Summary: 1- Paul speaking from prison telling them to rejoice in the Lord (regardless of his circumstance- he’s being selfless, not complaining about his situation). Although the msg seems repetitive it’s for their good. 2- warns us about false teachers that focus on the outward presentation or appearance. 3- We are the circumsion (cz circumcision was their way of showing their commitment to God- it was a sign) we are the circumcision: our worship to God, our rejoicing in Christ, us having no confidence in flesh- this is a sign of true circumsion. 4- 6 if anyone was to brag or have confidence in the flesh, it’d be him- cz he had it all according to the law, outward- Pharisee, outwardly blameless. If anyone was to brag or qualify, it would be him 7- the things he used to be proud of, holding at high regard, became nothing- amase/rubbish when Christ found him. 8 everything is a loss, what he has in Christ is sooo good (the hidden treasure: mt 13:44) with muchhh more than he had. Knowledge of God- know- to have a relationship- there’s knowledge of God and there’s knowing Him- different levels. 9-11 he no longer has his own righteousness from the law but true righteousness through faith in Christ. To know Him and the power of His resurrection and share in His sufferings, becoming like Him in his death (like humbling himself and sacrifice) 11 he knows he’s gonna die and has hope that he will rise form the dead. 12-16 he says he’s not saying he’s perfect (he’s still growing, a work in progress) but he presses on, he’s determined, forgetting what is behind and reaching forward (not feeling guilt for the past, or being prideful of past achievements)- my focus is on Jesus, focusing on the race, not looking back (whether good or bad) - pressing forward to finish the race, get the prize. He’s encouraging those who are mature to have this same mindset. 17-21 he tells them to follow his example, walk the same way (determined) 18 he mentions some on the walk who are not serious (crying about their situation when talking about them) - that those people focus on earthly things, their appetite controls them (appetite for food, success, riches etc) their mind is set on earthly things, and they glorify in these shameful things. 20 why should we have this mindset? Cz our citizenship is in heaven (the Philippines were a Roman colony and everyone woulda been proud of having a Roman citizenship) now he’s saying that they belong to a greater kingdom, they reside in phillipi, but their true citizenship is in heaven)🤩😊 with this we eagerly(very hopeful) wait for the saviour - kinda like when we boutta come to Australia, when u get the date- u eagerly wait! That same sense of eagerness. 21 he then ends saying that He who we eagerly wait for will transform our lowly bodies that it may be conformed (to change- same way we conformed to His suffering and death, we now conform to his glorious body) crucified and raised with Him by His power, that is able to subdue all things to Himself(subdue even death- power over all).