Who doesn’t love the book of Philippians?

It contains some of the most well-known verses in the New Testament. “To live is Christ, to die is gain.” “Work out your salvation with fear and trembling.” “Whatever gain I had, I count as loss for the sake of Christ.” “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”

But, more than that, we wanted to study Philippians for several reasons.

Philippians rehearses the joyful beginnings of a church. The first days of faith are often days of joy. Philippians rehearses these days. It seems especially fitting for us as we begin this church plant.

But it doesn’t leave us there. It tells us all we need to know to mature and endure. Specifically, Philippians roots us deeply into the source of all joy and life: Jesus Christ. Christ is not just to be our confession; he is critical for how we think of ourselves, others, and everything else. Knowing Christ changes the way we face conflict and disappointment, disappointment, suffering, loss, death, and all the other challenges to living for Christ in this life.

Philippians presses the truth of Christ deep into our hearts and lives until we are overwhelmed by joy.