Rejoice In The Lord: A Study In Philippians

Lessons From A Farewell

Philippians 4:21-23 — The closing section of Paul’s letters often contain personal references and concerns that seem to have little relevance to us, but as we look a little closer, we discover some wonderful truths that encourage our hearts. So it is with the closing to Paul’s letter to the Philippians. As we consider the final…

Better To Give Than To Receive

Philippians 4:14-20 — Unfortunately giving has become a controversial subject in church life. This is because there have been church leaders who have abused their standing and enriched themselves and their ministries at the expense of their congregation. If we go further back into history we see practices like the sale of indulgences and church…

The Battle For The Mind – Part 2

Philippians 2:8-9 — In this sermon Pastor Brendan takes us through the rest of the guidelines for our thought-life that the Apostle Paul gives us. If we’re going to win the battle for the mind and make progress in this Christian life then it is essential that we “think on” these things. “Whatsoever things are lovely, of…

The Battle For The Mind – Part 1

Philippians 4:8-9 — For the Christian, the battle against the world, the flesh and the devil takes place largely in the mind.  Unfortunately for many, it’s a losing battle and they fail to make progress. In these well-known verses the Apostle Paul clearly spells out what the Christian ought to “think on” if he/she wants to…

Releasing Anxiety’s Stranglehold

Philippians 4:4-8a — Worry and anxiety seem to be ever present in our world today. Even in the most affluent and advanced societies many are debilitated by these problems. Thankfully, there is a solution! In the Bible, our Creator has told us how we can live free from the stifling burden of anxiety. This is…

The Destruction Of Disunity

Philippians 4:1-3 — What is Christian unity and why is it so important? These questions come to the fore when we see Paul mention people by name, in the church at Philippi, who had fallen out. He urges them to be reconciled and he asks others in the church to help.  As Pastor Brendan takes us…

The Philosophy Of Life

Philippians 3:17-21 — Every person has a worldview, that is, a framework of beliefs through which they interpret the world. These beliefs and assumptions inform a person’s values and decisions. In this text the Apostle Paul describes two worldviews, one that is self-centred and earthly and another that is Son-centred and eternal. He explains what happens…

Pursuing The Prize

Philippians 3:12-14 — From Paul’s frequent use of athletic metaphors it seems as though he possessed an affection for sport. He uses a sporting metaphor in this text to explain how we can live a successful Christian life. He likens the Christian life to a race and he gives us five essentials to help us run…

Knowing Jesus Is What It’s All About

Philippians 3:10 — How well do you know Jesus? Do you recognise Him amidst the crowd of Bible characters? Are you somewhat familiar with His teaching? Do you know a lot about Him? Or do you know Him personally? Above all else, the Apostle Paul wanted to know Jesus and that’s what we reflect upon in…

Auditing The Spiritual Books

Philippians 3:4-8 — In this autobiographical section of the letter, the Apostle Paul gives what is essentially a ‘profit and loss’ statement. After his conversion this statement looked very different! “What things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.” (v.7) As Pastor Brendan takes us carefully through this text, we are challenged…