Sermon Manuscript: Philippians 1:12-18
“The Gospel That Cannot be Stopped”
Wade Johnson
HOMI 500: Preparation of the Sermon
October 6, 2025
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Oral Presentation
Text: Philippians 1:12-18
The purpose of this exercise is to develop skill at preparing an
oral presentation plan that engages the audience and
faithfully
•• Make sure sermon ideas are clear and well
worded.
•Plan with the dynamics of oral communication.
•Design the presentation to follow the text.
•Design the presentation to engage the audience.
•Balance development for the whole man.
•Plan for the audience and for the occasion.
This exercise involves planning the design of your sermon for an oral presentation. This form follows the motivated
sequence outline combined with the traditional introduction-body-conclusion format.
Introduction Attention
Disney World trip illustration. Example of kindness in a trial. -Wheel bearing replacement in
Baton Rouge
Need
When life takes an unexpected turn, it’s easy to wonder what God is doing
That is why this passage in Philippians is so important. Paul knew what it meant to have his
plans changed, to see them stopped cold. Yet through it all, he saw that God was still advancing
the Gospel.
BRIDGING SENTENCES
[Subject: Gospel Modifier: Advancement]
Textual Idea:
Paul’s imprisonment resulted in advancement of the Gospel.
Sermon Idea:
God is able to use every circumstance to advance the Gospel.
Interrogative:
How is God able to use every circumstance to advance the Gospel?
Transition:
This passage shows us three ways God uses circumstances to advance the Gospel.
Body Satisfaction
DIVISION 1 STATEMENT
You can trust God to advance the Gospel even through your trials
Explanation
Verses 12-13. Paul wanted to go to Rome as a missionary. Instead, he was taken to Rome
under arrest to await trial. Even in confinement, the message of Christ was reaching places it
had never been.
Illustration
In August of 2017, hurricane Harvey struck the city of Houston. Vernon's Country Catfish,
Argumentation
Shadrach, Meschach, and Abednego were saved from death by God. Christ on the cross
saved all mankind from the penalty of sin.
Application
When hardship comes, pray, keep obeying and serving with gratitude so others see that
Christ is worth following.
Transition (Div. 1 to Div. 2)
God can use our trials to advance His Gospel. But he also uses the example of our faith to
strengthen others. When we remain faithful, our courage gives other confidence to speak for
Christ.
DIVISION 2 STATEMENT
You can trust God to advance the Gospel by giving courage to others through your witness.
Explanation
Verse 14, Those who heard about Paul’s continued profession while under arrest were
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make bold, they became fearless in their proclamation of the Gospel. Paul’s example
showed them the Gospel was worth any cost.
Illustration
Proclaiming Christ in the midst of needing liver transplant
Argumentation
Peter’s boldness before the Sanhedrin gave the early believers the confidence to speak
boldly.
Application
Speak openly about Christ this week, even in ordinary moments. Tell someone how He has
worked in your life and let your words give others confidence to share their faith too.
Transition (Div. 2 to Div. 3)
God can use your courage to strengthen others, but not everyone serves from the same
heart. Yet regardless of motive, God’s purpose continues to move forward.
DIVISION 3 STATEMENT
You can trust God to advance the Gospel even with others motives are mixed.
Explanation
Verses 15 to 18. Some saw Paul’s imprisonment as a way to elevate themselves and hurt
him. Their use of the Gospel was to their own ends. Others, however, preached out of
genuine love for Christ. Regardless of the motive, Paul rejoiced.
Illustration
Clean and dirty glass
Argumentation
OT – Balaam & Jonah / NT – Caiaphas
Application
When we see selfish motives, pride, or competition in life, focus on Christ. Keep doing
what is right, speak truth with sincerity, and rejoice whenever someone hears about Jesus.
Transition (Div. 3 to Concl.)
Paul ends this section not with frustration, but with joy. He saw God’s hand in every
circumstance. When the Gospel is advancing, there is reason to rejoice. That same joy can
be ours when we see life through the lens of God’s purpose.
Conclusion Visualization
Examples – Doctor’s office. Coworker Family Problem.
You’re at work, and a coworker tells you about a family problem. You listen and offer to
pray for them – the Gospel advances.
You’re standing in line at the grocery store. Someone behind you starts talking about how
uncertain life feels. You speak a quiet work about the hope you have in Christ. The Gospel
advances.
This is how it works. God uses ordinary people, in ordinary moments, to accomplish His
extraordinary plan.
Reiteration
That is what Paul saw from within his imprisonment. He saw that the God advances the
Gospel through our trials. He advances the Gospel by giving courage to others through
our witness. He advances the Gospel even when the motives of the messengers are
mixed. All of this because His power is greater than ours. Paul’s imprisonment did not
become a stumbling block for the advancement of the Gospel, it was a springboard.
Action
What do we do with that? Choose joy when the Gospel moves forward, even when your
situation feels hard. Pray for opportunities this week to be a voice of hope to others.
Guard your heart, serve faithfully, and rejoice whenever Christ is proclaimed.
decided that
instead of flying, we would drive from Houston to Orlando.
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Attention Several years ago, I took my family on a trip to Disney World. We
