Philippians 1
Posted by Philip Strong | Categories: Church, Commitment, Salvation, Preaching Through the New Testament, Philippians
This lesson is an overview/outline look at Philippians 1. It details the congregation at Philippi's participation in the "Cause of Christ".
Philippians 2
Posted by Philip Strong | Categories: Choices, Church, Fidelity, Salvation, Preaching Through the New Testament, Philippians
This lesson is a companion to "The Cause of Christ." It is likewise an overview/outline-type lesson of Philippians 2. Specifically, it highlights the 3 things Paul instructed the Philippians (and us, by extension) to do in order to "Walk Worthy of the Gospel." It also includes, from the text, the "How To" instructions to accomplish these objectives.
Philippians 3
Posted by Philip Strong | Categories: Apostasy, Church, Fidelity, Preaching Through the New Testament, Philippians
This lesson is the third (of four) from the book of Philippians. The first two were "The Cause of Christ" (an overview of chapter 1), and "Walking 'Worthy of the Gospel'" (an overview of chapter 2). Both can be viewed or downloaded from this same page of the website. This lesson is an overview of chapter 3. It deals with the warning Paul gave the church there concerning the continuing problem of the issue which had been made of the Jewish practice of circumcision. Though the issue had been decided some ten to twelve years prior to this letter being written to the Philippians, obviously it continued to plague churches. "Circumcision" itself may no longer be an issue for churches today, but much can be learned from Paul's instructions with regard to identifying and being the "true circumcision" he described.
Philippians 4
Posted by Philip Strong | Categories: Church, Commitment, Fidelity, Preaching Through the New Testament, Philippians
This is the final lesson in a series covering the book of Philippians ("The Cause of Christ" chp.1; "Walking Worthy of the Gospel" chp.2; and "False vs. True Circumcision" chp.3 were the others). In this overview of chp.4, five sections break-down the text into digestable pieces dealing with 1) the incumbent obligation of heavenly citizenship; 2) instructions to specific members; 3) rejoicing in the Lord; 4) the proper occupation of the mind; and 5) the Philippians "sharing" with Paul in his preaching of the gospel. Applications are made of each section to Christians today.
Modern Idolatry
Posted by Philip Strong | Categories: Apostasy, Atheism, Church, Worship, Philippians
Ancient Israel was plagued with self-inflicted idolatry throughout their history in Canaan. Were they the only ones? This lesson looks at some modern examples of idolatry with which spiritual Israel can be infected today.
Salvation to be Worked Out
Posted by Philip Strong | Categories: Obedience, Salvation, Philippians
Are "works" a part of our salvation? This lesson asks and seeks to answer several pertinent questions related to the text of Philippians 2:12-13.
How to Attain Heaven and Enjoy Life
Posted by Philip Strong | Categories: Obedience, Trust, Philippians
Truly enjoying life and attaining heaven are not mutually exclusive. Life and the joys of it are a gift from God that He expects to enjoy- that's why He created it as He did! This does not mean that mean that should become "lovers of life' to the extent that we abandon the path to heaven. Philippians 3:12-21 outlines at least five keys to doing both.
Knowing Jesus Christ Experientially
Posted by Philip Strong | Categories: Faith, Growth, Philippians
How do we know anyone? There are at least four ways: (1) Historically- we know only from the history or past that we've learned through whatever means; (2) Casually- meaning that we recognize in the grocery store or at the ballgame, but really don't know them all that well; (3) Contractually- that is, we are acquainted with them only through business or in some other associative way; or (4) Experientially- we know them through personal experience; we've spent sufficient time with them to know something of their habits, thoughts, actions, and reactions. Now the question: How do you know Jesus? Paul gives us insight to what's involved in truly "knowing Jesus" in Philippians 3:1-10.
Rising Above Mediocrity- Part 1
Posted by Philip Strong | Categories: Choices, Growth, Philippians
This lesson (and one which will follow next week) was presented as a follow-up or companion to "'Average' Christians?". It forces us to the conclusion that most local churches (and therefore most individual Christians who make them up!) are surviving rather than thriving. Most can't seem to get up and over the "hill of mediocrity" to truly be growing as they should. The lesson outlines 2 of 5 keys that should help.
Rising Above Mediocrity- Part 2
Posted by Philip Strong | Categories: Choices, Growth, Philippians
This lesson is the conclusion of the previous week's sermon on identifying Keys that will help us get up and over the hill of mediocrity.