I recently joined the Discipleship Explored series, where we studied the book of Philippians in depth with fellow church members. I am deeply grateful for this eight-week study, which helped me gain insights into what it means to be a true disciple of Jesus and a disciple maker. It rekindled my love and passion for God and the work He has commissioned us to do.​​

Paul urges us to learn from him, in times of celebration or hardship, to rejoice and give thanks to God, and to be content in all circumstances. How did Paul maintain his unwavering love and passion for Christ? What kept him joyful and hopeful all the time? I will share some practical applications from the study.​

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1. Cultivate a deep relationship with Christ​

Paul’s life was centered around knowing Christ personally. He said, ‘I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Jesus my Lord’ (Phil 3:8). This means being rooted in Scripture daily, prioritizing prayer, worship, and constant communion with Him. Let spending time with the Lord become automatic and the most important thing we do in our daily lives.​

2. Find joy and strength in God’s grace​

Paul’s unshakable trust and faith in God’s sovereignty led him to remain joyful even in trials. True joy is not born out of our circumstances but out of the unchanging character of God. When we intentionally fix our eyes on God’s goodness and sufficient grace, our spirits are renewed, and we receive fresh strength to carry on.​

3. Live with an eternal perspective ​

In living with an eternal perspective, Paul instructs us to set our minds on things above and not on earthly things (Col 3:2). This means investing in things with eternal value, such as relationships, serving others, and advancing God’s kingdom, instead of temporary things like wealth or worldly success. During tough times, choosing to see them in light of eternity not only shifts our focus but also helps us endure hardship with hope, remembering that there is eternal glory and purpose in our perseverance.​​

4. Embrace my calling and purpose​

In living out the calling and purpose God has for us, we are to root our identity in Christ. As a new creation in Christ, our primary calling is to embrace a life that reflects our identity in Him, which is to live in a way that honors God, walking in love, truth, and obedience. Oftentimes, such callings and purposes unfold in everyday situations—our jobs, families, and communities. God places us in specific contexts for a reason; whether at home, at work, or in ministry, we should make it our mission field.​

5. Keep missions in focus ​

Paul strived all his life to advance the gospel, regardless of his personal cost. Likewise, let the mission of making disciples and sharing the gospel be rooted in love for God and others, and displayed in our daily living. Whether through small acts of kindness, sharing our faith, or praying for others, we don’t need to wait for the “perfect moment” to engage in our mission—let’s make every day count.​

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Do you do what you say you believe? It is one thing to know who Jesus is and what He teaches us in the Bible, but we must not stop there. The kingdom of God is not a matter of talking about Jesus, but living like Jesus. ​

When we live out what we say we believe, it attracts attention and changes lives. Let us all strive to make disciples of all nations, fellow followers of Christ (Matt 28:19-20).​

By Deacon Melody Chen