Today we re-start a series addressing how Christians and non-Christians alike misinterpret Scripture by reading verses out of context. Many of our issues with the Bible stem from cultural misunderstanding rather than textual problems.

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John 14:6, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" is often misunderstood about Jesus trying to keep people out of what they perceive to be heaven (our own personal pleasure factory). Instead, Jesus is trying to reframe our understanding of how we approach God from ritual and sacrifice to Jesus’ sacrifice for us. When Jesus claimed to BE these three things, He was making a revolutionary statement that relationship with God now comes through Him personally, not through law-keeping. Heaven isn't a "pleasure factory" but rather restored relationship with God, and while Jesus's exclusivity offends modern culture, it's actually inclusive - anyone can come to the Father through Christ, whereas previously only the high priest could enter God's direct presence.

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Ending the book of Philippians, we should reflect on what we have learned over the last 34 weeks. For instance, we are to stand fast in one spirit, to strive together for the faith of the Gospel, to be of one mind, to shine as lights in the world, and to know we are a part of God’s grand symphony of grace. We’ve been encouraged to rejoice in the Lord, and to not place confidence in the flesh. Paul has urged us to follow his example of knowing Christ and the power of His resurrection. He has also reminded us that our true citizenship lies in heaven, and of the hope that results from that understanding. Paul exhorted us to stand fast in the Lord, to let Jesus guard our hearts, and to meditate on things that are worthy of praise. He taught us that Jesus, who began the work of salvation in us, would carry that work on to completion. We also learned of Christ’s great example of humility, where he humbled himself, took on flesh, and became a servant. Finally, we learned what true contentedness looks like and that true joy comes not from our circumstances, but from our relationship with Jesus and in the sustaining power of the Gospel.

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Today we finish the book of Philippians and there are two main themes: God’s glory and Christian fellowship. Paul ends his letter with, “To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.” This closing emphasizes that God’s glory is the ultimate purpose of all things. He reminds us that God Himself is the most God-centered being in the universe.

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In Philippians 4:14-19, we explore the fundamental difference between transactional accounting and Gospel accounting. Paul thanks the Philippians for their financial support during his imprisonment while introducing a radical perspective on why and how we give. Rather than viewing their gift as creating obligation or debt (as was customary in Greco-Roman culture), Paul frames their generosity as participation in God’s economy—a system that operates on grace rather than transaction.

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Knowing Proper Ambition – Selfish ambition can be understood as a “motivation to elevate or to put one’s own interests before another’s.” Paul says, “In humility count others more significant than yourselves.” There is a good type of ambition and it is the motivation to see God’s glory shine and people come to know Him. It was ambition for God that led Paul to spread the Gospel to the ends of the earth. Romans 15:20 It has always been my ambition to preach the gospel where Christ was not known…

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Paul writes that he has “learned” to be content whether in plenty or in need, with the source of his contentment being Christ who strengthens him. Our society often confuses wanting (which can be healthy) with coveting (which enslaves us). True contentment isn’t found in achieving our dreams or accumulating wealth, but in understanding our worth comes from God alone.

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Paul’s instruction in Philippians 4:8-9 challenges believers to carefully examine what occupies their thoughts. Rather than simply adopting cultural values, Paul takes six Hellenistic virtues and reframes them through the lens of the Gospel. He is relating truth to those who knew and understood their culture in a way that shows all truth is God’s truth.

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