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Philippians 2
Vs. 3-8 tells us in essence to serve one another, not to think only of our interest etc. This is the same theme Jesus gave His disciples as He taught them the things of the Father. Regardless what happens in this life, in due time those who are willing to die out to self in order to obey the Spirit will find life and those who refuse to do so will find themselves outside looking in. Servant hood is what the Kingdom in built on as far as living out the message of Jesus.

In verse 20, Paul tells the church he has no one like Timothy who stands beside him to serve the church.
One of the greatest needs a leader has in any area of life and especially in the realm of the church is a person who can be trusted to encourage others to share the leader's vision; a person who will stand beside the leader to serve others. It has been proven over and over no single person can reach everyone,
but the combining of two personalities with the same mind have far more potential than one. If it is possible to combine even more personalities with the same goals then even more potential is there.

Working together becomes more like fun than work. Working separately with separate goals becomes a contest of who is right or wrong or who can gain the most following.

In Paul's writings I see him re-stating the necessity of teamwork with self-denial within the church body. This is as necessary today as it was then, yet difficult to find in today's "me-first" society even in the church. It can be done!!!!!

Philippians 3
In our journey in faith toward our final goal we should never dwell on what has happened in the past, only look at it as a guide toward the future. We learn as we go along. As we learn we are to use the knowledge gained to further our growth. It is like climbing a ladder; we stand on the last rung and reach for the next.
If we are to move higher we cannot remain on that last step. When the Spirit moves us into a place of growth that is great but we should never be content to stay there. We are designed to become--we are not yet---we are becoming--more and more like Christ. Looking back only tells us where we have been and may give us a clue as how to proceed forward. It is never wise to camp out any length
of time at any one place. What has been attained was good for a season, but is never good forever.
Move On!!!!

Philippians 4
Rejoice in the Lord always, again I say rejoice (vs. 4)
That word always is the troublesome one. Always here means just what it says "all ways". Rejoicing in all things is one of those very difficult commands. When things are going well and I am not being "squeezed", rejoicing comes easily however when the pressure comes regardless of the source, complaining quickly takes the place of rejoicing. Rejoicing is a state of mind that needs constant work. We are not naturally "rejoicers”.

Rejoicing is a choice that we must always be mindful of.