Greetings and Benediction (Philippians 4:21-23)

[21] Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me greet you. [22] All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar's household. [23] The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. 

Philippians: the book of joy. Looking back over the book and the things I have rediscovered during this reading, it is a book of joy. However, it is a strange joy according to the world’s standards—even according to most of the current understanding in the Church. Philippians is a book about the Gospel, about the self-sacrifice and suffering that believers will face and that God will allow them to face for the cause of the Gospel. That Gospel is not a story about individuals having all their problems solved and needs met, but rather the mission of God to repair an entire creation. The story has already occurred and the mission has been accomplished, but the story must be told for the impact to have its greatest effect. For more individuals to benefit in the way that God desires. It is in losing our self obsession and preoccupation in favor of our God-given role in His mission that we find true joy; the joy of purpose.