Sermon Tone Analysis

Introduction (Phil 1:1-3)

Paul is writing from prison.

Yet this letter is full of joy and love.

How?

Well, he tells us in 4:11 that he has learned to be content no matter what is going on around him.

How does a person learn that?

How can he be at peace when his life is falling apart?

The secret is not a new technique or a mantra.

Those may have a place but for Paul his focus was on one thing - or better one person - Jesus.

Jesus is his contentment.

So, as long as he had Jesus he had all he needed to be content.

[Transition]

Do your prayers include gospel-saturated thankfulness?

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Notice what Paul says in verse 3- I thank my God in all remebereance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy… Paul’s joy in prayer is a expression of his gospel-saturated thankfulness of three different but interconnected aspects of his relationship with the church Philippi, which we will look at it turn.

Are you thankful for our partnership in the gospel?

Explanation: (v. 5) Paul sates: “…because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.”

First, we may ask, what does Paul mean by partnership?

It is possible that what Paul means is there passive participation in the gospel - or their receiving of the salvation that comes from Christ.

It is also possible that what Paul means is their active participation in the gospel mission.

It makes sense that both may be included in Paul’s thinking here.

A second question, what does Paul mean by the gospel?

Argumentation: Paul’s joy flows from his recognition that the church at Philippi has been parternering with him in the gospel from the beginning (4:15).

Illustration

Application

Be thankful for God’s promise that He will complete the good work.

(Phil 1:6)

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Argumentation

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Be thankful for the care that the FOF offers to one another.

(Phil 1:7-8)

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[Transition]

Do your prayers include praying for our love to mature?

(Phil 1:9-11)

So that we will all see the world through Jesus’ eyes.

(Phil 1:9)

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Argumentation

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Application

So that our decisions will reflect Jesus.

(Phil 1:10)

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Application

So that we all may be pure and blameless when Jesus returns.

(Phil 1:10-11)

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Applicatio

One Small Step: Choose one (either thanksgiving or love).

Take the time and pray to God either thanking him for one aspect that we just mentioned or pray that our love for one another would increase and mature.