Message Transcript This first message of the series will be an introduction both to how the series will work (reading assignments, connection opportunities, bonus content, etc.) as well as an introduction to the letter itself. By describing Paul’s situation and the context for the church in Philippi, we’ll see just how much we have in common with these early Christ-followers - living in a world increasingly opposed to their beliefs, wondering where there is hope when it seems like the world is still so broken, the temptation to drift in our commitment to Jesus, and the need for us to pursue self-giving love, etc. Ultimately, both this series and the book of Philippians itself call us to make a choice: putting Jesus at the center of our lives and shaping our lives to look like his in the midst of this broken world. As we’ll see again and again, this way of living leads not only to life, but to overwhelming joy! Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:9