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Embracing Joy

a study of Philippians

A Love Letter

As followers of Jesus, we have heard the call to love God with all that is in us and to love our neighbor as ourselves. In this letter, we get a vision of how we should feel about other followers of Jesus and how we should express these feelings openly to them.

There You Are

There are two kinds of people in the world. Some say, “Here I am,” and focus on themselves. Others say, “There you are,” and joyfully love and serve others. Paul gives us a vision of a life lived for the sake of Jesus and others.

The Creative Minority

Passionate followers of Jesus will always be a minority. But such a creative and grace-driven minority can change a community, a country, and the world. This happens when God’s people are courageous in opposition, committed to advancing his kingdom, directed by his Word, and willing to forgive, serve, and love others.

Attitude Check

Jesus was a humble and gracious servant. He left heaven, emptied himself of divinity, lived among us, and died for our sins. When we accept the invitation to follow Jesus, we receive his grace and forgiveness. But we are also called to live as he lived, serve as he served, and love as he loved.

Live Not By Lies

As we speak the truth in this world, we must always temper it with grace and love. When we live and walk in the light of God’s truth, we will put Jesus above all else, place our confidence in him, and press forward toward his will each and every day.

The Focusing Illusion

What we focus on impacts our outlook, attitude, and reality. God calls us to keep our eyes, hearts, and attention on what honors him. When we do this, we learn to navigate conflict humbly, rejoice even in hard times, pray in times of anxiety, and walk in God’s grace through all our days.