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The Christian life is a battle. Believers must be prepared to fight every battle that life brings and the Apostle Paul knows that many of life's battles are fought in the mind. Philippians 4:8-9 is a call for Christians to do battle in their minds. In these verses, Paul has given a list of virtues that Christians are to think on, which in turn will result in peace; the God of peace being with them. Furthermore, Paul instructs believers to practice what they have learned, received, heard and seen in him. In other words, Christians are to example Paul as he exampled Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1). Much of the experience of a Christian's life is a result of their thought life. Philippians 4:8-9 instructs us to think about all that is good in Jesus. This is the antidote to a lack of peace. 

Goodbyes are difficult and often a source of sorrow. In John 16:16-22 the disciples were wrestling with a goodbye of their own as they pondered Jesus's announcement that they will not see him for a little while. Jesus encourages them by giving them a promise. He promises to turn their sorrow into joy (vs. 20). This is the power of the resurrection. The eternal joys offered by God and promised in Christ are rooted in the resurrection of Jesus for all who are united to him by faith.

The "Palm Sunday" events recorded in John 12:9-19 happen shortly after Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead. Jesus enters the city declaring his kingship by fulfilling a prophecy from Zechariah 9:9. Riding into the city on the "colt of a donkey" instead of a war horse showed he is a gentle and lowly king. And yet, He is the powerful king we all need. He alone can overcome the curse and condemnation of death that we deserve.

In Philippians 4:6-7 Paul gives some direct instruction that both amazes and irritates, "Do not be anxious about anything." He goes on to explain the way we obey that command is by "praying about everything." This is the only path to experiencing the peace of God (vs. 7) in the midst of anxious circumstances. God's peace is what we need most because it alone is able to "guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."

In Philippians 4:2-5, Paul entreats two ladies who were leaders in the church to put aside their differences and agree in the Lord. In addition, despite being imprisoned, he exhorts Christians to rejoice in the Lord at all times. Finally, he encourages Christians to have a reasonable or gentle spirit, knowing that the Lord's presence is near.

In Philippians 3:17-4:1, Paul invites his readers to imitate his example and not be deceived by other so-called Christians who show their spurious faith by living as "enemies of the cross." Instead of having a mind "set on earthly things" true Christians live with a conscience awareness their "citizenship is in heaven." In other words, Paul wants Christians to primarily live according to the politics of heaven. The politics of heaven are glorious, indeed! How might you remember your citizenship in heaven this week? Will you pray about this?

In Philippians 3:12-16 we learn Paul's "pressed on" and "strained forward" for the "prize" and "goal" of knowing and enjoying Jesus more fully. Why did Paul have such single-minded focus to press on to know Christ? Because Christ Jesus had made Paul his own (3:12). God's gracious pursuit of us through Jesus's saving power and love is what secures and motivates our energetic pursuit of Christ. Here are some questions you might to yourself apply this text:

1. Is there sin you need to repent of that is hindering you from pressing on to know Christ?
2. What is one practical action you can take this week to "press on" to know Christ?
3. Who in your church family can you invite you join you?

The focal point of Philippians 3:8-11 is Christ. What a privilege we have to know Jesus in a personal and relational way. The value of an abiding relationship with Jesus should greatly surpass the value of all things in this present age (Phil 3:8-9). Verse 10 tells us we can know Jesus by experiencing the power of his resurrection (through his indwelling Spirit), and by sharing in Christ’s sufferings. Both are necessary to know Jesus as we ought. What do you hold of higher value than knowing Christ? Let us seek repentance where necessary, and pray for ongoing clarity to see the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus our Lord.

In Philippians 3:1-11 Paul gives harsh warnings against putting any confidence in the flesh concerning one's relationship with God. Paul had an impressive resume of his own that he once thought were spiritual assets (Phil. 3:4-6). That all changed when he encountered the "surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord" (Phil. 3:7-8). The perfect resume of Jesus Christ is what we need, and that is what God gladly gives us by grace through faith.

In Philippians 2:19-30, Paul gives an update about the travel plans for two of his ministry partners. By doing this, Paul provides two practical examples of what it looks like to "live worthy of the gospel" (1:27). Both Timothy and Epaphroditus model in different ways what it looks like to "look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others" (2:4). We see a picture of true biblical Christianity in their “genuine concern for the welfare” of others (2:20) that presses forward through costly and sometimes risky sacrifice. The challenge for us is to admit how shallow American Christianity often is in comparison.

Philippians 2:14-18 teaches us several truths that are vital to the Christian life. We are told to do all things without grumbling and disputing, while living a life that is blameless, innocent and without blemish. Doing so will produce a testimony that will be a light to the world. Paul emphasizes also to treasure the Word of God and share it with others. Ultimately doing all of these things is pleasing to God and will lead to gladness and rejoicing among believers.

Philippians 2:12-13 is a very important text relating to Christian sanctification. This text does not indicate that salvation can be earned or worked for, but that God expects those who have been saved through faith alone, to live out that salvation through obedience to Christ and his word. Our joyful, faith-filled obedience is motivated by Christ’s example of obedience, and the knowledge that God is working in us to supply the desire to obey, and the power to carry it out. The Christian is responsible for obedience, yet it is God who empowers it. Therefore, let us earnestly seek God as we work out our salvation with fear and trembling (Phil 2:12). We can have full confidence that he who began a good work in us will bring it to completion (Phil 1:6).

In Philippians 1 the Apostle Paul explains how he defines life - “to live is Christ” (Phil. 1:21). What this teaches us is that if you have a proper definition of life, you’ll be able to face anything in life - even death. But, if you don’t have a proper definition of life, you won’t - your life will collapse. This text calls you to convert your purpose and meaning in life to something greater, something better, something that can endure the worst — even death — and still not be taken from you. “To live is Christ, to die is gain.”

None of us know the twists and turns that await us in this new year. Something you can know is that whatever twists and turns are ahead, if you are in Christ, you have a Good Shepherd. In John 10 we learn that Jesus is the Good Shepherd. He loves us, he goes before us, and he leads us with his word toward a wonderful and glorious eternal future.