Unshackled: Joy Beyond Circumstances
In a world at odds with itself, how do followers of Christ live with irrepressible joy in God? In this series we will journey through Paul’s letter to the Philippians to develop a theology of joy. We want to begin the year with the fullness of God’s joy in Jesus Christ.
Multiplied Joy
Philippians 4:4-23 highlights the call “rejoice in the Lord always” as Paul brings this letter to a close. Sermon Outline “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4) Choosing Joy (4:4-7) The decision for joy The gentleness of joy with others The resulting peace in prayer Thinking Joy (4:8-9) The joyful virtues Practicing virtues that bring joy The resulting peace in life Reciprocal Joy (4:10-23) Paul’s joyful contentment in God (4:10-13) The Philippians’ joyful sharing…
Joy that Grows
This week, Pastor Matt unpacks Philippians 3:15-4:3 and explores themes of spiritual growth in relation to joy. Sermon Outline “Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters.” (Philippians 3:17) Paul’s Example of Growth (3:10-14) Knowing Christ fully, in His death and resurrection Forgetting the past and straining for what is ahead Unfinished but pressing on for the prize The Right Mindset for Growth (3:15-21) The maturing mindset (3:15-16) Learning from good examples (3:17) Turning from bad examples (3:18-19) Looking…
Focused Joy
This sermon from Philippians 3:1-14 brings attention to Paul’s unstoppable focus on Christ in his life and ministry, and what we can learn from him in that. Sermon Outline Focused Joy speaks against the opponents of the gospel and rejoices in the true people of God (Philippians 3:1-4) Rejoice in the Lord! Opponents of the gospel: Judiazers We who believe in Jesus boast in the Lord Focused Joy does not boast in human abilities, but in Christ’s work in the…
Shared Joy
This week of our “Unshackled” series on Philippians focuses on the call from Philippians 2:12-30 to shine like stars and two examples of joyful service in Timothy and Epaphroditus. Sermon Outline “Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life.” (Philippians 2:15-16) Working Out a Life of Joy (2:12-13) The obedience of salvation Our work and God’s work Living with Increasing Joy (2:13-18) Joy beyond grumbling Joy that holds…
Joy that Gives
This week focuses on God’s people as the community of joy under Christ, the ultimate bringer of joy as Messiah. Key text: Philippians 1:27-2:11 Sermon Outline “In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 2:5) Our New Citizenship: The Joyful City (1:27-30) Citizens of a new kingdom Living that citizenship Our New Mindset: Joyful Service (2:1-4) True joy in the God who gives True joy in serving one another Our New Example: Jesus the…
The Joy of Faith
An introduction to the book of Philippians, the letter and its themes, the situation of the Apostle Paul, and the situation of the Philippian believers. Key Passage: Philippians 1:1-26. Sermon Outline “And I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith.” (Philippians 1:25) The Setting (vss 1-2) Paul’s situation The Philippian church Joy in ___________________________ (vss 3-11) Gratitude overflowing into joyful prayer Centered in the Gospel partnership Intercession aimed at love and glory Joy…