The theme of Philippians is “Be and Imitator”. Paul begins chapter 1 describing his joy in praying for the Philippians and also that others are serving Christ. In chapter 2, Paul starts with the example of Christ, he encourages the church to follow Christ’s example, and them he commends Timothy and Epaphroditus to the church as good examples of serving Christ and the church. Chapter 3 is about how all the things we think are important are nothing compared with what Christ has done for us, and then, he talks about striving to reach the goal of serving Christ. In chapter 4, he writes more words of encouragement, he thanks them for their gifts to support his ministry and his final greetings.
Key verses:
1 Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? 2 Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. 3 Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. 4 Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. 5 You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. 6 Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. 7 Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, 8 he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross. 9 Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:1-11 NLT.