Sermon Central
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Philippians: Thinking Right About Life
Contributed by Richard Tow on May 25, 2020 (message contributor)
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1. Introduction To Philippians
Contributed on May 25, 2020
This message launches as expository teaching of Philippians. The history in Acts 16 is explored laying a foundation for understanding Paul's relationship with the church. Philippians 1:1-2 are then analyzed and explained.
Today we begin a brief study of the book of Philippians, entitled Joyful Living. I. PAUL'S RELATIONSHIP WITH THIS CHURCH: Began in Acts 15 while on his 2nd missionary journey. Prior to that, he and Barnabas have gone their separate ways because of the disagreement over John Mark.i Paul took ...read more
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2. A Prayer For The Congregation
Contributed on May 31, 2020
This message examines Paul's prayer for the Philippians in 1:3-11 identifying major elements in the prayer that we can emulate. Paul prays with (1) thanksgiving (2) confidence (3) passion and (4) purpose.
We have begun a study of Philippians. Last week we dealt with the history of this church as recorded in Acts 16. God has sovereignly chosen to give us a lot of information about the founding of the church at Philippi. All of that is helpful in our interpretation of this letter. In that message we ...read more
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3. Attitudes Toward Circumstances & Critics
Contributed on Jun 7, 2020
In Phil. 1:12-18 we get a glimpse of Paul's attitude toward his circumstances and his critics. Paul sees beyond what Satan is doing and rejoices in what God is doing. He does not allow contentious, sectarian Christians to irritate him.
We are learning from Paul’s epistle to the Philippians. Our text today is Philippians 1:12-18. Let's read that to get a general feel of what Paul is saying in the passage. “Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel. 13 As a result, ...read more
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4. Facing Death Courageously
Contributed on Jun 15, 2020
Paul's mindset toward death and his attitude toward life were both extremely positive. Each are examined along with the interaction of the two. Most believers do not view life or death as Paul did.
You have an appointment. Your life is moving step by step, day by day toward that appointment. Every New Year’s holiday is a reminder that the appointment is coming up. Every birthday is a reminder of the appointment. So is every funeral. “. . . it is appointed unto man once to die, but after this ...read more
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5. Whatever Happens
Contributed on Jun 22, 2020
Whatever happens Christians should (1) Live godly lives (2) Maintain unity with other believers (3) Not fear persecution from the ungodly. The message focuses on what prepares Christians to faithfully stand firm in persecution.
The world we live in is full of uncertainty. A microscopic virus has upset the status quo of the whole world. Upheaval, discontent and hate suddenly erupts in the streets.i It is too organized to have been purely spontaneous. But people are inflicting pain and violence on other people they don’t ...read more
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6. Key To Godly Relationships
Contributed on Jun 29, 2020
This message expounds Phil. 2:1-5 focusing on the mindset Christians are to have toward one another. Social justice issues are addressed as well as personal relationships.
Our text today is found in Philippians 2:1-5. I am reading from the New King James Version. “Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, 2 fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of ...read more
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7. The Mindset That Ultimately Wins
Contributed on Jul 6, 2020
Expounding Phil. 2:5-11 message examines deity, incarnation, crucifixion, and exaltation of Christ, His mindset/attitude is presented as an example of unselfishness and servanthood. His exaltation is celebrated.
There is a lot going on in the world around us. With the election just around the corner groups are posturing and contending for political power. Some are legitimately expressing reasons for their position on issues. Others are rioting in the streets. There are so many lies in the media that it’s ...read more
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8. New Testament Obedience
Contributed on Jul 13, 2020
This exposition of Philippians 2:12-18 focuses on what New Testament obedience looks like. The dangers of legalism and antinomianism are addressed. Preparations for an uncertain future are discussed as well.
Intro Our lives have changed significantly since the beginning of 2020. The big question is what changes lie ahead. Will things settle down and stabilize? Or will events become even more volatile? Will the coronavirus subside, or will infections escalate? Will the political divide in this country ...read more
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9. Timothy: The Real Deal
Contributed on Jul 21, 2020
This exposition of Philippians 2:19-24 focuses on the qualities of godly leadership exemplified in Timothy. His mindset and proven character are Paul's focus. Statistics on the impact of Covid-19 on the American church are also examined.
Our text today is in Philippians 2:19-24. But before we go there, I want to process our current situation in America with you. I’ll begin with a couple of hypothetical situations as a backdrop for what I want to share with you. What would you say if I told you that the Federal government has shut ...read more
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10. Epaphroditus: Faithful Minister
Contributed on Jul 27, 2020
This message provides insight on the current crisis in America, then expounds Philippians 2:25-30. Paul's commendation of Epaphroditus supplies criteria for discerning godly New Testament leadership.
During the last few weeks our pattern has been to first address current events; then proceed with our study in Philippians. I will continue with that this morning. I. We are living in monumental times. It is a new season with new challenges and new opportunities. Charles Dicken’s line in A Tale ...read more
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11. The Value Of Warnings
Contributed on Aug 9, 2020
Message demonstrates the proliferation of warnings in Scripture and addresses the value of such warnings. It is tempting to avoid giving warnings. However, people can benefit from them when given in the right spirit.
We are in a study of Philippians and our text today is found in chapter 3, verses 1-7. Follow with me as we read from the New International Version. “Further, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for ...read more
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12. New Testament Legalism
Contributed on Aug 17, 2020
Message expounds Philippians 3:1-7 explaining the problem of Legalism as defined by the New Testament. The ceremonial law in the Old Covenant was fulfilled in Christ and is not required of believers. The moral law is reiterated in the New Covenant.
We are in a study of Philippians. Our text today is Philippians 3:1-7. Last week we talked from that text about the value of warnings. God warns us because He loves us. Like a loving parent He guides us away from danger into a meaningful life of blessings. To despise God’s warnings is one of the ...read more
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13. True Conversion Demonstrated
Contributed on Aug 24, 2020
This message is an exposition of Philippians 3:7-11. Here Paul offers himself as an example of the changes that occur when a person is truly born again: (1) A Change in Values (2) A Change in Righteousness (3) A Change in Life Goals.
We are in a study of Philippians. Our text today is found in Philippians 3:7-11. We will begin by reading that from the New International Version. “But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8 What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth ...read more
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14. Pursuing God’s Purpose For Your Life
Contributed on Aug 31, 2020
Most people never discover the true purpose for their lives. In the text. Philippians 3:12-14. we have a revelation of what life is all about. This message examines 4 points of understanding that undergirds a meaningful Christian life.
We are progressing in a study of Philippians; our text today is in chapter 3. In this chapter we are given a revelation of what life is all about. Sadly, most people never discover the true purpose of their lives. In fact, most Christians never grasp it. They often pursue the same goals that the ...read more
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15. Staying On Track (Part 1)
Contributed on Sep 7, 2020
Many Christians begin with zeal, but get sidetracked along the way. Some are distracted with career ambitions. Others let hobbies or other interests take more and more time. The most heartbreaking is when someone is sidetracked by a false doctrine. Message expounds Philippians 3:15-21.
Intro In our study of Philippians, we find ourselves in the last seven verses of chapter 3. In the verses just prior to this text Paul introduced the metaphor of running a race like they run in the Olympics. His instruction there was that we keep our focus on the finish line; we do not look back; ...read more
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16. Staying On Track (Part 2)
Contributed on Sep 14, 2020
Message deals with current deception "Progressive Christianity" while expounding Philippians 3:19. Many young Evangelicals are being drawn into the Progressive Christianity error which denies Christ as only way of salvation and supports ungodly lifestyles.
We are at a crucial time in our nation, and the best response we can have to all that’s going on around us is to seek the Lord. As Christians we should vote responsibly. We should be light and salt. We should engage the culture with the truth of God’s word. But our most powerful weapon against evil ...read more
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17. Heavenly Mindedness That Produces Good Works
Contributed on Sep 20, 2020
How does our citizenship in heaven shape the way we think and interact with the world around us? How does it inform our understanding of social justice? How does "eagerly" waiting for the Coming of Christ affect the way we live life?
Intro We are in a profound transition both in the church and in the nation. The presidential election is only weeks away. The results will take our nation and our lives in one of two very different directions. The church is also being reconfigured. Even now it looks very different than it did seven ...read more
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18. Standing Firm In Difficult Times
Contributed on Oct 5, 2020
Are we equipped to stand in difficult times? This exposition of Philippians 4:1-3 examines Paul's instruction for standing firm. We cannot do it without the right mindset. We cannot do it without unity.
Intro We are in a study of Philippians; our text today in Philippians 4:1-3. In the previous three chapters Paul has emphasized the importance of standing firm in the face of persecution and other difficulties. In chapter one he exhorted: “Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so ...read more
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19. Cultivating Joy And Gentleness
Contributed on Oct 12, 2020
Joy in the Lord and gentleness in dealing with others affect our quality of life. When we are thinking right about God and our relationship with Him, joy and gentleness naturally flows.
Intro In Philippians 4:1 we are given the directive to “stand fast in the Lord.” i That is followed by a series of exhortations that tell us how to do that. The exhortation in verses 2-3 is about maintaining unity in the congregation. That is not always easy to do, is it? That’s why Ephesians 4 ...read more
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20. Stressed Out Or Prayed Up?
Contributed on Oct 19, 2020
Stress and Anxiety have increased due to COVID-19 and the contentious political divide. Message processes influence of stress and offers biblical solutions.
Today I want to address a PROBLEM we all face: stress and anxiety.i This year, 2020 has been a stressful year. The pandemic has affected the whole world. Economic pressures have increased for families and businesses. Social distancing and isolation have interfered with normal human interaction. ...read more
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21. Disciplining Our Thought Life
Contributed on Oct 26, 2020
We all live in the world between our ears. Our quality of life depends on the way we manage our thoughts. Message expounds Philippians 4:8 and explores how we develop a disciplined mind.
We all live in the world between our ears! During this message today we will all have different experiences. Just because we’re all listening to the same message or sitting in the same sanctuary does not mean we’re having the same experience. There will be similarities. But your experience is ...read more
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22. Contentment
Contributed on Nov 3, 2020
Election results will leave half the voters disappointed. This message instructs Christians on how to deal with the ups and downs of life.
Intro We are in a study of Philippians. The key verse in this epistle is Philippians 2:5, “Let this mind [mindset; way of thinking] be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.”i Throughout this letter Paul is teaching us the way we should think about our lives. It is the pathway to abundant ...read more
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23. Strength For All Occasions
Contributed on Nov 9, 2020
In difficult times followers of Christ are assured of Strength and Resources as needed. Believers can live in peace and contentment when they know the two assurances in Philippians 4:13 and 19. Those verses provide foundation for biblical OPTIMISIM.
Our text today provides a sure foundation for optimism. Christians should be the most optimistic people on the face of the earth. I’m not talking about a Polly Anna avoidance of the challenges. I’m talking about a deep confidence that nothing can happen that is beyond God’s all-sufficiency. I’m ...read more
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24. Greeting Fellow Believers
Contributed on Nov 17, 2020
Our loyalty to Christ and other believers should supersede all other factors. We should receive and support every other Christian regardless of race, denomination, political party, or any other affiliation. This message expounds Philippians 4:10-23.
For the last two messages we have addressed Paul’s expression of gratitude for the gift the Philippians had sent him. That is found in Philippians 4:10-20. There we discovered a wealth of revelation that has filled our hearts with peace and confidence. Those two previous messages focused on three ...read more
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25. Gems From Philippians
Contributed on Nov 30, 2020
Message reviews 12 key verses in Philippians that are particularly helpful in the Christian's daily life.
We have completed a detailed study of Philippians. The epistle is full of counsel for the way Christians should think about life and all its components. What should be our mindset about Christ, about the will of God, about life and death, about the challenges we face in life, and a variety of other ...read more