Paul highlights that Christ is our confidence, and makes a vivid contrast with the attitude of confidence in our own human effort.

It is remarkable that the contrast is illustrated not by "worldly" aspirations or desires, but rather by religious adherence. Despite "obeying the law without fault", Paul considers his religious accomplishments to be worthless compared to knowing Jesus. We explore this comparison, and ponder what it means to know Christ.

Avoiding "worldly" demands and customs is a long-standing passtime for Adventists and other protestant denominations.

The lesson this week assumes this is the same as Paul's emphasis in Philippians 2 that we should "shine like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people." We explore these verses, and they way they relate to living as agents of God's kingdom. Perhaps the focus on being different and increasingly set apart from the world is less helpful than a focus on being more similar to Christ.

The lesson this week explores Unity through Humility.

Philippians 2 builds on the themes of chapter 1 (love, joy, patience) and draws attention to attitudes that can build community. Paul's seems to quote a poem or hymn, outlining Jesus as our example. It is interesting to think of these words in relation to the 12 disciples, as well as directly to the church in Philippi.