Our natural tendency is to be selfish. We all want our own things and we don't want to share. Pastor Ed tells us today that this is not a characteristic of Christ. When striving for the qualities of Christ, we must focus on selflessness. Epaphroditus was concerned over the church of Philippians, for he knew they were concerned about his health. Having almost died, Epaphroditus easily could have said “I well stay and rest” but instead, he went to the church to provide them comfort and let them know he was ok.

Through Christ's work, you will gain new brothers and sisters. These will be people who are doing the good work along with you. These people may become closer to you than the family you were born to. Pastor Ed tells us today that Epaphroditus was a man whom under any other circumstances, Paul would likely had not ever talked to. They had ethnic backgrounds, which at that time would have prevented them from interaction, but through the common goal of Christ's work, they became family.

Modern culture implies to us, that what we need to do is get as many things as we can. Get the money, get the cool things, get the fame. Pastor Ed tells us today, that Timothy and Paul portray a different example. They portray, that instead of living to get things, we should live to give to others. We should live to serve. Jesus also portrayed this example throughout His life. So next time you get caught up in the rat race to get the next new thing, remember that you're remembered not for what you get, but what you give.

As Christians, we can expect God to bring people into our lives who will help us become better servants. When we are ready, He will also use us in others lives, so that we can have a positive influence on them. Pastor Ed tells us today, that Paul and Timothy are an example of this. Paul influenced Timothy in his ways, and as a result, Timothy became a great leader who could go out in Paul's place. From this we learn, that we should be on the lookout for Godly people who can help us grow in our walks.

As Christians we need to strive to be like Christ, but what does that mean? Pastor Ed tells us today, that a big part of that, is serving without complaint. Paul told the church of Philippians, that they must not murmur and complain. This means that when we are asked to serve in ways that we may not wish to, that we do so without a fuss. Not only that, but we should strive to find joy in all things. When serving with the heart of Christ, we are serving God's will. This alone, should bring us all the joy we need.

To truly partake in a walk with Christ, we must focus on growing spiritually. This means that we need to make a point to learn and grow in the word of God. Pastor Ed tells us, that discipline will be required to do this. Like one would need to consistently go to the gym in order to get in shape, one must consistently be in God's word to grow. If you make a point to prioritize God and His word, you will find growth, challenges, and blessings from God. It starts with you making God a daily priority in your life.

Pastor Ed tells us today, that Paul made sure, to let it be known, that Jesus was the Messiah which the Old Testament spoke of. He is the one the prophets spoke of. He is the one the Jewish people were waiting for. It's easy to not fully grasp the incredible reality of this. This means that Christ is the living God. He is truly the ultimate being, and He came here to save us. When we fully grasp this truth, we ought to come to the conclusion that there is nothing better than to serve Christ our Lord.

It's important that we understand the incredible Godliness of Christ. He is not just a man who did good things. He is a God that humbled himself to the level of man. Pastor Ed tells us that Jesus shows us the incredible essence of God. In his graciousness and goodness, He came down to the world as a man to be sacrificed for our sins. With no reason or need to do so, He became our Savior. Strive to be aware of the incredible goodness of God, and thank Him. For through Him, you are saved.

Pride is something everyone will likely struggle with. Though it's fine to be proud of things which we accomplish, we must be sure not to define ourselves off of these things. Pastor Ed tells us today, that pride is what caused the fall of Lucifer, and that when we allow pride into our heart, we mirror hell. We find that instead of pride, Christ represented humility. He came willing to serve the lowly, and never leaned on His Godliness as a means for superiority. Especially on the cross, Christ displayed absolute humility.

There are some who may be trying to use the church in order to gain power, or status in this world. Today, Pastor Ed tells us that Paul warned against such people. Paul pointed to Jesus himself as an example of why those who seek power through the church are wrong. Before becoming man, Jesus had all power and authority. He was the creator of man, yet he diminished his status, to become a servant of man. Like Christ, we must strive to humble ourselves, put others before us, and serve them.