Paul wants our joy and suffering and sacrifice not to be experiences in themselves, but products in our growing relationship with Christ. He asks one of the Philippian pastors to resolve a conflict between two prominent women in the community, because such conflicts keep them (and us) from progressing in Christ.

Paul tells the Philippians to race towards Heaven and towards an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ. No matter what they've achieved in their journey, they should stay focused on pursuing this goal. They should put to death all worldly appetites and desires, for those will drag them away from this final goal.

We are to know the power of his resurrection and participate in his suffering--we commune with Christ in His sufferings.  We must actively work to know God better. Being conformed to a death like Christ's. We should be ambitious to suffer as Christ had suffered.