Lord has taught me as I memorized the amazing Book of Philippians. I hope this post was an encouragement to you. This week I challenge you to find a verse, chapter, or Book of the Bible that you love and memorize it, too! Start small, but don’t stop there - keep going. I promise it will change you, and it is all worth it. For a bit of an extra challenge: Leave a comment below sharing a passage you’ve memorized recently, and 5 things God has taught you from memorizing it! In Christ alone, Hannah Kohner
6 Comments
Kezia
4/6/2021 03:30:32 pm
Hey Hannah!
Reply
Hannah Kohner
4/6/2021 04:56:36 pm
Hey Kezia!
Reply
Angela Kipp
4/11/2021 09:53:59 pm
Hey, Hannah! As I believe you know, I am also memorizing 2 Timothy right now! I recently finished chapter 2, and here are five things I learned from it:
Reply
Hannah Kohner
4/12/2021 12:31:37 pm
Hey Angela! Yes! I'm so glad that we are on the same chapter this month!
Reply
Mikhenna
4/28/2021 10:18:10 pm
Memorizing a book of the Bible each month is the best New Year's Resolution I've ever heard.
Reply
Hannah Kohner
5/8/2021 08:36:40 pm
Hi Mikhenna!
Reply
Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorHello, I'm Hannah and I'm so glad you're here! I'm a twenty-year-old Jesus-loving writer, National Bible Bee Alumna, and homeschool graduate. Jesus redeemed me, and now I give my life, and this blog, to serve Him. Hebrews 3:13 reminds us to encourage each other daily, lest we be hardened by sin. I hope that reading each blog entry that I post you will be encouraged and challenged to become more like Christ daily. |