What if the life we're chasing is upside down?

Everything around us teaches us to look out for ourselves first. Protect yourself. Get ahead. Build your own success.

But when Paul writes to the church in Philippi, he points them to a completely different way of living. At the center of his letter is a beautiful picture of Jesus, who didn't grasp for power or privilege but willingly emptied himself in love.

This week, we explored why the way of Jesus often feels upside down—and why it might actually be the truest way to live. From everyday conflicts to suffering, generosity, and relationships, Paul keeps bringing us back to the same place: the self-giving love of Christ.

Because the life Jesus invites us into isn't centered on self-preservation.

It's centered on self-giving love.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome & The Church in Philippi

00:48 Why Paul Loved This Church

04:10 What Would Jesus Do?

06:13 Living as a Different Kind of Community

09:50 When Faith Becomes a List of "Shoulds"

12:09 The Poem at the Center of Philippians

13:24 Adam, Jesus, and the Choice We All Make

16:00 The Upside-Down Life

17:03 Why Paul Had Hope for Philippi

19:08 One Question That Changes Everything

20:53 Remembering the Way of Jesus

Key Takeaways

Philippians is centered on the person of Jesus, not a list of religious expectations.

The hymn in Philippians 2 is the foundation for everything Paul teaches throughout the letter.

Jesus chose humility and self-giving love instead of grasping for power.

The way of Jesus often runs against our natural instincts and the values of our culture.

The simple question, "What would Jesus do?" remains a powerful way to center our lives on Christ.

Communion reminds us that following Jesus means continually remembering and embodying his self-giving love.

Scripture References

Philippians 1–4

Philippians 2:5–11

Acts 16

Genesis 3

Matthew 26