As Paul continues his letter to the Philippians, he turns to address false teachers and the truth of the gospel. Paul begins with a warning about false teachers. He describes them and what makes them dangerous. He confronts the idea that our religious credentials can actually accomplish anything at all. Instead, Paul focuses in on our hope in salvation - knowing Jesus personally. Paul turns on his own credentials stating that he considers them loss, while now considering Jesus and knowing the ultimate gain. Your religious credentials are worthless in comparison with knowing Jesus. 

Philippians is a wonderful letter of hopeful encouragement for believers who are struggling with their concern about Paul and his current circumstances, struggling with their thinking about several different issues including: assurance, perseverance, the gospel and mission, partnership, fellowship and unity, and joy. Paul offers specific theological foundations for right thinking about engaging one another in the church. This foundation begins with a right understanding of Jesus, who he is and what he came to accomplish. It is also built on a right approach to the gospel and gospel ministry. This church needs to understand the importance of working together for the advance of the gospel in the church and in their community.