Paul wrote this letter to the saints in Christ, that is, to those who believe in Jesus Christ (the body of Christ), who are at Philippi (Phl 1:1). Philippi is in Greek, see
the map in The Book of Thessalonians.
We should let our way of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ (Phl 1:27a). We should stand firm in one spirit, with a mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel,
and not be dismayed in anything by our adversaries (Phl 1:27b–28a). It's a blessing not only to believe in Christ but also to suffer for his sake (Phl 1:29, Acts 5:40–41).
We should be of the same mind, have the same love, be in full accord, and of one mind (Phl 2:2–3, 4:2). Paul isn't talking about organizational unity. It's how we treat each other in the body of Christ (Luk 22:25–27, 1 Pet 5:5b–6), see Unity. We
shouldn't go in selfish ambition. We are obliged to love one another (1 John 4:11,
John 13:34–35, 1 Cor 13:4–5). We should live for God without complaining and without argument or quarrel (Phl 2:14, James 4:1–3). We should hold fast to the word of life (Phl 2:16, 2 Thess 2:15, 2 Tim 1:13, 1 Cor 15:2, 1 Thess 5:21). The Greek word translated to "hold fast" means to hold your position and to fix your
gaze. This means that we constantly need to read the Bible. But it's more than that. The Pharisees knew the word but were rebuked many times by Jesus. We must pray to God to open our hearts to better understand what the Bible says (Eph 1:17–18).
We may need to study the Bible and not just read it.
Jesus fulfilled the Mosaic Laws (Mat 5:17). When we put our faith in Jesus and believe that he died on the cross for our sins, and believe that what he did is enough to save us, that all that the Mosaic Laws demand was fulfilled in him, then we keep the demands of these Laws. Not by ourselves but through our faith in Jesus Christ
(Phl 3:3, 8–11). We can't earn our way to God. We can't be good enough, see
Jesus and the Young Rich Man. Our goal should be to become more like Jesus and in the meantime not look back on our failures or bad experiences in life (Phl 3:12–15).
We need to guard our hearts, that is, our thoughts and feelings, because it affects how we live (Proverbs 4:23, Rom 12:2). For example, of bitterness, anger, and jealousy. Instead, we should set our minds on the following (Phl 4:8):
- Truths
- Honorable
- Fair, morally right and just
- Pure, uncontaminated
- Lovely
- Commendable, well done
- Excellent, has high quality
- Commendable
We should rejoice in the Lord (Phl 4:4).
- Learn to give thanks in everything (1 Thess 5:18).
- Learn to rest in God's ability to provide for you (Mat 6:27, 31–34).
- Be content with what we have received (1 Tim 6:6–8).
- Refuse to compare my situation with others (James 3:16).
- Learn to focus on the needs of others (Phl 2:4, 2 Cor 8:1–4).
