Sermons on Philippians 3:11-12:11:

You People Are Awesome! Series

Contributed by Michael Mays on Sep 11, 2021

Most everyone likes looking at pictures in family photo albums, because there are always a couple that make us smile every time we look at them. Paul has similar feelings as he begins this letter to the church at Philippi.

I. Intro A. Who likes to look at pictures in family photo albums? Are there some photos that make you smile every time you look at them? What about every time you think about them? B. We enjoy singing here so much—whenever people ask us what we do, we tell them—but among all the things we’re part ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:1-11

Bloom Where You're Planted Series

Contributed by Michael Mays on Sep 11, 2021

It's not always easy to see your environment as part of God's mission... but, one way or another, whether you like it or not, it always is! This series was given to a group of believers in an assisted living facility.

I. Intro: A. Pandemic Panic? 1. In the early days of the COVID pandemic, we watched our ministry opportunities almost immediately and completely evaporate—no assisted living/nursing home concerts, no home concerts, no church concerts, NOTHING 2. Rather than respond in fear (but after a little ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:12-14

The Gospel Always Wins Series

Contributed by Michael Mays on Sep 11, 2021

Sometimes, in our zeal, we overthink--and overreact--to our worldly environments and how we should be salt and light in them. Paul helps us focus on right thinking when it comes to our witness and testimony.

I. Intro: “How Not to Fight Atheism” As reported by R. Albert Mohler, Jr. of the CHRISTIAN POST: “In December 2010, the Dallas-Fort Worth Coalition of Reason - a group dedicated to raising the profile of secularists, atheists, and agnostics - began running advertisements on Fort Worth public buses ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:15-18

Find Joy In Service Series

Contributed by Michael Mays on Sep 11, 2021

We spend a lot of time in this life chasing things that we cannot take with us when we die. Paul recognizes the value of eternal rewards, and it’s a good problem to have to be conflicted between continuing to earn more, or being in heaven to enjoy what’s been won.

I. Intro A. Jim Elliot said, “He is no fool who give what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.” B. We spend a lot of time in this life chasing things that we cannot take with us when we die C. Paul recognizes the value of eternal rewards, and it’s a good problem to have to be conflicted ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:18-26

Winning Isn't Easy... But It's Still Winning! Series

Contributed by Michael Mays on Sep 11, 2021

Being Christians in this world isn't easy--Jesus told us so. And Satan's goal is to destroy us and his church. But Paul is going to unpack the promise from last week: "For me, to live is Christ; to die is gain."

I. Intro ??In his book Loving God, Charles Colson draws attention to an incident involving an Indiana judge named William Bontrager. Bontrager had to pass sentence on Fred Palmer, a decorated Vietnam veteran who was found guilty of burglary. The crime was caused partly by involvement with drugs ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:27-30

Turn On The Light! Series

Contributed by Michael Mays on Sep 14, 2021

What does it mean to "empty" oneself? Something will fill the vacuum! When we empty ourself for Jesus--who is the perfect example of emptying oneself--we will be filled with His nature... and shine like lights!

I. Intro A. My kids and I are reading a series of books of historical fiction entitled The American Adventure, which follow the lives of various children as the history of our nation unfolds around them. One of the things that has always been the case is that, the older we get, the less we like ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:12-18

Two Examples Of Level 5 Faithfulness Series

Contributed by Michael Mays on Sep 14, 2021

How committed are we to being of service? In describing himself, Jesus said in Mark 10:45, “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Paul describes for us two Level 5 leaders in today’s Scripture…

I. Introduction A. How committed are we to being of service? In describing himself, Jesus said in Mark 10:45, “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” B. “It came down to one essential definition. The central dimension for Level 5 is ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:19-30

The Economics Of Righteousness Series

Contributed by Michael Mays on Sep 14, 2021

Consider spending your whole life working for one cause, only to realize you were so wrong that you were willing to leave everything you'd achieved behind to promote a new one. That's Paul's story, and here he tells the Philippians how it pays off.

I. Intro: Fire Cleans Out Huxley’s Stuff? Years ago, one of Southern California's infamous wild fires destroyed the home of best-selling writer Aldous Huxley. He and his wife barely escaped with their lives. But Huxley's manuscripts, his collection of letters from "great" people ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 3:4-11

Forget The Past--Reach For What Lies Ahead Series

Contributed by Michael Mays on Sep 14, 2021

Credentials won't do. Status won't do. Nothing will suffice our deepest spiritual need: to know God and be known by Him. Paul says it's a constant pursuit.

I. Intro: Backstage at the circus, motivational speaker Jim Donovan noticed that the elephants were kept in place by nothing stronger than a thin rope that tied one leg to a stake in the ground. Puzzled, Donovan asked one of the trainers what prevented these powerful animals from just snapping the ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 3:12-16

Be A Copycat Series

Contributed by Michael Mays on Sep 14, 2021

What are the most tried and true teach methods? Imitation! Paul is a big advocate, if this passage is any indication. Let's use some children's games to help us learn how to live like Jesus--and cope with the consequences.

I. Introduction A. One of the more precious—and frustrating—parts of homeschooling (or educating young children in general) is teaching them how to write. Letter-forming does not come naturally to most of us, and it certainly doesn’t come by hearing a lecture on it. A child must see letters ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 3:17-21

Get Along To Go Along Series

Contributed by Michael Mays on Sep 14, 2021

Remember how easy it was when we were little to make--and lose--friends? Paul is teaching us here that while we walk this path with each other, the purpose is not to "go along to get along," but much more importantly, to learn to "get along so we can go along."

I. Introduction A. Do you remember when you were younger, one of the first things you had to learn was to get along with siblings / cousins / classmates? With some, this was easy, even effortless most of the time. For others, the best you could do was just stay away from them… but that was often ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 4:1-3

Peace & Joy: Keeping It Real Series

Contributed by Michael Mays on Sep 14, 2021

We often hold inaccurate perspectives on things. Paul reminds us today of a few things: the importance of real joy, the power of real peace, and the disciple's mentality that secures these two.

I. Intro: Perspective A. Newsweek magazine recently made a side-by-side comparison of "threats" of which people have an inaccurate perspective: 1. Murders: 14,180 (2008)—Suicides: 33,289 (2006) 2. Children abducted by strangers: 115 (1999)—Children who drown in pools: 288 ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 4:4-9

Kingdom Thinking

Contributed by Melvin Maughmer, Jr. on Sep 19, 2021

One of the greatest dangers in life is the misunderstanding of a concept. Because of misunderstandings we have many different belief systems, different religious ideas, people have been called heretic, crazy, looney, and many other names all because there is a misunderstanding of concept.

Kingdom Thinking By Bishop Melvin L. Maughmer, Jr. OPENING: Now let me explain this before someone gets the wrong concept. One of the greatest dangers in life is the misunderstanding of a concept. Because of misunderstandings we have many different belief systems, different religious ideas, ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:1-11

Denomination: Apostolic

The Furtherance Of The Gospel

Contributed by Rich O' Toole on Apr 17, 2024

Paul's imprisonment furthered the Gospel

The Furtherance of the Gospel Philippians 1:9-14 Good morning. Forrest McCann wrote about the origins of the old Hymn, "It Is Well With My Soul", which was written by Horatio Spafford. Horatio Spafford went through several trials and losses during a very specific period of his life. ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:9-14

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Unity Of Mind And Spirit

Contributed by Ajai Prakash on Apr 23, 2024

The church is called the body of Christ. Have you ever thought about what it would be like if the members of our physical bodies behaved like the members of the spiritual body sometimes do?

Opening illustration: The church is called the body of Christ. Have you ever thought about what it would be like if the members of our physical bodies behaved like the members of the spiritual body sometimes do? HEART - "You know, I’m just stuck in a rut. For the last 45 years all I do is ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:1-9

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational