DAILY STUDY HABITS

The primary goal of these exercises is to teach healthy spiritual habits that will last you a lifetime. There are four basic components:

MEMORIZE:Verses to recall throughout the day reminding you of God's promises.

DEVOTIONAL:Watch or listen to a devotion to help you digest God's truths in new ways.

STUDY METHOD:Meditate on a passage until the Holy Spirit shows you how to apply it.

READING:Read scripture to know God better and to hear him speak to you through his word.

To get started, simply select the session and day that coincides with your workbook by using the numbers below.

SESSION:

DAY:

– MEMORY VERSE –

“Therefore, everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.”

Matthew 7:24 (NIV)

– TODAY’S VIDEO DEVOTION –

Today you will be watching Pastor Kenny Luck from Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, CA. Pastor Kenny will be teaching on Matthew 4:4.

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– PRAY IT! –

Refer to Session 5, page 81 in your workbook for instructions on this method of Bible meditation.

For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.

Philippians 2:13 (NLT)

– SCRIPTURE READING –

Take some time to pray before reading Philippians again. Remember that this is not just a letter from the apostle Paul, this is God’s love letter to you. Feel the pure joy that comes from the Holy Spirit and take a posture of humility and thankfulness for how much God loves you. Read Philippians 1-4 (NIV) again.

1 Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus,
To all God’s holy people in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deaconst:

2 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

THANKSGIVING AND PRAYER

3 I thank my God every time I remember you.4 In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now,6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

7 It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart and, whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me.8 God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.

9 And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight,10 so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ,11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.

PAUL’S CHAINS ADVANCE THE GOSPEL

12 Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters,t that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel.13 As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guardtand to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ.14 And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear.

15 It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill.16 The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel.17 The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains.

18 But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.
Yes, and I will continue to rejoice,19 for I know that through your prayers and God’s provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance.t20 I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.22 If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know!23 I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far;24 but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body.25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith,26 so that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me.

LIFE WORTHY OF THE GOSPEL

27 Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit,t striving together as one for the faith of the gospel28 without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God.29 For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him,30 since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.

IMITATING CHRIST’S HUMILITY

1 Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion,2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:

6 Who, being in very naturet God,
did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;

7 rather, he made himself nothing
by taking the very naturet of a servant,
being made in human likeness.

8 And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
by becoming obedient to death—
even death on a cross!

9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
and gave him the name that is above every name,

10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.

DO EVERYTHING WITHOUT GRUMBLING

12 Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling,13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.

14 Do everything without grumbling or arguing,15 so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.”t Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky16 as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain.17 But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you.18 So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.

TIMOTHY AND EPAPHRODITUS

19 I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you.20 I have no one else like him, who will show genuine concern for your welfare.21 For everyone looks out for their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.22 But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel.23 I hope, therefore, to send him as soon as I see how things go with me.24 And I am confident in the Lord that I myself will come soon.

25 But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, co-worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs.26 For he longs for all of you and is distressed because you heard he was ill.27 Indeed he was ill, and almost died. But God had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me, to spare me sorrow upon sorrow.28 Therefore I am all the more eager to send him, so that when you see him again you may be glad and I may have less anxiety.29 So then, welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor people like him,30 because he almost died for the work of Christ. He risked his life to make up for the help you yourselves could not give me.

NO CONFIDENCE IN THE FLESH

1 Further, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you.2 Watch out for those dogs, those evildoers, those mutilators of the flesh.3 For it is we who are the circumcision, we who serve God by his Spirit, who boast in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh—

4 though I myself have reasons for such confidence.
If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more:5 circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee;6 as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless.

7 But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ.8 What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith intChrist—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith.10 I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,11 and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.

12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead,14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

FOLLOWING PAUL’S EXAMPLE

15 All of us, then, who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you.16 Only let us live up to what we have already attained.

17 Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do.18 For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ.19 Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things.20 But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ,21 who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.

CLOSING APPEAL FOR STEADFASTNESS AND UNITY

1 Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends!

2 I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord.3 Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life.

FINAL EXHORTATIONS

4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

THANKS FOR THEIR GIFTS

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.

FINAL GREETINGS

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.t

1 Comment

Comments

  1. Posted by Melinda on 06/04/2020 at 12:35 pm

    Load up your Spirit with the God’s Word and fire your shots at the enemies in your life.

    Reply
Posted by Marie Ruhland
2/28/2012 12:08:00 AM
Thank you Pastor Luck. I desire to be a “it is written Christian” so my feet will not slip. Praise Jesus for His Word!
Posted by Dana Terry
2/29/2012 1:18:00 AM
I love the “be an it is written Christian” suggestion. It’s similar to the WWJD acronym. It reminds us when we are put in a position of temptation or compromise or simply need to make a decision on something in our every day life… if we ask What would Jesus do in this situation OR in other words be an “It is Written” Christian and search our bible and hopefully our minds for the scripture of how God wants us to live our life we will immediately get the Holy Spirit will “pierce” our minds with the Correct answer and we can therefore make the right decision as well as maintaining our Christ centered walk.Fanatstic work as always Kenny. God Bless us all as we walk with Jesus in a world that keeps trying to walk away from Him.
Posted by Jaquie Onifer
3/2/2012 2:49:00 AM
This was exactly what I needed to hear this morning. Like Jesus, I need to have the word of God loaded in my heart ready to fire at the suggestor.
Posted by Linda
3/12/2012 10:03:00 AM
I’m in a spiritual battle right now and I clicked on “40 days ” and read 1-4 chpters of Philipians and there was my answer! phil 4:4-8; 11-13 and all we have to do is just “be” in Christ and give Him all the trials and we will receive the “peace that passes all understanding! thanks be to God; May God reign in your life! Linda 🙂
Posted by gerald parsons
3/21/2012 9:41:00 PM
for the past four months i have been battleing medical peoblems so bad i wasen’t able to drive, by doing 40 days in the word i learn to fait in God and i have confidence in God that he has everthing under control.I thank God for his word.thank you paster, Please pray for me.Gerald
Posted by Julie
8/12/2014 6:43:00 AM
This is so true! When the doctor hands me a bad report I counter with Isaiah 53:5, when creditors are ringing my phone off the hook it’s Deut. 28, when I’m feeling guilty or condemned
Posted by Aileen Grenon
11/15/2014 3:11:00 AM
I am so excited by this. To be “an it is written Christian” is so important. There are far too many evils in the world and some living within your very walls at times, too know the word of God and to be able to be like Jesus and say “It is Written….” is sword that I will keep in my arsenal. This was such a powerful word this morning and I thank Pastor

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– WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING –

Jim T.

"Thank you so much Pastor Rick and Pastor Chris for this lesson. i have been getting a lot out of this 40days in the word and intend to continue these study principles for always. Had one question though, early in Chris' lesson he said that King David was the author of Psalm 119 but my study bible says that the author is unknown but some suggest that it may have been written by Ezra the Priest. Was curious if you might have some further insight on this.Not criticizing, just curious. Thanks and God bless."

alvin gardner

"Each morning I get up listening to 40 days in the word has been very helpful to me. It has given me something to look forward to each day of my life. "

Lucette

"I'e just started yesterday. Thank you for these message and to give us the encouragement to dig in the Word "

Laurie

"I am thankful for the structure to daily direct me into the mindset I need to be in. To be more aware of the lives of others, than my little daily concerns. For perspective, for visualizing Colossians 3:12-16, mindful of Phil.1:27. I am shopping as I whisper Colossians 3:16. Looking forward to 38 more days and beyond. "

Jo Bridges

"Praying that this older woman's memory bank will make room for new verses. " let the word of Christ dwell in me richly."amen. Praying that prayer."

Angela Demmans

"I have looked forward to doing this study every day!!! Not only the study but almost every day I looked up the pastors doing the verses each day and listened to and was so blessed by sermons I found of theirs at the church they are presently serving in!!! And God knew, but I didn't, that the final day would line up with very serious tests I am having at the hospital in the morning. I am so thankful for this study. I and to cancel my classes this semester for health reasons (mine and my daughters) and this was just what I needed. Thank you for your ministry and love for the Lord and His word. "

RAVI

"Dear Pastor . Your teaching is really encouraging. God blessed you with the Gift of wisdom and Gift of Knowledge . With THAT YOU ARE ENLIGHTENING MANY . I AM ONE AMONG THEM . THANK YOU PASTOR RICK WARREN"

Oscar Osabinyi

"Jesus said, 'Don't be afraid, just believe'..."

Njeri Gitau

"Hi am from Kenya and I'm doing the workbook this year. This is exciting!"

Oscar Osabinyi

"Karura Community Chapel family 40ditw starts today. We pray that we may love, learn and live the word..."

Mike quayle

"Greetings brothers and sisters from down under in Australia. G'day to you all! I have just started to do this wonderful course and I am on my 3th day. And between you and me I've been born again over 13 years and I've learned so much in the past three days more than in the past years. I am rejoicing now and I am hoping to be rejoicing even more after day 40. Thank you again. 2 Corinthians 13:14May the grace of The Lord Jesus Christ,And the love of God,And the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.Farewell brothers and sistersMike"

Lyn

"Thanks Pastor Rick. Our Life Group of 6 women have started with 40 days of the word.I have prayed many times to have this opportunity to learn and understand the Word. Finally my prayers have been answered. I have been to Know your Bible but have felt like the dunce in the group. Just with the 1st day I am uplifted and know that my confidence will grow.God Bless"

Peggy

"Did not know how to do this until I did this Bible Study at Church. This has been such a help to develop understand so much more about the word of God with the questions to ask and the methods that you provide to get more out of it than just reading the verse. chapter, or book. Thank you for the work you but into this to help us to know God better and understand more fully to mature in God and work to be more like him daily."

Beverly

"Just out of the hospital, joined the 40 day bible study with my church before I got sick. So, today is day one for me. I read the book of Philippians,again, and really studied it. What a wonderful book of instruction. Thank you so much for the structure of this study. God bless us, one and all."

Kathy

"I am so enjoying hearing from the Body of Christ all over the USA...it is so encouraging to see all these pastors in unity! And to see the body working together. I feel like all the different parts or "joints" are getting oiled and we can move forward more smoothly. Amen!"

Lance

"As one who has always considered my self successfull But I read purpose driven life and my life changed. Now as I read 40 days I am encouraged that I am not only learning more but developing a close relationship with Jesus. I hear the Holy Spirit speak to me and I know that during this struggle God is building me, preparing me and working in me like never before. My whole life has turned around and As I follow Jesus I know I am living for his purpose and Not my own. Thank you Rick for using your gifts to help me follow Jesus, build a relationship and provide me tools and stories that help speak to me daily. I look forward to serving Gods purpose as he is preparing me for my next mission in life. Amen! "

Catherine

"I like how I enjoy reading the background scripture around the Bible Verse! Sometimes, I go on and on. Questions will surface and the study notes help to clarify or will lead me to other references. I may not remember it all but know it is being stored for recall just as I need it."

Nicholas

"Wow! Two poignant illustrations that capture the essence of sanctification -- looking like Jesus, and when the sirens of life signal a crisis , what words will come out of me? May they be God's words. "

Brenda

"Open my eyes open lord that I may see, open my ears open lord that I may hear and understand your law. "

Karen

"Inspiring message."

Anna

"Thank you so much for sharing the word so eloquently with us. God has been so good to me, my husband and I heard these words, you have cancer. It hit us the same way, but we grew from the experience in trusting God no matter the outcome. My dear husband is home now with the Lord. I'm at peace with the Lord, as I stay close to him, an continue in the way he has shown me by his Holy Word."

Loretta Goff

"I move toward the mark set for me in Christ and want to do/act/believe those things He want for me!"

marlene

"excited about this new journey, learning God's word"

Barbara

"we just started doing the 40 days of the word in our study group at Spring Valley Church Of God in Reading,PA ..JUST STARTED and soo far it is amazing. Thank you Rick."

Katharina

"Just started and I am already experiencing something. It's hard to explain but it is little victories that make a huge difference. Thank you for this Bible study. It is still making a difference in 2015. "

Yasha

"Thanks, Pastor Rick, for this amazing resource. We recently started this journey in our LifeGroup, and I can confess that I'm already encouraged and enriched."

Yasha

"Thanks, Pastor Rick, for this amazing resource. We recently started this journey in our LifeGroup, and I can confess that I'm already encouraged and enriched."

G Lynne Bennett

"Hi. ECCI in Walthamstow, London are just beginning this course.As a child and teen I had a quiet time everyday and God was close. As an adult I lost it. At 53, it's about time to get hungry again. Please pray for the church. Thank you."

Lucy Okonkwo

"I am from Nigeria and your daily messages have helped me a lot in strengthening my faith in this christian journey. I will like to thank you for this series of 40 days in the word. I have been needing this message for a long time because I read the word and I forget them as soon as am out the door of my house every morning. "

elizabeth sanyu nabakooza

"We are doing this as a Chruch and all i can say for now....its a journey of self discovery in the word of God and a whole new world has been opened to me...thank u"