Phillipians Study 1

Hello everyone, this is the first in a series of studies on the book of Philippians. I will not be including the text for time reasons, but any quotes I use will be taken either from the KJV or the NKJV. Also, I am using the H.A.B.T.S. study series and most of my commontary will be taken fr. there.
Today's text: Phil. 1:1-8
Study: Paul opens this epistle with the usual apostolic greeting stating he is a servant of Christ, and extending a blessing of Grace to the readers of the letter. This is odd in today's terms, why would any of us call ourselves servents of Christ? Well, maybe because we as Christians are just that, commanded to serve Christ in our everyday lives (see the last 10 verses or so of Matt.). Paul might be calling himself this for much the same reason. In everything that he does he is the servant of Christ, whether in his preaching, writing of epistiles, or just his everyday life. This is also an example of how we as Christians should see ourselves: servants of Christ not really in control of our own lives, going about our lives striving to do God's will for our lives. (finding God's will for your life takes up a whole other study- for now, though, let me just put it in a nut shell- read your Bible and spend time in prayer)
Another thing paul says is "Grace be unto you...". Grace as I understand it is the unconditional election God has for his elect, and the saving power therin. It is His favor that we do not deserve. This verse is Paul's blessing to the Church at Philippi.
In the next few verses (3-6) paul expresses his thanks to God for every time he remembers the church at Philippi, and also his assurance that the work that God has begun in them will continue on. God doesn't simply start something and then let it take its own course. To say such limits God to being a diety who is not all powerful and is not in complete control of our lives. God has control over ourlives and is completing his work in us "until the day of Jesus Christ"(v. 7).
Questions for the comments page:
How is it that the Philippians are partakers of Paul's grace? Explain.
What is the difference between the defence of the Gospel and the confirmation of the Gospel?

Note: I will usually answer these Q.'s on the comments page, unless I feel like dedicating a post to them.