Sermon Outlines

The Joy in Christ (Philippians 1:1-11)
The more we live for Christ, the more joy we have in life.
1. Joy in Christ (1-2)
     Our lives are set apart from the world to serve Christ alone.
2. Joy for others (3-7)
     We’re encouraged by each other’s growth and endurance.
3. Joy from ministry (8-11)
     We’re motivated by how our service impacts God’s work.

Christ is Greater Than (Philippians 1:12-26)
When Christ is the focus of our lives, we can truly rejoice in all circumstances.
1. Greater than our suffering (12-14)
     – Christ-centered lives have perspective on how suffering furthers God’s kingdom.
2. Greater than petty feuds (15-18)
     – Our desire for Christ to be shared should far outweigh our issues with others.
3. Greater than our efforts (19-20)
     – We rely on the Lord through consistent and confident prayer for ourself and others.
4. Greater than life and death (21-26)
     – We can rejoice in and look forward to the way God works through our life and death.

Unity in Christ (Philippians 1:27-2:11)
Standing together as a church is central to our Christian life and witness.
1. We’re called to unity (1:27-30)
     A life worthy of the Gospel is a life unified with other believers.
2. How to create unity (2:1-4)
     Become like-minded with other believers by humble caregiving.
3. Christ’s example of unity (2:5-11)
     Christ’s sacrifice shows us how to build unity by serving others.
How to choose a church:
     1.Choose a church that closely aligns with the teachings of Scripture (Acts 17:11)
     2.Commit to that church by regularly attending, serving, giving, and building deep relationships
(Acts 2:42)
How to leave a church:
     1.Only leave if absolutely necessary, due to logistics, ministry philosophy, or doctrine (Acts 15:39)
     2.Leave without causing division, coming to a mutual agreement with the pastor in love and respect (Acts 20:26).

Live Out Your Salvation (Philippians 2:12-30)
Let your whole life demonstrate your salvation in submission to and reliance on the Lord.
   1. Living in obedience to God (12-13)
     As we live out our salvation, God transforms our desires and actions to align with Him.
   2. Living as a witness to the world (14-18)
    To be lights in this dark world, we must live holy, without complaining, as a living sacrifice.
   3. Living like faithful examples (19-30)
      Christlike ministry and character, serves God and cares for others even at great personal cost.

Apart from Christ Is Loss (Philippians 3:1-11)
Joy and salvation are found in the grace of God, not by our own efforts.
   1. The joy and protection of repetition (1)
     Embrace the Lord reminding you of things you already think you know.
   2. The evil works of our flesh (2-7)
     Avoid pride and confidence in self-reliance and human strength.
   3. The power only found in Christ (8-11)
     All earthly achievements are rubbish compared to knowing Christ.

Free from What’s Holding Us Back (Philippians 3:12-21)
Forgetting what’s behind us and reaching forward to what’s ahead.
   1. Forget and move forward (12-14)
     – I’m not perfect (12)
     – I can forget (13) – I can press on (14)
   2. How to move forward (15-21)
     – Growing in maturity (15-16)
     – Following good examples (17-19)
     – Living for eternity (20-21)

Tidings of Comfort and Joy (Philippians 4:1-7)
God’s instructions for living with unshakable joy in every circumstance.
   1. Foundations for joy (1-3)
     – Stand fast in the Lord (1)
     – Be of the same mind (2)
     – Help ministry servants (3)
   2. Expressions of joy (4-7)
     – Rejoice always (4)
     – Be gentle to all (5)
     – Do not be anxious (6-7)

A Joyful Mindset (Philippians 4:8-23)
Give our attention to what’s important in the Lord, above earthly concerns.
   1. Meditate on what you learned (8-9)
   2. Be content in all things (10-13)
   3. Take care of others (14-23)