Sermon Central
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Exposition Of Philippians
Contributed by Christopher Benfield on Aug 31, 2016 (message contributor)
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1. Blessed Together In Christ
Contributed on Jan 18, 2017
Again expressing gratitude for Philippi. Paul understood the mutual benefit they enjoyed through Christ. They shared and received from each other. We too benefit from each other, meeting individual needs and strengthening the church.
Blessed together in Christ Philippians 4: 14-19 Drawing near the conclusion of his letter, Paul once again offered a word of gratitude for the church in Philippi. They had certainly benefited greatly from the love and devotion of Paul, and yet he knew his commitment to them had not been without ...read more
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2. Men Of Faith
Contributed on Nov 9, 2016
Paul planned to send Timothy and Epaphroditus to Philippi. He encouraged the church to embrace these men and benefit from their presence. They exemplified committed Christian service. We need those who will invest in others, impacting lives for Christ.
Men of Faith Philippians 2: 19-30 Following a great discourse on the obedience of Christ to the will of the Father, and our obligations to possess the mind of Christ, Paul offers yet another example of faithful Christian service. In our text he makes an announcement that Timothy and ...read more
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3. Preparing Our Heart And Mind (Part 2)
Contributed on Jan 4, 2017
The struggles we face as we journey with the Lord are varied and many. None are more difficult that the battles that rage within our minds. If we are to overcome, we must approach this battle from a biblical approach. (A continuation of previous study)
Preparing our Heart and Mind (Part 2) Philippians 4: 4-9 We began to consider these powerful verses in our last study, and I hope to conclude them today. Paul was well aware of the various struggles the church faced. Society presented particular challenges and there were disagreements and ...read more
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4. A Greeting Of Grace
Contributed on Aug 31, 2016
Although Paul was imprisoned, he sought to encourage the church at Philippi. He urged them to focus on Christ and His grace. Like Paul, we need to encourage others while keeping our focus on the Lord. He must be central to all we do.
A Greeting of Grace Philippians 1: 1-2 Today as we begin to move through this precious epistle, verse by verse, I want to remind us of the context in which it was written. Paul is bound in a Roman prison, awaiting trial, facing accusations regarding his faith. He is no longer free to go and ...read more
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5. Motivated To Follow
Contributed on Nov 2, 2016
Following his discourse on the obedience of Christ, and an admonition for the believer to possess the mind of Christ, Paul discusses what that looks like in a mature believer. This is humbling, and impossible within ourselves, but possible in Christ.
Motivated to Follow Philippians 2: 12-18 One of the greatest means of motivation is a great illustration or example. Following the great discourse on the obedience of Christ, having provided the great example for believers to follow, Paul offers a discourse on our obligations to follow the ...read more
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6. Partners In The Faith
Contributed on Sep 7, 2016
Paul was confident in the Lord and committed to the church. We need to share his confidence in the Lord and a genuine commitment and devotion to the church.
Partners in the Faith Philippians 1: 3-8 It is impossible to read the letter to the Philippians and miss Paul’s great love for the church. In fact, as you read his many epistles, the love he had for the church is confirmed again and again. It does appear he had a special bond with those ...read more
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7. Guided, Guarded, And Guaranteed
Contributed on Dec 15, 2016
Paul offers another example for the church to follow, guiding their faith. He offers a word of caution, seeking to guard them from apostasy. Finally he offers a word of comfort regarding the Lord's return, a guarantee for the believer.
Guided, Guarded, and Guaranteed Philippians 3: 17-21 A young boy looked up at his grandfather and wondered aloud, "Grandpa, how do you live for Jesus?" The respected grandfather stooped down and quietly told the boy, "Just watch." As the years went by the grandfather was an example to ...read more
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8. A Prayer Of Purpose
Contributed on Sep 14, 2016
Paul loved the church at Philippi and was committed to praying for them. We need to share the same commitment to pray for the church. There are real people with real needs, that need specific prayers.
A Prayer of Purpose Philippians 1: 9-11 Following a gracious greeting and a word of thankfulness for their partnership in ministry, Paul offers a brief, but pointed prayer for the church in Philippi. Although his prayer is but three sentences long, it possesses great wisdom and reveals the ...read more
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9. Committed To Promoting The Gospel
Contributed on Sep 28, 2016
Even though Paul was in bonds, he rejoiced that the Gospel continued to be preached. He refused to allow his circumstances create despair. We too must seek every opportunity to share our faith, while rejoicing for others who are committed as well.
Committed to Promoting the Gospel Philippians 1: 12-18 As one reads the opening verses of this letter, it is not immediately evident that Paul was bound in prison. His joy and positive attitude conceal the difficulties he faced daily. Although he was not free to move about within society, Paul ...read more
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10. Torn Between Two
Contributed on Oct 5, 2016
Although Paul desired to be in the Lord's presence, he knew it was more needful to remain for the church. He was determined to glorify Christ in life or death. We too need to remain committed and faithful to the work the Lord given us.
Torn between Two Philippians 1:19-26 Following his passionate discourse regarding the preaching of the Gospel, Paul continues to bear his heart unto the church at Philippi. Here we find those often quoted verses that reveal Paul being in a strait, betwixt two – having a burning desire to ...read more
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11. Preparing Our Heart And Mind (Part 1)
Contributed on Dec 28, 2016
The struggles we face as we journey with the Lord are varied and many. None are more difficult that the battles that rage within our minds. If we are to overcome spiritually, we must learn to win this battle from a biblical approach.
Preparing our Heart and Mind (Part 1) Philippians 4: 4-9 As we walk this Christian journey, we face many challenges that we must overcome in order to obtain spiritual victory. While these challenges are many, coming from a variety of sources, none are greater than the battles we fight within ...read more
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12. Peace Through Contentment
Contributed on Jan 11, 2017
Although facing great adversity, Paul had learned to be content. The Lord had been faithful to provide the strength he needed to endure whatever trials or difficulties he faced. We too can learn contentment and receive strength for our trials.
Peace through Contentment Philippians 4: 10-13 Our text today offers a compelling and intimate look within the heart of Paul. This letter to the Philippian church was penned from a Roman prison. Paul was bound, and unable to minister freely as he once did. The possibility of execution loomed ...read more
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13. A Benediction To The Beloved
Contributed on Jan 25, 2017
Concluding his letter, Paul offer a final word of grace. He encouraged worship of the Lord, fellowship together, and resting in the Lord's grace. We need to embrace these aspects for a vibrant Christian life.
A Benediction to the Beloved Philippians 4: 20-23 As you study Paul’s epistle to the Philippian church, it quickly becomes evident that they are very dear to his heart. They were his crown of rejoicing, and he longed to come to them once again if the Lord allowed. Having shared much with ...read more
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14. Committed To Serve
Contributed on Dec 7, 2016
Paul had experienced much success in ministry, and yet he knew he had not arrived. He resolved to release the past, embrace the present, and anticipate the future. We must continue to seek all the Lord has for us. We cannot be complacent or satisfied.
Committed to Serve Philippians 3:12-16 As you study the life of Paul, you realize the opportunities he once enjoyed. As far as men were concerned, Paul once had it all – power, position, and prestige. He was a rising star with a bright future within the religious elite in Jerusalem. All ...read more
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15. Behavior Becoming Of Citizens
Contributed on Oct 12, 2016
The church faced difficulty within a culture loyal to Rome. While they were subject to Roman authority, their primary responsibility was to the Sovereign Lord. We are citizens of two worlds, and our allegiance belongs to Christ. We must always honor Him.
Behavior becoming of Citizens Philippians 1: 27-30 As Paul sought to conclude the first thoughts of his gracious letter, apparently he was reminded of the intense struggle the church in Philippi faced. Bear in mind that he and Silas had been beaten and imprisoned there. Philippi being a Roman ...read more
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16. Conformed To Unity - Philippians 2:1-4
Contributed on Oct 19, 2016
With the exception of faithfulness to sound, biblical doctrine, nothing is more essential to the prosperity of the church than unity. In fact, sound doctrine without unity will profit little. When love is present, unity also will be.
Conformed to Unity Philippians 2: 1-4 As we move into chapter two, we quickly discover these verses are a continuation of the previous passage. Phil.1:27 – Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of ...read more
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17. Growing In Grace
Contributed on Nov 30, 2016
Prior to salvation, Paul lived a life of prestige, authority, and power. Following salvation, he learned much he once considered gain was actually loss. As he grew in grace, he realized the abundance available in Christ. He lost much, yet he gained more.
Growing in Grace Philippians 3: 7-11 Our text today is actually a continuation of the verses we considered in our last study. In order to fully understand what Paul has taught in our text, we must look at this passage in light of its context. Previously Paul had counseled believers regarding ...read more
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18. Jesus Christ - The God-Man
Contributed on Oct 26, 2016
Of all the men who ever lived, none have impacted humanity as Christ. His impact cannot be denied. The sovereign God-Man humbled Himself in obedience to the cross. We are admonished to possess the mind of Christ.
Jesus Christ – the God-Man Philippians 2: 5-11 Today we come to a passage of Scripture that I approach with great delight and humility. I am well aware that all Scripture was given by inspiration of God, and yet in my estimation, this is one of the greatest paragraphs recorded in the ...read more
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19. Passionate About The Church
Contributed on Dec 21, 2016
Paul was passionate about the church. He had developed a personal relationship with them and knew their needs and concerns. Pastors, and those within the church, can glean much from the Apostle in this passage. We need the commitment and passion he had.
Passionate about the Church Philippians 4: 1-3 In order to effectively lead a congregation of believers, the pastor must have a burden for the people within the congregation, while developing personal relationships with them. Paul understood this principle of leadership and provided a great ...read more
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20. Focused On The Faith
Contributed on Nov 16, 2016
Paul exhorted the church to rejoice in the Lord, even though they faced adversity, and avoid false teaching. He also emphasized that works were not enough to secure salvation. If they remained focused on the faith, they could overcome in Christ.
Focused on the Faith Philippians 3: 1-6 As we begin to discuss the third chapter of Philippians, it appears that Paul is seeking to begin concluding his thoughts to the church. While this may have been the beginning of his conclusion, he has quite a bit more to share with them. Following the ...read more