Written from prison yet overflowing with joy, Philippians is Paul's warmest letter — a thank-you note that becomes a call to live worthy of the gospel. At its heart stands the great hymn of Christ (2:5-11), who emptied himself, took the form of a servant, and was exalted by God, given as the pattern for a humble, united church. Paul recounts his own losses counted as rubbish for the surpassing worth of knowing Christ, and presses on toward the prize of the upward call. Against every hardship he sets a settled, defiant joy: rejoice always, be anxious for nothing, and trust the God who supplies every need — for to live is Christ, and to die is gain.