Book Review: Invitation to Philippians

For the Christian, the value of studying God’s Word is immensely edifying. Yet, a number of Christ-followers have problems reading the Bible and applying it to their own life. Whether due to the fact they don’t meditate on Scripture long enough or that they find it hard to find how it applies, a complement to the study of the Word can be devotional resources. Taken from sermons, the Biblical Preaching for the Contemporary Church series invites the reader to find reflection and application in the Word of God. The volume on the book of Philippians, by Donald R. Sunukjian, equips pastors and Christians everywhere to understand the Bible and to see how God calls for us to use it in real life.

Sunukjian takes us through the book of Philippians, explaining the background to the historical context where needed and pointing us back to scriptural references in Acts that help enlighten what we read in the letter to the church at Philippi. Invitation to Philippians does an excellent job and sharing clear and concise illustrations that are specific and not too general. The priority of application is also seen in this writing. Sunukjian really engages the heart of many when he speaks on Philippians 1:12-18 and the fairness of life. He says of Paul, “his concern was not ‘Is it fair?’ but ‘Is it accomplishing anything for God? Is what’s happening to me being useful to God in some way? Is it furthering his purposes in the world?’” (Sunukjian 25). The reminder of the gospel is weaved again and again throughout this book.

The one critique I would have about this volume is the introduction. The case is made for Philippians to be set up in a chiastic structure (Sunukjian 2). While it is intriguing, I am not convinced. Nevertheless, chiastic structure or not, it does not really affect the rest of the content in the book. Therefore, I would commend Invitation to Philippians to pastors, especially, but also to Christ-followers everywhere. It is an edifying, spiritual growth book that can be used as a devotional or even assist in sermon preparation. It is worth the read.

I received this book for free from Weaver Book Company via Cross Focused Reviews for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own and are my honest review of the book.