Philippians 2:12-2:18 | We have all met those people who do nothing but complain. Nothing is ever good enough and no one ever impresses them. While we might not talk like that, the truth is we complain more often than we realize. Paul calls the church to be known by something else, a lack of grumbling and complaining that is filled up with joy so that others might see the difference!

Philippians 2:12-2:18 | Complaining is something that comes so easy to us but is also so destructive. Paul continues his letter to the Philippian Church with a warning: Complaining is restraining. It holds us back from following Jesus and it makes our community unattractive.

Philippians 2:12-2:18 | Those who work out the salvation that God is working in them will be joyful, distinct disciples of Jesus who shine like stars in the world.

Philippians 2:1-2:11 | Creeping disunity in the Philippian church is compromising Paul's joy. The enemy of relational harmony is pride which in this passage is exposed by selfish ambition, empty glory, and excessive self-interest. The antidote for pride is the demonstration of humility which is achieved by both acquiring and imitating the mind of Christ as illustrated by his incarnation. It is also important to understand that humility always is a prequel to glorification.

Philippians 2:1-2:11 | The way for the church to be unified is through personal humility. The reason this is so difficult is that we are all glory-starved and cosmically insecure. We were made for God and anything short of that leaves a cosmic void in our souls. In the upside-down Kingdom of Heaven, it is through humbling ourselves that we will be exalted by God. Thankfully, Jesus has shown us how and gives us the strength to walk in the humility of Christ.

Philippians 2:1-2:11 | Ever wonder why trying to win sometimes feels like losing? The writer of today's passage, Paul, would say it's because we often elevate ourselves to a place that we don't belong, and that's the first place. He even lets us in a little secret to discovering the joy in this life: emulating the humility and sacrifice of Jesus in the lives of those around us.

Philippians 2:1-2:11 | The way for the church to be unified is through personal humility. The reason this is so difficult is that we are all glory-starved and cosmically insecure. We were made for God and anything short of that leaves a cosmic void in our souls. In the upside-down Kingdom of Heaven, it is through humbling ourselves that we will be exalted by God. Thankfully, Jesus has shown us how and gives us the strength to walk in the humility of Christ.

Philippians 1:27-1:30 | Paul outlines what he would be looking for if he came to visit the Philippian church to confirm their faith. In so doing, Paul gives us the means to have the assurance of our own faith and confidence in God's work regardless of what is on the road ahead.

Philippians 1:27-1:30 | What does it look like to be a citizen of a different country? It may mean that we stick out at times and sometimes be seen as odd, but it does mean that what you do will represent your home country. In the same way, we as Christians are called to be good citizens of a Heavenly country and live to put Jesus on display.

Philippians 1:27-1:30 | While Paul is excited with the church in Philippi's overall direction, he still understands that there is little separating them from tragedy. But, he writes that they should not let that stand in the way of their mission by negatively impacting their behavior. In fact, no matter what, they are to live like the citizens of heaven that they are.