Sermons on Phillipians

Sermons on Phillipians

Work Out Your Own Salvation

Paul’s letter to the Philippians includes what might seem to us a contradictory instruction. Consider what he wrote in Philippians 2:12-13: Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. While his comment ‘you work/its God working in you’ might…

Thinking Like Jesus: About Self

For forty years, Burger King marketed its burgers with the motto “Have it your way.” Then, in 2014, the company changed its slogan to “Be your way,” stating that its changed saying had been designed to remind people “they can and should live how they want anytime.” A year later, the company changed its motto to “Your way,” a more familiar slogan that maintained the spirit behind its predecessor. Slogans offer insights into our culture because they attempt to capture the ‘spirit’ of a generation to capture consumers’ attention. Burger King’s mottos points to something I suspect we all recognize – we live in an increasingly individualistic and self-absorbed culture. Paul’s teachings stand in contrast to our culture’s focus. Because of his understandings of Jesus, Paul urged people to have an attitude about themselves that would motivate them to put others’ interests ahead of their interests. We will consider Paul’s comments to the Philippians, in which he holds out Jesus as a model for how his audience should think about themselves.

Shine Like Stars

Philippians 2:12-16 Paul’s command to do all things without complaining or arguing is one of the clearest ways children of God stand out in the world. Resisting the temptation to grumble is as important as our prayers for restoration and deliverance. We are inspired toward this goal out of gratitude for Jesus who left heaven, lived as a servant and endured the cross, all without grumbling, arguing or complaining.

THE WISDOM OF THE EARLY CHURCH, Jesus is the center

This lesson begins a series considering the wisdom of the early church, the wisdom that allowed them to navigate the daily realities of the first century world and evidence their claim of citizenship in Jesus’ kingdom. This first lesson considers the most important, and basic, wisdom of the early church – make Jesus the center of your life

Citizenship in Jesus’ Kingdom

This lesson begins a series exploring Jesus’ kingdom in effort to help us better understand what he expects of us as people who claim citizenship in his kingdom and what those expectations look like in practice. This first lesson considers the unexpected nature of Jesus’ kingdom and what it means for its citizens.

One Year and Counting

Philippians 4:13 Value can be found in taking time to reflect on past experiences to help one think about both the present and the future. This lesson consequently considers this year to help us prepare for the coming year.

Joy, Gentleness, and Peace

AM Sermon: Joy, Gentleness & Peace Scripture: Philippians 4:4-9 Philippians is not a textbook on theology, but an inspired apostle writing a letter to help “dear brethren” learn to enjoy God’s blessings to the fullest. Christians are challenged to rise above the troubles of this earth and rejoice in the Lord who has better things planned. We don’t “have it all together,” but we have tools that only God’s people have. Our troubles are temporary, but our joy is eternal.

The Goal

Scripture: Philippians 3:12-16 For as long as we live on earth, we will struggle to see how much better is the greatness of heaven than the attractions of earth. Paul’s accomplishments as a young Jewish man were impressive, and were not evil things, but they couldn’t match the reward that God had reserved for him in heaven. So Paul pressed on – reached forward – and pressed toward the prize of the upward call of God. He was (as are all Christians) a citizen of heaven living as a foreigner on earth. 1 Corinthians 9:24-25 Philippians 3:4-6 Philippians 3:7-11 Philippians 3:20 Philippians 3:21

Worthy of the Gospel

Scripture: Philippians 1:27-30 City culture was never sympathetic to faithful Christian living in the city of Philippi. Paul was beaten and jailed. Several years later, Christians were still marginalized and opposed. Survival and mission called for unity, humility, and exemplary lives that let the light of salvation shine in the darkness of paganism.

Our Desires & God’s Will

Scripture: Philippians 1:19-26 Paul was in prison and some people, even Christians, were happy to hear it. Like us, Paul had plans & dreams. He wanted to be free & healthy to travel and preach throughout the region, but he didn’t always get what he wanted. From his perspective, what mattered most was not the circumstances (pleasant or unpleasant), but living through the circumstances in a way that “exalted” Christ. Even though he knew death would take him to heaven, he was happy to continue on earth if that would serve the cause of Christ.

Thinking of You

Scripture: Philippians 1:3-11 We know that fellowship among Christians is important, and many passages teach about it. However, Philippians 1 gives a very personal description of it. Paul cared deeply for the Christians in Philippi, and the closeness and love of their relationship shows in this passage. In all his prayers for them, he could pray with joy and thanksgiving. Paul’s in an example to be imitated. Additional Referenced Scripture: Acts 16:15-16, 20-21 Philippians 1:3 Philippians 1:4-5 Philippians 1:6 Philippians 1:7-8 Philippians 1:9-11

Commitment: A Path to Success

Scripture: Philippians 2:1-4 The Bible is our best guide to strong, happy marriages. Where the world sees biblical teachings as restrictions, Christians should see them as the path to success. However, biblical guidance for marriage is not limited to the precious few passages that address directly the subject of marriage. Wherever the Bible teaches us how to be strong, faithful Christians, we will find indispensable guidance for how to grow as godly wives & husbands.