This famous passage is one of the most misused passages in the world. However, the passage does have something to do with discernment and judgment. Jesus used this passage to address the responsibility that we have toward fellow believers to help them after we have work on ourselves.

Paul had a view of his circumstances that helped him rejoice in the worst of circumstances. He viewed his imprisonment as an God-appointed opportunity to advance the gospel into places it had never been. Paul rejoiced when the gospel advanced even though some pushed forth the gospel for personal reasons.

This chapter gives us examples of people who lived by faith. However, it starts some characteristics of faith. Faith that holds to God even though those truths are not sight is worthy of honor from God. The first thing that all people must have faith about is creation. Faith is required to believe that the worlds were framed by God.

In the previous section believers were warned not to give up their faith in Christ. In this passage the believers are reminded that the Christian life is not easy. It is like a marathon race with ups and downs. However, like all believers of the past, the believer runs their race by faith in Christ. "The just shall live by faith." God is delighted with those who do not turn back.

Paul's prayer was that believers would have a love like Christ. For it to have full impact on others it required boundaries of knowledge and discernment for it to flow in the proper direction.

This section of warning was important for the readers. They were being pressured to give up Christ and go back to their old life. This passage serves as a warning to not abandon Christ. The danger is that it is impossible for a person to come back from a decision like this. (Note: God can do impossible things in saving souls.) Everyone who hears this passage needs to hold the more firmly to Christ.

Paul's letters often start in a similar pattern. He introduces the letter and then moves into his prayer for his readers and thanksgiving for what God is doing in their lives. Paul had much to thank God for in the lives of the Philippian church. They were reflecting God in their lives.

Fasting is not a regular part of modern Christian culture. It is a forgotten discipline. Fasting is not about keeping oneself away from certain things. The focus of fasting is on God. Fasting allows for the clearing away of things that cloud our vision of God.

This section is one of transition. For chapters Hebrews has spoken of the better high priest and the better sacrifice. Because believers have these two thing, they should do certain things in response to this knowledge.

This letter of friendship and challenge to the Philippians has given much encouragement to believers throughout the years. However, this book is not just about joy. It emphasis Christ and the gospel as well as the way that we think. In the end this letter emphasizes that right thinking about Christ brings real joy.