We need to find faithful Christians to imitate as we follow Christ. We can't do it alone, and we shouldn't try. Follow those who are following Christ and growing in him.

We are to find our identity in Christ alone. He is the one who reconciled us to God. He is the one who puts our lives back together.

We are to put no confidence in any human works of righteousness. We put all our confidence in the finished work of Christ.

Paul reveals his human side to the Philippians and us in the middle of his letter. His affection for Timothy and Epaphroditus personally connects to us.

Paul challenged us to work out our salvation with fear and trembling, meaning we should stop being unserious and silly in our Christian lives. We are to serve the Lord with pleasure, without grumbling or complaining.

We are to elevate others when following Christ's example humbly. He became a servant to the point of death. We are to follow him on this path of self-denial through his power and grace.

Paul was convinced that to live is Christ and to die is gain. That's 100% true. If we live, we do so in Christ for his glory and enjoy his benefits. If we die, we go to be with him. Both are gains for us.

Everything that happened to Paul happened to advance God's glory in Christ. We should understand that this is true in our lives as well.

The Lord will complete the work he began in each of us on the day of Christ. It will be a wonderful day!

Paul wanted to give the Ephesians a report about his work to encourage them. He loved them, and they loved him. The report did them all well.