HUMAN EXPERIENCE
TEXT: Philippians 1:12-18
Make sure sermon ideas are clear and
well-worded.
Think beyond the church world to
real-world experience.
Remember the nature of human
nature.
Allow your humanity to come through.
Address assumptions, symptoms, and
consequences.
Express compassion and understanding for
hearers.
The human element is the human condition corresponding to the truths presented in your text.
The factors of human experience may be described plainly in the text or only implied.
1. Identify the factors of human experience mentioned directly in the text as they pertain to
the original textual setting.
v. 13 Paul acknowledges his position of being in chains for Christ. His acknowledgment of
being confined is not only being spoken in a literal sense but also in a figurative sense. The
human experience is that of being in chains of the mind, through physical and emotional
bondage that has not been chosen. But in Christ, the human experience is a choice to be
chained to Christ through finding freedom
v. 14 Because Paul suffered those whom he calls brothers and sisters have become
confident in sharing the gospel.
v. 15-17 Paul is aware of those preaching out of envy and rivalry and he acknowledges
those speaking from a pure heart the love of Jesus Christ. This scripture addresses the true
and hidden motives of humans.
v. 18 Paul's joy for the suffering is an outward expression of his internal conflict for those
suffering for the gospel. Paul shares with the Church finding contentment although he was
physically abused. Paul believed he was emotionally free although he was physically
bound. The human experience is coming to the understanding and acceptance of their
relationship with Jesus Christ as a reward for eternal glory.
2. Identify the human issues suggested in the text by implication as the writer addresses the
problems of his day.
v.12 Paul has confided in those with who he calls brothers and sisters letting them know he
is hopeful and they should be also. Paul’s love for his brothers and sisters is that of a
protective pastor. All humans need validation and love from others. Humans need to be
connected to others who are seeking unity.
v. 13 This verse has a connotation of finding acceptance with an understanding of knowing
some will come to understand the result which is for the advancement of the gospel of
Jesus Christ.
v. 14 The followers of Paul became confident in their endeavors through having a change
in heart and mind. The human issue for the saints was due to Paul’s imprisonment they
believed in the vision of Paul. The human issue for unity and advancement of their leaders
will outweigh all negativity being brought against them.
3. Summarize the concepts from your text that will become the main ideas of the sermon.
Paul’s letter speaks to his physical circumstances of being in chains for Christ. The caveat to
the human experience is for Paul to role model courage and remove fear. It is natural for
humans to experience fear in a sense but not to make them shrink back but to move forward
with trust in the Lord. It is also important for humans to recognize what is important with the
advancing of the gospel. Paul did not speak poorly about those who had alternative motives he
rejoiced in the fact they were teaching. People need to remain focused on their goal and the
purpose of God by not allowing others' negative behavior to distract them.
4. Use the following categories to begin describing the likely experience of the person who
needs to hear the message of the text as a remedy for his needs:
(1) His symptoms of the trouble he is experiencing:
Physical distress due to lack of nutrition, lack of water, lack of sunlight, and lack of
hygiene care. Being unable to remove the chains and experiencing uncertainty.
(2) His underlying assumptions about the issue:
The church is also in distress due to Paul’s circumstances, although Paul writes they
are now moving forward with confidence they must have been fearful for Paul’s life
and for their lives as well.
(3) Some consequences of his experience:
Paul was going against the grain of their current time he preached Christ during a time
when people did not want to believe in anything except remaining under the old
covenant. Paul was willing to die for his relationship with Jesus Christ and he was
teaching others to do the same. The consequence of teaching something other than
what the government wanted was death.
(4) How a person feels who is suffering at this point:
Paul must have felt alone at times, he must have wondered if what he was doing was
going to be worth it. He needed to be encouraged and yet he was encouraging others to
move forward with the advancement of the gospel.
5. Write a profile of the person needing your message in vivid, concrete terms as you
sympathetically identify with his suffering and interest him in the good news you have for
him.
When life shows up I don’t mean in a way that brings joy and peace. I mean in a way where
the days seem dark. We cannot allow ourselves to become distracted and give up. We must
remember the assignment given to us and that is to allow our light to shine for all men to see
and to glorify God who is in heaven. Suffering is a part of living, suffering shows us how to
draw closer to God by trusting in his plan. Just as Paul said it builds confidence in those
around us. No suffering is not pleasant and no it is not fun we must remember what the Lord
did for us on the cross when he gave his last breath. For those who are suffering in any form
such as in their health, mental, emotional, or physical find your freedom in Christ. This chain
