Philippians

Paul writes from prison with joy, confident that God who began a good work in the Philippians will carry it on to completion. He expresses his desire to depart and be with Christ but knows remaining is more necessary for their sake. For him, to live is Christ and to die is gain.

Paul calls believers to imitate Christ's humility: though He was in the form of God, He emptied Himself, took the form of a servant, and humbled Himself to death on a cross. Therefore God exalted Him and gave Him the name above every name. Paul urges them to work out their salvation with fear and trembling as God works in them.

Paul counts all his religious credentials as rubbish compared to knowing Christ. He presses on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call. He warns against enemies of the cross and declares that our citizenship is in heaven, from which we await a Savior who will transform our bodies.

Paul's letter climaxes with some of the Bible's most beloved promises. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer present your requests to God, and the peace of God which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts. Whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely—think on these things. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.