As Paul continues his letter to the church at Philippi, he turns to address his own circumstances. First, he notes that despite the hardship and bad circumstance he is currently enduring, it is producing gospel advance and for that he can and does rejoice. It is difficult for us to rejoice in hardship and look for gospel advances in our hardships. Paul continues (v. 15-17) to explain that some are proclaiming Christ but with wrong motives. Paul states that he rejoices in their proclamation because the gospel is advancing and Christ is being proclaimed. Paul demonstrates selfless humility in this response, which will help the believers in Philippi as this letter continues. Despite the motives of others, we can and should rejoice in genuine gospel advances. 

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.