What is the greatest proof of saving faith? It is a life that has changed being united with the church. Consequently, Christians must be intentional to benefit one another, specifically regarding their sanctification.

For to Christians, every moment God grants us to live is aimed toward “fruitful labor.” As riveting as it is to stimulate one another to live for Christ, being with Christ is ultimately better. We aim to exalt Christ in life and death.

The driving theme of the passage is the progress of the Gospel through the proclamation of Christ. Many terms are used in the text to describe proclaiming Christ and none of them requires an official position of leadership. Instead, a trust in the Lord will lead us to be courageous and to speak the word of God without fear.

All Christians are partakers of grace and so they live out of God’s grace. Living out of God’s grace is marked by one’s participation in the Gospel and biblical love. The result is that Christians become greater partakers of God’s grace.

Sermon Notes:

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The apostle Paul begins his letter to the Philippian church with gratitude to God for them. He identifies them with the Holy Spirit by calling them "holy ones" in Christ Jesus. This singular identification among every Christian unites us all to be set apart for God's purposes. In effect, all Christians are united by the Gospel of Jesus Christ. As a result of this unity, Paul was specifically thankful for their participation in the Gospel. His appreciation was naturally filled with joy. Our joy should blossom in the same way as Paul’s did namely, from a Gospel centered unity in the church that leads to every member's participation.