Paul ends the letter to the Philippians by exhorting them to pray, think, and live in such a way that they will have the peace of God. The peace of God surpasses human understanding, and it can be experienced by those who have a relationship with God, through Jesus Christ. 

When we have a healthy relationship with God and healthy relationships with other believers we will have joy in our lives.

As beloved children of God, we are called to obey God. Obeying God does not save us, but once we are saved we will obey God. God sovereignly works his salvation into us, and then we have a responsibility to work out our own salvation. Paul holds up Timothy and Epaphroditus as examples of people of obedient faith.

While Paul was in prison he wanted to glorify Jesus. He was torn between whether living or dying would be better. Paul knew that to die and be with Jesus was better, because when a Christian dies we go to be at home with Jesus in heaven. Regardless, Paul would live each day for Jesus and so should we.

Paul was filled with joy as he remembered the start of the church in Philippi. He was also thankful for his relationship with the saints and he always prayed for them. As our church begins Home Groups, this is a joyful start of many new relationships in the church.