What we think about is important to God: Paul continues his call for Peace with a directive & thorough description of ‘the right thoughts’ for Peace in one’s mind.

Paul makes a Call for Peace: Peace in the Church and Peace in one’s inner self, encouraging believers to have gratitude, be gentle with others, and to not be anxious.

“Future promises determine present behavior” – Paul reminds the church at Philippi that because one has accepted Christ as a Savior, our thoughts & actions will be shaped & molded by Him.

Paul encourages the people of Philippi to continue in pursuit of holiness & maturity as a Christian. He offers himself as a model to follow, warns of false teachers, and reminds them that their true citizenship is in Heaven.

Paul’s words to the Philippians are a perfect summary of the basic Christian principle of Justification: Once we accept Christ as our Savior, we have a new position in Him & are declared righteous, and the process of defining & shaping our new lives begins.

Paul warns the Philippians of false teachers, and reminds them that the hope of salvation is not based on one’s genealogy, flesh, or works; Salvation comes through faith in Christ.

Paul teaches us that because we are children of God, we are to live pure & faithful lives in a crooked world. In modern terms, we are instructed to “live what we are” because how we live matters.

Dr. Eckman leads discussion on a short verse with big implications in our Christian lives: “Do everything without complaining or arguing.”

Paul tells the Church at Philippi to pursue God & to be obedient to Him, because God is already at work in the lives of His people, shaping their thoughts, desires, and actions.

Paul makes an appeal for unity amongst the church at Philippi which applies to us today: because of our Christian characteristics, we should have unity of mind, love, spirit, and purpose. Unfortunately, man’s selfish ambitions get in the way, so we are encouraged to follow the example of the humble & selfless Jesus Christ.