Expository Sermons from the Book of Philippians

To the Saints in Philippi
(Philippians 1:1–2)  Lesson 1

In Acts 16, Paul’s second missionary journey brought the gospel to Philippi, a Roman colony in Macedonia. There, through providence and perseverance, the Lord established His church beginning with Lydia and the Philippian jailer. Paul’s letter to these Christians, written from imprisonment in Rome, reveals the heart of a servant. It teaches that unity in Christ flows through humble service to God and one another.

I Thank My God
(Philippians 1:3–18) Lesson 2

Paul’s letter to the Philippians reveals his deep gratitude toward a congregation that had partnered with him in both joy and hardship. From prison, he wrote words of thanksgiving for their steadfast fellowship, abounding love, and boldness in the gospel. His joyful spirit teaches us to remain thankful in every circumstance.

Paul’s Dilemma
(Philippians 1:19–26)  Lesson 3

In Shakespeare’s Hamlet, the Prince of Denmark feared both life and death. He viewed existence as painful and the afterlife as terrifying. In contrast, the Apostle Paul saw both living and dying as opportunities to glorify Christ. Writing from a Roman prison, he reflected on the purpose of life and the reality of death, facing a dilemma—whether to remain in the flesh for fruitful labor or to depart and be with the Lord in Paradise.

The Appeal for Unity
(Philippians 1:27–28)  Lesson 4

Unity among brethren is a beautiful and godly virtue. Psalm 133 declares, “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” This lesson from Philippians 1:27–2:4 reminds us that Christian unity is not accidental; it must be pursued through humility, love, and shared devotion to Christ.

 Let This Mind Be in You
Philippians 2:5–11  Lesson 5   

In Philippians 2:5–11, the apostle Paul exhorts the church to unity through humility. He points believers to the supreme example—Jesus Christ. Only by adopting His mind and attitude can Christians dwell in harmony and glorify God together. The aim is to develop within each of us the mind of Christ.

Work Out Your Own Salvation
Philippians 2:12-13  Lesson 6

Many in the religious world do not believe that works and salvation should be mentioned in the same sentence. Yet the apostle Paul does that very thing in our text - Philippians 2:12-13, “Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; 13 for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.”  So what does God want us to learn from this passage?

For You It Is Safe
Philippians 3:1–9 Lesson 7

Philippians 3:1–9 teaches believers to rejoice in the Lord, to welcome the repetition of sound doctrine for spiritual safety, to beware of false teachers, to live as the true circumcision, and to count all things loss in order to gain Christ.

I Press Toward the Goal
Philippians 3:10–16  Lesson 8

On a foggy morning, July 4, 1952, Florence Chadwick began her swim from Catalina Island to the California coast. After fifteen hours, she gave up—just half a mile from shore. She later said, “If I could have seen the land, I might have made it.” Paul’s words in Philippians 3:14 remind us: “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”

Where Is Your Citizenship?
Philippians 3:17–4:1  Lesson 9

Charles Dutton once said that the secret to his success after years in prison was simple: “I never decorated my cell.” He refused to view his prison as home. In the same way, Christians must never settle into this world as their permanent dwelling. We are longing for a better country—a heavenly one (Hebrews 11:16).  

My Joy and Crown
Philippians 4:1–3   Lesson 10

After teaching that our citizenship is in heaven and that Christ will transform our bodies into glorious ones, Paul urged the Philippians to remain steadfast. In this short passage he emphasized three vital truths for every Christian: stand fast, stand together, and stand forever in the Lord.

Be Anxious for Nothing
Sermon Series on the Book of Philippians
Philippians 4:6-8, Lesson 11

“For as he thinks in his heart, so is he” (Proverbs 23:7a). This verse stresses the importance of our thoughts. Our actions are born in the mind. Romans 8:5–6 teaches that to be spiritually minded is life and peace. The battle for the soul is fought in the mind. Satan knows this and attacks there. Second Corinthians 10:4–5 reminds us that our weapons are mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments, and bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. The victory over anxiety begins with the Word of God.

A Life of Contentment
Philippians 4:10–20 Lesson 12

The Apostle Paul, though imprisoned, wrote of joy and peace that came from a heart content in Christ. Philippians 4:10–20 reveals how true contentment is not dependent upon circumstances but upon one’s relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.