Philippians 2:1-18

The foundation of true joy is found in Christ Jesus. In this chapter the apostle Paul directs the attention of his readers to the profound significance of being united in Christ. Through this union we are to experience encouragement, joy, love, and humility (vv. 1-3), with everything ultimately pointing to the exaltation of King Jesus (vv. 9-11). From this foundation of our union with Christ, we are then called to “work out [our] salvation with fear and trembling” (v. 12). This is the gracious invitation to participate in the process of sanctification, co-laboring with God through the power of his Spirit to grow and conform into the image of Christ himself.