In these verses Paul expresses four desires that together give a summary of the Christian life.
Read Philippians 3:10-11
A Warning Against Trusting in Ourselves
Paul warns the Philippians to beware of false teacher who were teaching that keeping Jewish rituals and laws was necessary for salvation. Using himself as an example he shows what it means to trust in Christ alone.
Read Philippians 3:1-9
Comforting Truths in Difficult Times
This is one of the key passages in Scripture for comfort and perspective in suffering. It calls us to trust that God works everything together for the good of his people. The heart of any comfort in suffering is the salvation that God has accomplished in Jesus Christ.
Read Romans 8:28-39
Church
All of life includes our responsibilities to participate in the life and work of the church. Two areas are considered, participation in worship and the use of spiritual gifts.
Timothy and Epaphroditus
In this passage Timothy and Epaphroditus are considered as examples of the attitudes and behaviours Paul has been instructing the Philippians to exhibit in their lives.
Read Philippians 2:19-30
Family
An important part of “all of life” is the family. This sermon briefly considers marriage, the roles of husbands, wives, parents, children and single adults.
Read Ephesians 5:22–6:4
Continue to Work Out Your Salvation
The main exhortation in this passage is “continue to work out your salvation.” It is possible for Christians to do this because God enables them to do so. Paul urges the Philippians to do this “without complaining or arguing” so that they will “shine like stars” as they “hold out the word of life.”
Read Philippians 2:12-18
Non-Working Time: Worship and Leisure
Our non-working time is a significant part of our lives. It is also to be used for the glory of God. Part of this time is to be used for the worship of God. But leisure and enjoyment are also part of God’s purpose for our lives and are to be enjoyed with thanksgiving to God.
Read Genesis 2:1-9
Imitating Jesus
Paul here describes Jesus’ humiliation as an example of humble service for the Philippians to follow. He also describes Jesus’ exaltation an encouragement to them that those who follow Jesus in his humiliation will also one day be exalted with him.
Read Philippians 2:5-11
Why God Swore an Oath
The background to this passage is the danger of drifting away from the Lord. These verses address that danger by reminding the Hebrews of the fact that God swore and oath to confirm the promises of salvation. It is through the "oath-promise" of God that we are greatly encouraged.
Read Hebrews 6:13-30