Sermon Manuscript: Philippians :1-4

Text: Phillippians 2:1-4

Introduction

Attention

Paul exhorted them to stand in unity and that humility causes us to place others needs above our own. C.S. Lewis states, "Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it's thinking of yourself less.

Need

In order to be effective in the community Paul reminds the church that humility and unity are critical foundational characteristics belivers must obtain.

Bridging Sentences

This letter urges all fellow believers to ardently pursue and embrace the true essence of unity and love amongst each other.

[Subject: Modifier:]

Humility Love

Textual Idea:

Jesus Christ life and actions are the standard for belivers should use to grow in humility and love.

Sermon Idea:

Have a unified and humbled mind through Christ.Be encouraged and stand strong.

Interrogative:

Paul emphasizes the importance of demonstrating compassion and love towards others by actively promoting unity with Christ among them.

Transition:

There are three characteristics that express unity in the church. Unified outlook, humility and love.

Body

Satisfaction

The humility exhibited by Christ serves as the criterion for assessing the value of others and the behaviors directed towards them.

Division 1 Statement

Living a righteous life requires unity in the spirit with Christ and one another.

Explanation

Christians must strive to live out the teachings of Jesus and to be in harmony with one another. They should also strive to serve others

Illustration

A group of individuals who are not working together and going in opposite directions and are disunity.

Argumentation

Theodore Bikel stated, No doubt, unity is something to be desired, to be striven for, but it cannot be willed by mere declarations. Theodore Bikel

Application

We must understand Pauls vision for the people of Philippi. It was their mission to advance the kingdom, and they would only be able to do so if they worked in unity and humility.

Transition (Div. 1 to Div. 2)

Believers are encouraged to lead their lives with courage and humility, striving to emulate the example set by Jesus.

Division 2 Statement

Christ's example of humility is perhaps the most profound and impactful aspect of His earthly ministry.

Explanation

C.S. Lewis wrote: "The Son of God became a man to enable men to become sons of God." This quote encapsulates the essence of Christ's humility.

Illustration

An illustration of humility is that Jesus, the Son of God, the second person of the Holy Trinity, willingly chose to set aside His divine privileges.

Argumentation

Jesus was obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

Application

Despite being in the nature of God, Jesus didn't use his divinity for his own benefit despite being equal to God.

Transition (Div. 2 to Div. 3)

Serving others in humility is not about seeing ourselves as less, but rather about putting the needs and interests of others before our own

Division 3 Statement

In the same way that Christ was humble and kind toward all people, we should not be selfish for our own gains and wants.

Explanation

This necessitates setting aside our individual desires and ambitions to cater to the needs of others.

Illustration

Jesus could have chosen to use His divine power for His own benefit, but instead He chose to serve others. He healed the sick, fed the hungry, and ultimately gave His life for our sins..

Argumentation

Being humble and giving back to others can be countercultural in a world that encourages self-promotion and individualism.

Application

During this current season of giving, notwithstanding the need to serve and feed our families we should also support those that are less fortunate.

Transition (Div 3 to Div 4)

By loving one another, humility creates unity in the body of Christ

Division 4 Statement

Christ's love is at the core of the church, each believer is rooted in it, thus we each have Christ in common and His love propels us forward

Explanation

Paul understood the Christ wanted us to have the agape love.

Illustration

Like a father loves his children and would do anything to protect and would do anything for them, Christ is so much to and for us. In the movie, John Q, Denzel Washington risk his life and even would go to jail just to find a heart for his son. As we look at scripture, Christ died on the cross so that we could saved and have hope beyond the grave.

Argumentation

In John 13:34-35, Jesus commands that we love one another because He loves us.Paul also gives instruction to the husbands to loves their wives as Christ loves the church

Application

If we have this love in common - we should then love one another, end of the petty arguements and disagreements, love becomes the key to end the troubles in our church and in our lives

Transition (Div. 4 to Div. 5)

Like-mindedness is fostered by practicing humility and cultivating a genuine desire to achieve unity, which can be facilitated through peacekeeping efforts.

Division 5 Statement

We maintain unity in the body of Christ through acts of humility and peace

Explanation

Paul here in verse 3 is encouraging the church not to involve themselves in pride or an inflated ego but through peace. Strife can enter and corrupt the peace and harmony among the belivers

Illustration

Recently I was having a team meeting and one of the team members began to over-talk one of the peers on some ideas they were presenting. I decided to address this during one of the other meetings and let them know that we owed each a certain level of respect and we needed treat each other how we wanted to be treated.

Argumentation

In the book of Matthew, Jesus gives the Sermon on the Mount and gives us a list of character traits to have. Blessed are the peacemakers,for they shall be called the children of God.

Application

Simple steps such as becoming silent during an argument can start the peacemaking process and should in many cases cause both parties to reflect on ones actions.

Transition (Div. 5 to Concl.)

The only way we are going to win the world and our community is through walking together as one and showing love to the World.

Conclusion

Visualization

Imagine the effect of Christians walking together in unity. We could turn this world upside down.

Reiteration

Supporting one another as followers of Christ enables us to cultivate love among ourselves.

Action

Be ye steadfast and unmovable always abounding in the work of the Lord.

Introduction

Attention

Interest

Analogy

Personal

Need Element

Historical

Context

Textual Idea

Sermon Idea

Interrogative

Transition

Main divisions

Stated here

Paul exhorted them to stand in unity and that humility causes us to place others' needs above our own. C.S. Lewis states, "Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it's thinking of yourself less."

Consider a symphony orchestra. Each musician, skilled in their craft, plays a different instrument. Yet, it is their unified harmony, under the conductor's guidance, that creates a beautiful melody. This is the essence of unity and humility in the body of Christ.

(Read text here)

In our current times, where individualism often overshadows collective well-being, Paul's message is not just relevant but essential. As believers, we are called to a higher standard to live in unity and humility.

Paul wrote this letter to the Philippians while he was in prison. Despite his circumstances, his focus was on encouraging unity and humility among the believers....

Argument

Cross-Reference

Reason

Application

Descriptive

Prescriptive

Transition

Division #5

Explanation

Philippians 2:1-4

Illustration

Analogy History

Argument

Cross-Reference

Reason

Application

Descriptive

Prescriptive

Transition

Conclusion

Visualization

Reiteration

Action

Christ's love is at the core of the church, each believer is rooted in it, thus we each have Christ in common and His love propels us forward

Paul understood the Christ wanted us to have the agape love. This is the kind of brotherly love in which we sacrifice for one another because we are family, united in a spiritual bond that makes us all potential heirs to the kingdom of God.

Like a father loves his children and would do anything to protect and would do anything for them, Christ is so much to and for us. In the movie, John Q, Denzel Washington risk his life and even would go to jail just to find a heart for his son. As we look at scripture, Christ died on the cross so that we could saved and have hope beyond the grave.

In John 13:34-35, Jesus commands that we love one another because He loves us.Paul also gives instruction to the husbands to loves their wives as Christ loves the church.

If we have this love in common - we should then love one another, end of the petty arguments and disagreements, love becomes the key to end the troubles in our church and in our lives

Like-mindedness is fostered by practicing humility and cultivating a genuine desire to achieve unity, which can be facilitated through peacekeeping efforts.

We maintain unity in the body of Christ through acts of humility and peace.

Paul in verse 3 is encouraging the church not to involve themselves in pride or an inflated ego but through peace. Strife can enter and corrupt the peace and harmony among the believers.

Recently I was having a team meeting and one of the team members began to over-talk one of the peers on some ideas they were presenting. No one said anything during that meeting and became a consistent act and others started doing the same thing when this individual spoke. I one day called them through Microsoft Teams and the team member told me that they were becoming angry at the entire staff. I decided to address this during one of the other meetings and let them know that we owed each a certain level of respect and we needed treat each other how we wanted to be treated. I didnt call any names all concurred and we were able to move forward in harmony.

In the book of Matthew, Jesus gives the Sermon on the Mount and gives us a list of character traits to have. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.

Simple steps such as becoming silent during an argument can start the peacemaking process and should in many cases cause both parties to reflect on ones actions.

Humility, unity and love must be practiced among the body of believers. The only way we are going to win the world and our community is through walking together as one and showing love to the World. We are the salt of the Earth.

Imagine the effect of Christians walking together in unity. We could turn this world upside down.

Supporting one another as followers of Christ enables us to cultivate love among ourselves. Demonstrating care and affection can be effectively achieved through prayer and having the mind of Christ.

Be ye steadfast and unmovable always abounding in the work of the Lord. Paul wrote the previous chapter while in jail but still was able…