Sermon Series: Philippians

The Church broke new ground as Paul and team entered the city of Philippi. Their first encounter was with the ‘God fearers,’ notably Lydia. In her story we see the blueprint for mission, the Lord opened her heart to receive the good news proclaimed by human agents. This is the typical pattern in the early church, there are clear implications for us if this is a how mission bears fruit, not least the priority of prayer and proclamation. Inevitably, as the mission in Philippi progressed, so did the opposition. Paul and Silas were stripped and shackled, however, rooted in Christ and privileged to serve, they responded remarkably to their adversity and it didn’t go unnoticed, indeed their witness would play a significant part in an entire household joining the Church. Let us heed the principles of this mission past, to inform and encourage us in our own mission present.

Acts 16 reminds us Philippi was a Roman colony, the residents may have dwelt in this leading city of the district, but their citizenship was in Rome; when in Philippi, do as the Romans do. Paul plays on this idea in his letter to the church, from the outset he reminds them they were ‘at Philippi’ but ‘in Christ,’ when in Christ, do as… The Apostle Paul wants the church he planted to grasp the privilege and priorities of their new status, to realise their unity, joy, hope together in Christ, standing firm and shining as stars even and especially in the midst of testing opposition. He encourages lived out discipleship, heavenly citizenship, as they press on towards the goal to win the prize for which God had called them ‘in’ Christ Jesus. We consider this letter together this term, that we too may be so equipped and rejoice in who we are ‘in Christ.’

Paul wrote to the Philippians from prison, in chains for Christ, yet remarkably, his letter is full of joy, confidence and hope. Rather than being focussed on his circumstances, Paul rejoiced that what had happened to him had in fact ‘served to advance the gospel’ (1:12). Even in suffering, God is at work. As we continue our series in Philippians, we’ll see that when Jesus is at the very centre of our lives, he reshapes our priorities, our perspective and even how we face hardship. Paul’s great desire was not first for comfort, but that Christ would be honoured and made known. This week we explore what it means to live with that same joyful confidence. In a world often driven by fear, success and selfpreservation, Paul points us to something greater: a life centred on Christ and the advance of the gospel. Join us as we discover the encouragement and eternal perspective found in Jesus.

In a world of the consumer choice we can tailor our lives around our preferences. Discipleship couldn’t be more different. Discipleship is following after the pattern of Jesus who for our sake laid be made royal and rich. Here is both the engine and example for the Christian life. When the Apostle Paul urged the church in Philippi to conduct themselves ‘in a manner worthy of the gospel,’ he was calling them to functional unity, the fruit of that other-centred mindset of Christ, that would not only enable them to thrive, to stand firm in the face of opposition, but also speak a word of the victory and power of the cross. Discipleship costs yet it is gain, it is the joy living out what Christ has made us, a bonded community, displaying and experiencing the wonder of his reconciling love.