Joy Unshakeable - Philippians Series - Week 6
Three Final Joys
Discovery Bible Method
Watch Andrew share on the DBM Method - HERE
The Bible is the most-read book in history. It is a beautiful, meaningful and at times complex document. It is the revelation of who God is, who we are and God’s plan for salvation as told through the historical words and stories of his people. This revelation spans many time periods and cultures. Starting at the creation of the world and ending in the return of Jesus to the world, setting all things right.
The Bible is the “word of God” in the sense that it is a written document about God's revelation to humanity and that God uses it to reveal himself to believers through the Holy Spirit.
A critical step in helping people grow as disciples of Jesus is teaching them to read the bible and find their story in God’s story.
A simple way to do this is to use a tool called “Discovery Bible Method” (DBM). This tool can be used with people who are disciples of Jesus or with people who are interested in finding out more about Jesus and looking into the Christian faith.
During our 1 Peter series, we will be basing our connect group studies around the Discovery Bible Method.
Here is how it works:
Before you jump into the Discovery Bible Method. Open up the conversation:
Open up
To begin the study, ask these questions:
What are you thankful for?
What is causing you stress?
Who needs our help? How can this group help them?
Read
Read Philippians 4:10-23 as a group:
10 I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
14 Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. 15 Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; 16 for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need. 17 Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account. 18 I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. 19 And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.
20 To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
21 Greet all God’s people in Christ Jesus. The brothers and sisters who are with me send greetings. 22 All God’s people here send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar’s household.
23 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
Re- Read
Read the passage again as a group. Then take 1 min of silence to think about what has been read.
Retell
Shut your Bible and ask one person or a few people to volunteer to retell the Bible passage in their own words.
Reflect:
What stood out to you in that passage?
What character or theme did you most connect with?
What does this passage teach us about God?
What does this passage teach us about people?
Respond:
What do you want to keep thinking about or do this week as a result of this passage? (What application am I taking from this study?)
Who do you know that could benefit from hearing about this passage?