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The saying "Just a Sinner saved by grace" is not confidence. We use this phrase to justify the complete lack of victory and forward momentum in our lives. Is that the gospel message? It's true that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us. But the moment you put your faith in Christ, sin lost its power!

Paul says: "Sin shall not have dominion over you." Why? Because you are not under law, but grace. You may still sin, but sinner is no longer your identity. Sinner is no longer your name.

God doesn't simply improve upon our old lives, but He gives us an entirely new life in Christ.

In Romans 6 Paul explains that continuing in sin would be inconceivable for those who have been given new life in Christ.

Discontentment is a lack of faith, not believing that God knows what is best for you and that He knows what He needs to do in order to provide for your needs.

Philippians 4:8

"What a small little part of a person’s life are his acts and his words! His real life is led in his head, and is known to none but himself. All day long, the mill of his brain is grinding, and his thoughts, not those other things, are his history"

- Mark Twain

It is very important to think about what we have been thinking about. What is on your mind? Paul challenges us to think thoughts that are God honouring and life changing.

Philippians 4:6-7

Philippians 3:17-19

In this scripture, Paul is addressing the con artists in the church. He shows us that a good "antidote" to these evil examples is a good example. He encourages the Philippians. Paul wants his life not to be admired, but imitated. All men will imitate someone. Paul wants us to be imitators of those who are wholeheartedly devoted to Christ.

Philippians 3:1-3

Dead religion robs a believer of their joy. Paul adds shock value to this message in order to warn us against these joy stealers.

Philippians 2:25-30

In the gospels we are presented with two basins. The basin of Pilate said "I wash my hands of this mess", and the basin that Jesus used to wash the disciples feet.

Paul sets Epaphroditus before us as an example of a Jesus follower who was not afraid to get his hands dirty.

Philippians 2:19-24

When people interact with Christians they often feel that they have just met the judge and jury. This is not what Jesus intended for his followers. We should follow the example of Christ, always leaving people with a sense of being valued. And a strong conviction that a life with God is a life worth living.