In Jesus, we have a treasure of surpassing worth. It's in knowing Jesus that we can have contentment - no matter our circumstances. All our needs are provided for from the riches we have received in Christ. His grace is what settles our spirits.

Looking at the state of the world, the church and even our own lives, there is cause for worry. If we know the Lord Jesus, however, we have peace with God. Experiencing this peace in our lives is a result of adding 3 'r's: reconciling with brothers and sisters in the Lord, rejoicing in all circumstances and reflecting on the gospel.

December can be a busy and difficult month. We find ourselves stressed and low on energy. It can be easy to lose sight of what is most important. What we most need is the real, living Saviour who empowers us through the gospel. Jesus is the One, even in the hectic ending of the year, who energises us to press on, walk straight and remember home.

Paul explains that it’s only when you consider everything a loss and Christ alone as your gain that you can have true confidence in your acceptance before God. False confidence is jamming our good works into our credit column and will collapse before God’s righteousness. True confidence is found when Jesus alone is in our credit column. It's this true confidence that gives us certainty amidst the uncertainty of life and enables us to rejoice in the Lord whatever the circumstance.

After giving the call to have the same mindset as Christ and to work out our own salvation, Paul gives models of those instructions in Timothy and Epaphroditus. They display a selfless sympathy, side by side service and sacrificial sending that is to characterise all who know and love the Lord Jesus.

As we have received a new mindset in Christ (others before ourselves), we are now called to work out our salvation. To work out our salvation refers to the process of sanctification: working out what God works in. Instead of grumbling and disputing, in living out the gospel we shine like stars and hold fast onto the gospel.

In a dog-eat-dog world, how can we possibly put the needs of others before ourselves? Doesn't that mean we'll become a doormat? Who can afford to be humble? Of what advantage is humility? Paul explains that the gospel changes our mindset. Philippians 2:1-11 shows us how to think (put others first), what to think (Jesus humbled Himself for us) and why to think. It's in humility that we receive salvation and it is how we grow together as Christ's redeemed people.

As Paul listens to the guards shuffling outside his cell, he knows at any moment he could face death. However, he communicates to the Philippians his great joy. To live is fruitful labour in Christ and to die is to be with Christ. Thus, in Paul's last words we are given words to live by.

As we watch our culture becoming less tolerant of Christianity, we wonder how the good news of Jesus can continue to advance in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles. The same question played on the minds of the Philippians as they watched their beloved church planter, Paul, imprisoned for preaching Christ. However, Paul assures the Philippians - and us - that the gospel is not chained! It continually advances because the gospel is not hindered by circumstance or even the false motives of its preachers. Instead, this passage reminds us that there are always opportunities to share Jesus, no matter what position we find ourselves as God's people.

From the very beginning of Paul's letter, the apostle prompts the church to remember the gospel. They are slaves and saints of Christ through His life, death and resurrection. This gospel of grace that had saved both Paul and the Philippians is the same good news they defended and confirmed in partnership. Paul reminds the church that he is praying that they would continue to abound in their love for one another. This passage gently reminds us that joy in God's church begins with joy in God's Christ.