In this passage, the Apostle Paul encourages the local church in Philippi to join together in imitating him in his pursuit of knowing the Lord Jesus Christ. This exhortation is supported by two opposing realities: there are those who are enemies of Christ and those who are citizens of Heaven. In following his example, Christians "work out their salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God at work in them both to will and to work for His good pleasure" (2:12-13).