Now we see how far a humble attitude calls us to go. We are called to abandon all vestiges of self and self-identity. We are now owned by Jesus and our identity is in Him and our self-worth comes from knowing Him as Lord and Savior and Friend.

Since I need to be busy working out this faith of mine, how should I serve? With what attitude and motives should I minister? In this section of our text, Paul gives three examples of the proper motives for ministry. Lets serve and serve rightly!

Now that I'm saved, what do I do? What does God want me to do with my life? Let's talk together about working out this faith that we are experiencing!

Paul calls us to be selfless like Jesus our savior. We need to think of the needs and wants of others before we think of our needs and wants. We need to care for others more than we care about ourselves. This is radically different than our natural tendencies, but it is what God calls us to. Let's be selfless like our Savior.

Paul describes why he is not troubled by his present circumstances. Though he was in prison and his life hung by a thread according to the pleasures of the Roman Emperor, Paul resolved to live for the Lord or die for the Lord. His happiness came from being in the will of God. Our lives often run on empty because we are so full of self and selfishness. Only when we are empty of self-ambition can we have the joy of the Lord be our strength.

God always cares about WHY we do WHAT we do. We can be great things for His Church, but if we have selfish motives, God will not honor, bless, or reward our efforts. Why do you serve Him?

The power of the church is in prayer. In the opening section of Philippians, Paul lays out the reason for prayer and the content of prayer that can radically change our prayer lives.

As Pastor Tim introduces his philosophy of ministry, he will share what God lays down as the call of a pastor within a local church from 1 Timothy 4.