V.1-7 Paul had learned that obedience is not self-pleasing. This is one of the most important things to understand. Paul brings the perfect Man before us as an example. Only a believer in Christ has the power to live the Christian life according to the Bible. Remember Paul was not only telling them how to act, he was showing them.
V.8-13 The believers who had been Jews might think that they knew more than the believers who had been Gentiles. And the Gentile believers might be thinking that the Jewish believers were holding on to a lot of traditions, which came from the Old Testament days. Paul turns them both to Christ.
V.13 Beautiful words to unite all the believers into a desire to please God alone.
V.17-21 Paul reviews his missionary work and he does not take credit for other missionaries’ work. But he does point out Christ’s work through him.
V.22-32 Paul outlines his future plans. This chapter has many lovely points. Here are a few. God is the God of patience (v. 5), the God of consolation (encouragement, v. 5), the God of hope (v. 13), the God of peace (v. 33). Then we have the glory of God, the truth of God, the gospel of God, the Spirit of God, and the will of God. See if you can find the five of them. If you have the time, look for (A) references to the Holy Spirit, (B) references to hope, (C) references to Christ, (D) references to the many things with which we can be filled. As members of the one body, note that we are to (1) help, (2) please, (3) receive, (4) admonish (warn others), (5) minister (serve), and (6) pray for one another.