HOMI 500
Introduction
Attention
(Show intense video of prisoners in jail and then show clips of those
who seem to be depressed, have anxiety, or be in some other emotional
prison. Music will change from intense and loud to slow and sad.)
Analogy – Personal
When I was a baby I had an uncle who had been incarcerated and spent
years in the state prison. By the time I was an adolescent he had been
let out on bond and probation. To this day I do not know what he was
incarcerated for, but I do remember him telling me of how life was
behind bars. He said it was a dark, scary, violent place, where the idea
of freedom seemed foreign. When asked how he passed the time he said
he had to focus on the silver linings of the situation and not the negative.
While I have never physically been incarcerated, I have been in the
mental prison of depression and anxiety. It is the oddest place to find
yourself where you are physically able to go and do but in your mind
you are trapped in a dark place that will not allow you to do so.
However, during this time I forced myself to just keep going, doing all I
could to fight through.
Need Element
In life there are physical prisons and emotional prisons that one can find
themselves. We may not know of the outcome, but we are aware of the
present situation. During these times, God wants us to keep fighting the
good fight. The Gospel must still be proclaimed. We know at some
point in life we may find ourselves in either of the prisons, why not
continue to share the Gospel so that maybe, just one more person can
come to know Jesus Christ through it and Christ be proclaimed. The
questions to ask yourself would be what or who do you seek for freedom
and what is your response to struggles and trials?
(READ TEXT HERE)
Historical Context
In this passage we find Paul imprisoned in Rome sometime between 60-
62 CE.
Textual Idea
Paul writes to the church of Philippi on how to proclaim the Gospel
even through the worst circumstances.
Sermon Idea
No matter what circumstances believers face, they can confidently
proclaim the Gospel without fear.
Interrogative
How can believers proclaim the Gospel during tough circumstances?
Transition
Struggles produce a stronger faith and advance the Gospel.
HOMI 500
BODY Division #1
Struggles, Persecution, and Opposition are sometimes needed to
advance the Gospel.
Explanation
God may allow us to go through circumstances to provide the
opportunity to reach someone we may not otherwise reach.
Illustration
A few years ago, a lady I knew was diagnosed with breast cancer and
both her and her husband had to leave their children with relatives as
they moved to the best hospital for her to undergo treatments. Not only
was the family separated for months, bill collectors began calling as they
began to be late on payments, the husband ran out of vacation time, and
the treatments were incredibly hard and life as they knew it had
completely changed. It was safe to say that they were facing one of the
most difficult challenges of their life. However, as they pushed through
the bad days they always maintained a positive attitude. Consistently
watching their home church services online, listening to positive
Christina music, and simply just trying to remain focused on what God
would do through them. That day came when another cancer patient had
noticed the couples’ positive attitudes over the past few months. This
patient knew all too well how hard this was because she was
experiencing the same thing. The only difference was that she was
suffering through while the couple was pushing through. She wanted
whatever it was they had, and they had the opportunity to share the
Gospel with her. Had this couple not been challenged with the battle of
cancer, they probably would have never met this other lady. It was
through the Cancer battle that they were provided the opportunity to
share the Gospel of Jesus.
Argumentation
In verse 12 Paul tells us, “But I want you to know brethren, that the
things which happened to me have actually turned out for the
furtherance of the gospel..” – During your trials, knowing this, how will
you respond to your struggle? As a believer, this verse tells us that our
struggles are meant to be like a tool used to provide opportunities to
share Christ. When we face our struggles may we remember the end
result and not lose hope.
Application
When you find yourself in the midst of the struggle, begin searching for
the ways you can share the Gospel message through your journey.
Instead of imprisoning yourself in the situation, intentionally seek the
good and focus on God.
Struggles are necessary for strengthening us as believers.
Transition
Division #2
Our struggles provide the opportunity to strengthen our Faith and
reveal our character.
HOMI 500
Explanation
In our struggles, our faith is tested. How we respond and act on our faith
will reveal our character and faith to ourselves and others.
Illustration
As many of you know, I am a huge Alabama Football Fan. There is one
game, the 2018 National Championship, that will forever be one of my
most favorite. Junior Quarterback, Jalen Hurts, had been our starter all
season. He was a great quarterback but when we got to this particular
game (the biggest game in college football) he made it through three and
a half quarters before head coach Nick Saban, pulled him from the game
and replaced him with true freshman quarterback, Tua Tagaviola. It was
near the end of the 4th quarter and Alabama had one more opportunity to
score and win the game. Tua comes in and fires a longshot downfield to
an open receiver, winning the game. He was the savior! The crowd went
wild, players rejoiced. A game that was heading south had now been
redeemed and victory was ours! When Tua was interviewed by the
ESPN reporter, the first thing out of his mouth was “To God be the
Glory! God Gets All The Glory For This!” He wasn’t looking for any
accolades or atta-boys. More importantly, the one who truly made a
statement that night was Jalen Hurts. He held his head high and
continued to support and encourage his teammates. In this situation, he
could have easily thrown a temper tantrum and quit the team after being
replaced. If any of you are football fans, you know that Jalen Hurts
stuck around and was entirely replaced by Tua Tagaviola. The very next
year we played for the SEC Championship and almost the exact scenario
played out except this time, Tua was replaced by Jalen in the 4th quarter.
Jalen went on to win the game for Alabama advancing us for yet another
shot at the national championship. Jalen, when interviewed, gave all the
glory to God and thanked him for providing the opportunity! It was soon
after that Jalen announced his transfer to Oklahoma where he would be
full-time starter. You see, Jalen took the high road and continued to
work hard and support his team. This revealed his character and in the
end God was glorified BOTH times! This situation for a young college
athlete could truly break their spirit. Especially if they are in it with
selfish ambitions. Jalen made himself known in this situation but
ultimately he made God known!
Argumentation
There are always people watching you. What kind of example are you
setting? Paul tell us in verses 13 & 14 , “ 13 As a result, it has become
clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am
in chains for Christ. 14 And because of my chains, most of the brothers
and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to
proclaim the gospel without fear.”
Application
When you face these situations begin praying to ask God to make you
better and teach you through them.
HOMI 500
Transition
Focusing on Jesus through your situation instead of the issue will cause
you to proclaim Christ with authenticity and love.
Division #3
Some people will preach Christ out of love for Jesus and what He
has done for them.
Explanation
Believers should proclaim Christ out of love and understanding because
they, themselves, have been delivered from their struggles and trials.
Illustration
Sometimes the greatest way to share the Gospel is simply by telling your
own story. Your testimony is your personal account of how Jesus
brought you from death to life! While this sounds like a fairly easy task,
sometimes it can be tough. Depending on what type of events or
situations are included in your testimony and what audience you are
sharing with can make the experience very intimidating. However,
when you share your story, it makes you vulnerable to the possible
judgement from others. The good news is that any judgment that
happens will be handled by the Lord. Your vulnerability and authenticity
could change the course of someone’s life. This makes you relatable
and people appreciate honesty. By doing so, those you are speaking to
know that you are speaking from a place of love for Jesus.
Argumentation
Because you are sharing from a place of authenticity, others will receive
it in a positive manner, knowing that you are truly doing so to share the
Gospel of Christ. Paul explains this in verses 15 & 16. He says, “15 It is
true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of
goodwill. 16 The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for
the defense of the gospel.” Your story is meant to encourage others,
leading them to Christ for salvation.
Application
When sharing the Gospel, we must always be authentic in our motives
for doing so. Share from love, be authentic. Your vulnerability and
honesty will always go further than if you try to formulate a story just to
look good!
Transition
Believers should never preach in order to boast of themselves; they must
always draw attention to the Father.
CONCLUSION
Visualization
Paul was physically imprisoned. While we can find ourselves there as
well, we can be emotionally or mentally imprisoned. Depression and
anxiety are just a few examples of emotional and mental prisons that we
can find ourselves in.
Reiteration
You either preach Christ out of love or for selfish gain. You can either
sulk in the circumstance or chose to glorify God.
HOMI 500
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Persevere through the struggles, intentionally seeking opportunities to
share the Gospel through your situation. God’s plan is far greater than
ours!
Paul ends this letter by explain how no matter what, Christ is preached.
Even through this difficult circumstance, Paul continued to preach the
Gospel and he could rejoice in his suffering because it was not in vain.
Are you struggling today with the grips of life?? Allow God to move in
you and free you from the chains of your prison. God wants to provide
your freedom, but He can only do that if you ask Him into your heart!
Come today, confess your sins before the Father and ask Him to be your
rescuer! Don’t let the struggles of this life win!
Appeal
Action
