An important part of “all of life” is the family. This sermon briefly considers marriage, the roles of husbands, wives, parents, children and single adults.
Read Ephesians 5:22–6:4
Continue to Work Out Your Salvation
The main exhortation in this passage is “continue to work out your salvation.” It is possible for Christians to do this because God enables them to do so. Paul urges the Philippians to do this “without complaining or arguing” so that they will “shine like stars” as they “hold out the word of life.”
Read Philippians 2:12-18
Non-Working Time: Worship and Leisure
Our non-working time is a significant part of our lives. It is also to be used for the glory of God. Part of this time is to be used for the worship of God. But leisure and enjoyment are also part of God’s purpose for our lives and are to be enjoyed with thanksgiving to God.
Read Genesis 2:1-9
Imitating Jesus
Paul here describes Jesus’ humiliation as an example of humble service for the Philippians to follow. He also describes Jesus’ exaltation an encouragement to them that those who follow Jesus in his humiliation will also one day be exalted with him.
Read Philippians 2:5-11
Why God Swore an Oath
The background to this passage is the danger of drifting away from the Lord. These verses address that danger by reminding the Hebrews of the fact that God swore and oath to confirm the promises of salvation. It is through the "oath-promise" of God that we are greatly encouraged.
Read Hebrews 6:13-30
Be United
In this passage Paul exhorts to Philippians to be united. The motivation for this is the blessings that they have in Christ. The way in which this unity is to be pursued is through humility and looking to the interests of others.
Read Philippians 2:1-4
Vocation and Work
1 Corinthians 7:10-24 teaches that each believer has an life situation which is God’s assignment to him. This is the biblical idea of vocation. Work is a key part of that overarching vocation. Ephesians 6:5-9 teaches that we are to do all of our work as service to God.
Standing Against Opposition
In this passage, Paul exhorts the Philippians to “conduct themselves in a manner worthy of the gospel” in the context of opposition. To do so is to stand firm and to contend for the faith. Paul also gives a number of encouragements to such faithfulness.
Read Philippians 1:27-30
The Role of Wisdom
Proverbs belongs to the wisdom literature of the Bible. The wisdom literature teaches us that part of the way that we serve God is through living lives that implement biblical principles of wisdom. In the NT Jesus Christ presented as the fulfillment and embodiment of God’s wisdom and it is through him that we are enabled to practice wisdom in our lives.
Read Proverbs 8
Paul’s Thoughts on Living and Dying
In this passage, Paul reflects on the fact that he does not know whether he will be executed or released from prison. By these reflections he gives us a wonderful perspective on thinking of the future. He would rather die and be with Christ, but he is content to be released from prison because it will mean fruitful labor for him among the Philippians.
Read Philippians 1:18-26