Sermon Tone Analysis

*GREYFRIARS PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH*

Minister: Rev John Oliver Evans

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*PHILIPPIANS: THE JOYUL LETTER*

 

*1.

HEARTFELT THANKSGIVING*

Passage   1: 1‑ 8

 

*Introduction:* Philippians is possibly Paul's warmest personal letter to a group or believers.

It clearly shows his mature affection and regard for a Church which had repeatedly encouraged him in all his endeavours for Christ.

Such a relationship with and regard for them emerges even in the opening greeting.

*1.

PRAISE (vs.

3,4):*

See his continuing sense of thankfulness for them as Christian people.

How much they have come to mean to him.

What about our relationships with other Christians?

How many do we think of in these terms?

How many do we lift in prayer to God's presence thankfully, gladly, joyfully?

Our relationships need not be marked by envy, bitterness, competitiveness or conflict (cf.

Phil 2:3f; 4:2).

~* Activity: Share with one another the circumstances behind one Christian or group meaning a lot to you in terms of these verses.

*2.

PARTNERSHIP (v.5):*

Here we come up against our old friend ''fellowship'' again.

They have a fellowship~/relation ship~/participation~/sharing~/partnership in the Gospel.

Clearly it is a sharing which is meaningful and significant for Paul.

Notice what he says later ‑ 4:15‑18.

Theirs is not merely a sharing in the /blessings/ of the Gospel together.

They are sharing in the /enterprise/ of the Gospel, the responsibility of ministry and the enlargement of the Kingdom.

Paul calls them partners ‑ not just supporters.

~* Discuss: What other images of partnership or co‑operation in ministry does Paul use elsewhere in his letters?

How can we experience and encourage “partnership in the Gospel” in Greyfriars etc.?

 

*3.

PROGRESS (v.6):*

Here the emphasis is on the fact of growth, development, maturing as part of normal Christian experience.

Paul asserts that as God has begun to work in them, so he will continue and complete it  - cf  Phil 2:13.

~* Share with one another ONE significant area of your experience where you are conscious of God continuing to work away on you

 

*4.

PRINCIPLE (v.7‑8):*

Here is the undergirding of their relationship ‑ love.

Strong emotions are involved ‑ his feelings (v.7) "I hold you in my heart" ‑ do you feel like that about our fellow‑members?

What are they partaking in together?

“I yearn for you all” ‑ in terms of his love for them (their company, etc.) but also his longings for them (their growth) ‑ cf Colossians 1:28

~* Discuss: What practical expression can be given to our love for one another in the Body of Christ?

\\ *GREYFRIARS PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH*

Minister: Rev John Oliver Evans

* *

*PHILIPPIANS: THE JOYUL LETTER*

 

*2  PASTORAL CONCERN*

 

Passage: 1:3 - 11

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*Introduction: *Typically, Paul’s introduction to his letter concludes with a prayerfor his friends in Philippi [9-11].

He is concerned that they will realise who they are as the people of God, and that they will develop in discipleship and grow as Christians.

Now, see some of the specific items in his prayer – regarding what should mark their maturing in Christ.

*1.

**1.

The Mark of a Deepening Love:*

2.                  “That your love may abound more and more” [9a].

Again it is the word “agape” which is used – the distinctive love which comes from God.

* If it is our love for Christ which is intended – how can we help it grow?

Discuss

* If it is the love of Christ – ie the love Christ imparts and bestows – how can we encourage it to overflow from us  to love one another, or to love and serve others?

Discuss

 

*2.

The Mark of a Deepening Understanding:*

Notice the “love” which is prayed for is not based on sentimentality or romanticism or emotionalism.

Neither is it some vague, wavering, fluctuating feeling.

It is rooted in understanding [9b].

·        Knowing the Truth – essentially a grasp of the Scriptures as the revelation of God’s purpose and will for us as human beings,  -  and equally importantly  -

·        Applying the Truth – discernment is the ability to relate the principles of the Word to our real-life situations in discipleship and obedience.

~*Discussion: How can we develop and exercise “knowledge and all discernment” – not only personally, but as a group or as a congregation?

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*3.

The Mark of a Deepening Dedication:*

How can you have a deeper dedication?

Surely, you either lead a life dedicated to the Lord, or you don’t?

It at least includes the extension of our dedication and Christ’s Lordship to areas of our lives to which we previously have said to the Lord, “hands off”.

We all have these, whether acknowledged or not!

However, more properly, “approving what is excellent” – really has to do with choosing the superior, ie the difference between the better and the best

~*Discussion: Share with one another which area of life you feel should be targetted by the need to approve the excellent?

*4.

The Mark of a Deepening Life in Christ:*

      “Filled with the fruits of righteousness” [11].

See how this is linked to the excellent – and the awareness of our accountability to Christ on His return [10].

Note that all this comes through Jesus Christ and is to the glory and praise of God.

~*Discuss the relation between this verse and the picture of the vine and the branches [John 15] and the fruit of the Spirit [Galatians 5:22f].

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\\ *GREYFRIARS PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH*

Minister: Rev John Oliver Evans

* *

*PHILIPPIANS: THE JOYUL LETTER*

 

*3 TO ADVANCE THE GOSPEL*

 

Passage: 1:12 ‑18

 

*Introduction:* Paul's letter to Philippi is generally supposed to have been written during his first imprisonment in Rome (AD 59‑61).

In this section he seeks not only to allay their fears and concern for his situation ‑ “I want you to know”, but also to assure them that the work of the Gospel has not been hindered but rather advanced because of this situation ‑ “what has happened to me has really served to advance the Gospel”.

How can that be?

It takes a bit of believing?

Well Paul mentions three features:

 

*1.

Paul's case is clarified (13):*

In a word because of his confinement, it has become general knowledge among Caesar's household what kind of person he is.

He is not a criminal.

He is not a revolutionary.

They are beginning to understand his Christian convictions and attitudes.

Remember his friends had access to him.

and doubtless the authorities had full reports on his visitors, his conversations and his correspondence.

~* DISCUSSION: Remember the story of Joseph and his mother.

Notice Joseph’s summary in Genesis 50:20.

How does all this fit in with our understanding of God's sovereignty and providence?

Share with one another some experience where "good" came out of seeming “evil” in your life.

* *

*2.

Believers are edified (14):*

With Paul unable to travel around on evangelistic missions, others stepped forward realizing their calling and gifts.

Here was vivid, practical “partnership in the gospel” (cf 1:5).

Look closely at the verse again - and notice

·        the agents of mission and witness ‑ "most of the brethren", not merely some or a few, but the majority of believers

·        the power for mission and witness ‑ "confident in the Lord", and God has done this, making them confident in his power, not their own .

·        the manner of mission and witness ‑ "much more bold" (RSV) or “more courageously and fearlessly” (NIV).

NOT hesitantly or half heartedly!