HOMI 601
Olivia Morgan
Scenes and Stories Template
Text: Philippians 1:12-18
Make sure sermon ideas are clear and well-
worded.
Tell the biblical story with imagination and
realism.
Recognize the usual phases of a narrative.
Use language that appeals best to the
imagination.
Tell the story as would an eyewitness.
Look for vivid imagery and narrative in the text.
This assignment involves the retelling of a selected biblical narrative in such a way as to use imaginative and
vivid language and narration. Complete the exercise with the following steps:
1. Read the selected biblical narrative several times in different translations. Note here the theological purpose
of the story as best as you can discern it.
Philippians 1:12-18 recounts the apostle Paul's experiences while imprisoned for the sake of Christ.
Theologically, the purpose of this story is to demonstrate how, even in the face of adversity, God's purpose
triumphs, and the Gospel advances. It emphasizes that God can use even the most difficult circumstances,
such as imprisonment, to further His kingdom.
2. Notice the kinds of language used in the text you
are studying:
Figurative language
The chains that bind Paul symbolize the adversity
and challenges he faces for the sake of Christ.
The chains, typically a symbol of confinement, are
transformed into a symbol of the progression of
the Gospel.
Descriptive language
The descriptions of the entire palace guard
becoming aware of Paul's situation and the
brothers and sisters gaining faith in the Lord paint
a vivid picture of the impact of Paul's
imprisonment.
"Confidence in the Lord" and "proclaim the gospel
without fear" add a descriptive layer, illustrating
believers' emotional and spiritual transformation.
Sensate language
Touch and emotion are communicated through the
language used. The weight of the chains, the
believers' growing confidence, and the fearless
proclamation of the gospel are all almost palpable
to the readers.
Concrete language
Concrete components that anchor the story in
reality are the brothers and sisters, the palace
guard, and the chains. Paul's imprisonment serves
as a concrete background against the spiritual
dynamics.
Specific language
The situation Paul found himself in, the palace
guard's response, and the responses of other
believers are all described in detail in the text. It
communicates the events and their significance in
an explicit manner rather than an ambiguous one.
3. Analyze the dynamics of the situation and note
them here.
Setting
The main setting is a Roman prison in which the
apostle Paul is imprisoned. The physical
confinement serves as the backdrop against which
the story unfolds.
The reference to the palace guard suggests a
Roman cultural setting and a sizable audience for
Paul's teaching among the Roman military.
Characters
The main character is imprisoned for his faith but
Dialogue
The story implies Paul's remarks and the siblings'
responses, even though specific dialogues are not
quoted.
Paul emphasizes the importance of focusing on the
bigger picture of spreading the gospel and
expressing unwavering faith in his spoken and
implied remarks.
Motives
The Gospel is advanced even in the face of
personal hardship and imprisonment.
The motivations of those preaching Christ vary;
some are motivated by goodwill and love, while
12 Essential Skills for Great Preaching / Wayne McDill / 2006 / B&H Used by Permission
The purpose of this exercise is to develop skill at
vividly and imaginatively portraying Biblical and
contemporary scenes and stories.
HOMI 601
remains hopeful and committed to advancing the
Gospel.
Palace Guard: A secondary character
unintentionally exposed to Paul's message due to
his imprisonment.
The larger community of believers, whose faith is
strengthened by Paul's perseverance.
Relationships
A dynamic relationship in which Paul's
imprisonment provides an unexpected opportunity
to share the Gospel with the Roman military.
Paul's example encouraged them to proclaim the
Gospel despite potential persecution.
others are motivated by envy and rivalry.
Divine involvement
While no direct divine intervention is mentioned,
the story suggests the divine orchestration of
events. Paul sees his imprisonment as a means for
God to further His purposes, not as a hindrance.
Surprises
The unexpected outcome of Paul's incarceration—
the gospel's exposure to the palace guard and
believers' heightened confidence—makes this
element surprising.
The revelation that some preach Christ out of
jealousy and rivalry adds an unexpected dimension
to the story, emphasizing the complexities of
human motivations.
4. Sketch the story by using five phases:
Situation
Paul is first shown in the story as being physically imprisoned in a Roman prison due to his faith in Christ.
Rather than giving up, Paul views incarceration as a special chance to spread the gospel.
Stress
The difficulties of incarceration and possible resistance from outside forces (Roman authorities), as well as
internal conflicts (different motivations among those preaching Christ), are the sources of stress.
Paul admits that some preach Christ out of self-interest and want to cause trouble for him, which heightens
the tension.
Search
Paul discovers a divine purpose in his chains—the advancement of the Gospel—while searching for meaning
amid the strain.
The search also examines how the Gospel is boldly proclaimed and affects other believers—including the
palace guard.
Solution
The solution emerges when Paul rejoices not in his release from chains but in the fact that Christ is preached,
regardless of motive. The Gospel itself becomes the answer.
The solution is not the removal of adversity but rather a shift in perspective - looking beyond personal
hardship to the larger goal of proclaiming Christ.
(New) Situation
Altered dynamics distinguish the new situation. Instead of being a hindrance, Paul's imprisonment serves as a
catalyst for confidence among believers and an unexpected avenue for sharing the Gospel with the palace
guard.
The story concludes with Paul's promise to keep rejoicing, indicating that he maintains a positive attitude in
adversity.
5. Fill in the phases of the story not described in the text from background research and imagination.
Paul, a Christian apostle, had a long history of missionary journeys, preaching the Gospel and establishing
Christian communities. However, his devotion to Christ led to his arrest in various locations, eventually
landing him in a Roman prison.
The Roman prison is dimly lit, damp, and reverberates with distant footsteps. Weathered and worn, Paul sits
on a cold stone floor, chains rattling, pondering his journey.
Imprisonment was a harsh reality in ancient Rome, often accompanied by harsh conditions and uncertain
fates. Paul was under physical duress as well as the threat of persecution and opposition from a variety of
sources.
Paul's anxiety is palpable as he deals with the uncertainty of his situation. The clinking chains remind him of
his predicament, and rumors of Roman authorities' intentions heighten the tension among believers outside
the prison.
12 Essential Skills for Great Preaching / Wayne McDill / 2006 / B&H Used by Permission
HOMI 601
Paul was well known for his deep theological understanding and ability to find meaning in various situations.
His letters frequently reveal profound spiritual insight.
Paul prays in the solitude of his prison cell, seeking divine guidance. The search entails wrestling with the
purpose of his incarceration and discerning how God might use this situation to advance the Gospel.
Paul's letters frequently emphasize the importance of Christ and the Gospel. His theology is centered on
Christ's redemptive work and the transformative power of faith.
The solution comes as a revelation - a profound realization that, even while imprisoned, he can contribute to
the larger story of God's redemptive plan. He finds joy not in personal comfort but in the realization that the
Gospel can thrive even in the most unlikely places.
External persecution and internal conflicts were among the challenges that the early Christian communities
faced. These issues were frequently addressed in Paul's letters, and believers were encouraged to stand firm
in their faith.
The new situation unfolds with believers feeling empowered. The clinking of Paul's chains becomes a
rallying cry, representing faith's tenacity. Initially just bystanders, the palace guards are captivated by the
unwavering spirit of a man in chains, prompting curiosity and openness to the Gospel.
12 Essential Skills for Great Preaching / Wayne McDill / 2006 / B&H Used by Permission
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