Philippians - July 2025

Susie Renzema
Jun 30
2 min read

Happy July!

In my opinion this is the best month to live in Michigan and I hope it’s better than the June I just had. Did anyone else get that nasty summer cold/flu that was/is going around? I spent the better part of June being sick and I’m really hoping that July treats me better.

But in spite of being sick, WOW, Galatians blew me away! First of all, being parked in one book for an entire month has just been so good. I saw things I know I missed in past reading, and by using commentary along with it, I understand the slave and free analogy so much more than before. I felt deeply repentant for all the times and ways that I’ve tried to earn or work for my salvation. Spending extended time here hi-lighted for me the tension between walking in freedom and growing in holiness. How easy our sanctification can slip over into works righteousness, and what an affront to Jesus that is. And yet, my salvation is secure for no other reason than God’s amazing grace and his sovereign choice. That fact never ceases to amaze me.

Second, the connection between our freedom and the call for unity in the body. I’m not set free for my personal benefit alone, but in order to serve the body of Christ. My freedom is for others, those who don’t know Christ, and my brothers and sisters in Christ. There were lots of moments of personal reflection, repentance, intercession, and wonder over this amazing epistle. I truly hope you all are finding it as beneficial.

And so, onward we go! For the month of July we will be journaling the book of Philippians. The passages are shorter and we have one catch up day a week, because it’s July and I hope you all have lots of fun summer plans, and because it’s a shorter book.

Again, if you haven’t tried using commentaries yet, give it a go. And if you enjoyed the S.O.A.P. method, continue to use that. If you are new to S.O.A.P. I will enclose the explanation from last month with this plan too.

Blessings,

Susie