Philippians 1

“I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now” (4). Just as Paul’s situation (prison) gave him the opportunity to “advance” the gospel (12), he prayed that the Philippians would have the wisdom to live out their love for Christ in their own circumstances: “that your love would abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight”. More than just believing, they were called to “conduct themselves in a manner worthy of the gospel” – standing firm in both belief and behavior (27).

Paul modeled what it looked like to “live as Christ” (21) “proclaim the gospel without fear” (14). As we grow as disciples and witnesses, we experience “joy in the faith” (25).