Sermons on Philippians 1:20-21

Philippians 1:20-21 Interpretation:

Joy and Suffering: Magnifying Christ in Our Lives (Ligonier Ministries) offers a unique and deeply nuanced interpretation of Philippians 1:20-21 by focusing on the relationship between joy, suffering, and the magnification of Christ. The preacher uses the metaphor of a magnifying glass or a projection screen, explaining that the Christian life is meant to make the greatness of Christ visible to the world—especially when Christ seems small or distant. The sermon argues that Christ is most magnified in us when we are most satisfied in Him, particularly in suffering and even in death. The preacher draws a direct line from Paul’s statement “to live is Christ and to die is gain” to the idea that Christ is shown to be supremely valuable when a believer can say that death is gain because it brings more of Christ. This interpretation is further deepened by the assertion that joy in Christ, especially through suffering, is the key to magnifying Him, and that a joyless Christian is a poor advertisement for the all-satisfying glory of Christ.

Enduring Faith and the Unchanging Gospel (Solid Rock Community) provides a notable interpretive angle by connecting Paul’s words in Philippians 1:20-21 to the end of his life as described in 2 Timothy. The preacher highlights how Paul, once on the path to worldly success, now finds his greatest hope and riches in Christ, whether in life or death. The sermon emphasizes that Paul’s focus is not on earthly comfort or reputation but on glorifying Christ in all circumstances, echoing the language of Philippians 1:20-21. The preacher also notes the linguistic detail that Paul’s phrase “to live is Christ and to die is gain” is not just a slogan but a lived reality, especially as Paul faces execution, thus “making good” on his words.

Living for the Lord: Embracing Christian Liberty (MLJTrust) offers a distinctive interpretation by situating Philippians 1:20-21 within the broader Pauline principle that no Christian “lives to himself or dies to himself.” The preacher draws out the Greek linguistic nuance of “unto the Lord” and “for the Lord,” arguing that the Christian’s entire existence—living or dying—is oriented toward Christ’s glory and not self-interest. The sermon uses the analogy of a bondslave, emphasizing that the Christian’s will is entirely submitted to Christ, and that even the desire for death or life is not for the believer to decide, but is wholly in the Lord’s hands. The preacher also rebukes the idea of desiring death as an escape, insisting that both living and dying are to be left to God’s sovereign will, and that the true Christian position is radical submission to Christ in all things.

Understanding God's Love: Joy in His Glory (Desiring God) interprets Philippians 1:20-21 as a radical re-centering of love and satisfaction on God rather than self. The sermon uniquely frames the passage as a corrective to the cultural notion that love is about being made much of; instead, true love is God removing every obstacle to our enjoyment of Him, even if it means pain or loss. The analogy of a snake shedding its skin—painful but necessary for new life—illustrates how God strips away lesser joys so that we might find ultimate satisfaction in Him. The sermon also draws a distinction between two types of love: agape (unconditional, pursuing our good for His glory) and the "love of complacence" (God's delight in us as we delight in Him), arguing that God is most pleased with us when we are most pleased in Him. This is directly tied to Philippians 1:20-21, where Paul’s desire to magnify Christ “whether by life or by death” is seen as the ultimate act of being loved by God—being brought to the point where Christ is our supreme joy.

Understanding Human Depravity and God's Glory (Desiring God) offers a distinctive interpretation by focusing on the Greek word megalyn? (“magnified”) in Philippians 1:20, explaining that Paul’s passion is to make Christ look “big” in his life and death. The sermon’s unique insight is the logical connection between verses 20 and 21: Christ is magnified in death when death is “gain” to the believer, because it demonstrates that Christ is more satisfying than all earthly things. The preacher paraphrases: “Christ is most magnified in me when I am most satisfied in Him,” especially at the moment of loss or death. This interpretation is further developed by connecting the satisfaction in Christ at death to the display of His supreme worth, making the passage a foundation for the concept of “Christian Hedonism.”

Finding True Joy in the Essence of Salvation (Desiring God) provides a linguistic detail by highlighting the Greek word megalyn? in Philippians 1:20, noting its connotation of “making big” or “magnifying.” The sermon’s unique contribution is the explicit connection between being satisfied in Christ at the moment of death and the magnification of Christ’s worth. The preacher argues that the way to make Christ look great in dying is to count death as “gain” because it brings us to Christ, thus showing that Christ is more valuable than all we lose. This is summarized in the rhyming couplet: “God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him.”

Finding Joy in God's Glory: A Christian Perspective (Desiring God) uses the metaphor of a “Copernican revolution” to describe the shift from self-centeredness to God-centeredness, and applies this to Philippians 1:20-21. The sermon’s notable insight is the argument that there is no conflict between God’s pursuit of His glory and our pursuit of joy, because “God is most glorified in you when you are most satisfied in Him.” The preacher uses the structure of the passage (the “life/death” pairs in verses 20 and 21) to show that Christ is magnified in death when the believer counts death as gain, thus demonstrating the surpassing worth of Christ.

Joy and Suffering: Magnifying Christ's Worth in Trials (Desiring God) offers a vivid analogy of magnification, comparing the Christian’s life to a projector that makes the “small” Christ visible to the world as “big” and glorious. The sermon’s unique angle is its focus on suffering: it argues that joy in Christ, especially through suffering and at the moment of death, is the key to magnifying Christ’s worth. The preacher explains that when believers are satisfied in Christ despite loss, the world sees Christ as supremely valuable. This is a nuanced expansion of the “satisfaction-magnification” logic, applied specifically to suffering and trials.

God: The Ultimate Treasure of the Gospel (Desiring God) offers a distinctive interpretation of Philippians 1:20-21 by rooting the phrase "God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him" directly in the logic of these verses. The sermon unpacks the Greek structure, noting that verse 21 ("to live is Christ and to die is gain") is a ground clause for verse 20's desire to magnify Christ in life or death. The preacher argues that Christ is most magnified in death when the believer experiences death as the loss of everything but Christ and still calls it gain, thus showing that Christ is more valuable than all else. This interpretation is illustrated with the analogy of a dying believer uttering "gain" with their last breath, making Christ look supremely valuable. The sermon also uses the metaphor of the Grand Canyon and other secular experiences of awe to illustrate the innate human longing to "make much of" something greater than oneself, tying this to the biblical call to magnify Christ.

God's Glory: The Purpose of Life and Death (Desiring God) provides a careful, step-by-step exegesis of Philippians 1:20-21, focusing on the logical connection between magnifying Christ and experiencing him as gain. The preacher highlights that Christ is magnified in death when the believer counts Christ as gain above all that is lost in dying. The sermon also explores the "life" side, showing that to live is Christ means to be the means of others' joy in Christ, so that they boast in him. The unique contribution here is the explicit linking of the believer's satisfaction in Christ (in both life and death) with the public magnification of Christ, and the assertion that there is no conflict between God's self-exaltation and the believer's joy.

Living a Life That Magnifies Christ's Glory (Desiring God) brings a linguistic insight by focusing on the Greek verb behind "let your manner of life be" (politeuesthe), connecting it to citizenship and the idea of living as citizens of heaven. The sermon interprets "living worthy of the gospel" not as earning or deserving the gospel, but as living in a way that displays the worth of the gospel—treasuring Christ so that one's life visibly demonstrates that Christ is the supreme treasure. This is a nuanced, linguistically informed take that moves beyond generic calls to "live for Christ."

Magnifying Christ: The Essence of True Worship (Desiring God) interprets Philippians 1:20-21 as revealing the "inner godward experience of worship," arguing that the essence of worship is cherishing Christ as gain above all else. The sermon draws a direct line from the text to the idea that "the essence of praising Christ is prizing Christ," and that Christ is most magnified when he is most deeply treasured in the heart, not merely with the lips. This is a subtle but important shift from external acts to internal affections.

Finding Joy in God: The Path to True Satisfaction (Desiring God) interprets Philippians 1:20-21 as a biblical foundation for the idea that "God is most glorified in you when you are most satisfied in him," especially in suffering. The preacher notes the Greek word for "magnify" (megaluno) and emphasizes that Christ is made much of when the believer is satisfied in him even in the hardest times, such as death. The sermon uses the analogy of a dying believer calling Christ "gain" to illustrate how satisfaction in Christ magnifies him.

Finding Joy in God's Glory: A Gospel Perspective (Desiring God) uniquely frames Philippians 1:20-21 as the resolution of the supposed conflict between God's self-glorification and human happiness. The preacher argues that the text shows God's glory and the believer's gain are not at odds but are one, since Christ is magnified in death when the believer counts him as gain. This is presented as a paradigm-shifting insight for understanding the gospel and the Christian life.

Finding True Joy and Satisfaction in God (Desiring God) offers a unique linguistic and exegetical insight by focusing on the Greek word "megaluno" in Philippians 1:20, which means "to magnify" or "make great." The sermon draws a parallel between the life/death pair in verse 20 and the corresponding pair in verse 21, arguing that Paul’s passion is to make Christ look great in both living and dying. The preacher asks how one can die in a way that makes Christ look magnificent and answers that it is by being so satisfied in Christ that even the loss of all earthly things is considered gain. This satisfaction, especially at the moment of death, is what magnifies Christ. The sermon also uses the analogy of being stripped of all other satisfactions (referencing C.S. Lewis’s Eustace in "Voyage of the Dawn Treader") to illustrate how God’s love is to remove all obstacles to our satisfaction in Him, even if it is painful, so that Christ alone is magnified in our loss.

Magnifying Christ Through Satisfaction in Suffering (Desiring God) interprets Philippians 1:20-21 by emphasizing the missionary and global implications of being satisfied in Christ above all else, especially in suffering and death. The sermon uniquely frames the passage as a "well" of truth that has nourished the church’s global mission for decades, arguing that Christ is most magnified in His servants when they are most satisfied in Him, particularly in suffering. The preacher unpacks the logic of the passage, showing that Christ is magnified in death because the believer experiences death as gain—since it brings more of Christ. The sermon’s paraphrase is that Christ is most magnified in us when we are most satisfied in Him, especially in suffering and dying, and that this soul satisfaction is what empowers missionary endurance and witness.

Finding Glory in Suffering: A Faithful Perspective (Desiring God) provides a distinctive application of Philippians 1:20-21 to the context of chronic, unalleviated suffering. The sermon interprets Paul’s statement as a model for glorifying God not only in death but in prolonged pain, arguing that enduring suffering without forsaking Christ demonstrates that Christ is more precious than relief from pain. The preacher highlights that the Greek word for "preparing" in 2 Corinthians 4:17 means "producing," and connects this to Philippians 1:20-21 by saying that every moment of suffering is producing a greater weight of glory, thus making Christ look supremely valuable.

Unshakeable Faith: Magnifying Christ in Every Circumstance (Desiring God) offers a nuanced analogy by connecting Philippians 1:20-21 to the idea that Paul’s "life" is defined not by physical existence but by the realization of his highest value: the magnification of Christ. The sermon interprets "to live is Christ" as Paul’s supreme value being realized when Christ is exalted, whether through his own life or the faith of others, and that this is what gives him true life and joy, even in affliction.

Pursuing Joy: Finding Fulfillment in God's Presence (Desiring God) offers a distinctive interpretation of Philippians 1:20-21 by focusing on the logical connection between magnifying Christ and being satisfied in Him, especially in death. The sermon highlights the Greek word "megalunth?s?tai" (to be magnified/exalted) and traces Paul's argument: Christ is magnified in Paul's body, especially in death, because for Paul, "to die is gain"—he gets more of Christ, whom he values above all else. The preacher uses the analogy of weighing Christ against all the world offers, concluding that Christ is most magnified when a believer is so satisfied in Him that losing everything else is considered gain. This is further illustrated by a marriage analogy: just as a spouse is honored when their partner finds joy in them, so God is glorified when we find our deepest joy in Him.

Finding True Joy and Satisfaction in God (Desiring God) uniquely interprets Philippians 1:20-21 by emphasizing the logical force of the word "for" (gar) in the Greek, showing that Paul's passion for Christ to be magnified in his body is grounded in his supreme satisfaction in Christ—so much so that death is gain. The sermon paraphrases: "Christ is most magnified in my dying when in my dying I am most satisfied in Christ." This interpretation is not just about the afterlife but about the present vocation of maximizing pleasure in God, which in turn magnifies Christ.

Finding Joy in God Amidst Sorrow and Glory (Desiring God) provides a detailed linguistic and logical analysis of Philippians 1:20-21, focusing on the Greek term "megalunth?s?tai" and the logical connector "for" (gar). The preacher explains that Paul's desire to magnify Christ in his body, whether by life or death, is causally linked to his satisfaction in Christ—so much so that to die is gain because it means more of Christ. The sermon stresses that Christ is most magnified in us when we are most satisfied in Him, especially at the moment of death, and that this logic changes the entire Christian life, including concepts of duty, faith, and conversion.

Joyful Suffering: Magnifying Christ Through Trials (SermonIndex.net) interprets Philippians 1:20-21 by using the metaphor of magnification—making Christ look as great as He truly is to the world. The preacher explains that Christ is magnified in our dying when we are so satisfied in Him that we consider death gain, because it brings us into fuller fellowship with Christ. The sermon uses the analogy of a magnifying glass or a video screen making a small image large and clear, paralleling how a Christian's joy in Christ, especially in suffering and death, makes Christ's worth visible to others.

Living with Purpose Amidst Life's Uncertainties (Desiring God) interprets Philippians 1:20-21 by applying it directly to the experience of facing premature death. The sermon highlights that Christ is honored in our bodies when, like Paul, we see and savor Christ as more precious than life itself, so that to die is gain. The focus is on the existential and pastoral application: Christ is magnified when believers, even in the face of death, treasure Him above all.

Standing Firm in Faith Amid Global Challenges (SermonIndex.net) references Philippians 1:20-21 but only at a surface level, simply quoting the passage and making a generic application about not fearing death and being at peace because of the promise of being with Christ. There is no unique or notable interpretive insight beyond what is already covered in the other sermons.

Transforming Mind and Heart Through the Gospel (SermonIndex.net) offers a distinctive interpretation of Philippians 1:20-21 by focusing on the Greek word "megaluno" (to magnify) and connecting it to the concept of Christian hedonism. The sermon argues that Paul's desire for Christ to be magnified in his body—whether by life or death—means that Christ is shown to be supremely valuable when Paul is most satisfied in Him, even in suffering or death. The preacher uses the analogy of a dying person who, having lost all earthly pleasures, can still say "gain" because they receive Christ, thus making Christ look great. This interpretation is set apart by its emphasis on the logic of satisfaction in Christ as the means by which Christ is magnified, and it draws a direct line from the Greek text to the preacher’s central theological vision.

Finding True Joy: God Above All Else (SermonIndex.net) also interprets Philippians 1:20-21 through the lens of satisfaction in Christ, but it adds a unique linguistic detail by unpacking the Greek word "megaluno" and its connotation of "making much of" or "making big." The sermon uses a detailed analogy of weighing all earthly losses against the gain of being with Christ at death, arguing that Christ is most magnified when a believer, at the moment of death, is so satisfied in Christ that all other losses are counted as gain. This is further illustrated by the preacher’s rhyming couplet: "God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him," which is explicitly rooted in the logic of Philippians 1:20-21.

Transformative Faith: Trusting God's Future Grace (SermonIndex.net) provides a notable perspective by connecting Philippians 1:20-21 to the concept of "future grace." The sermon interprets the passage as teaching that Christ is honored in our lives and deaths when we experience Him as gain, especially in the face of loss. The preacher paraphrases the logic: Christ is honored in our dying when we experience death as gain because we get Christ, and this satisfaction in Christ, even as all else is stripped away, is what magnifies Him. This interpretation is distinct in its focus on the dynamic of faith in God’s future provision and the ongoing experience of grace as the means by which Christ is magnified.

Magnifying Christ Through Global Missions and Suffering (SermonIndex.net) uniquely applies Philippians 1:20-21 to the context of global missions and suffering. The sermon interprets the passage as teaching that Christ is most magnified in the world through servants who are so satisfied in Christ that they can call the loss of all things "gain," especially in suffering and death. The preacher paraphrases: "Christ is most magnified in us when we are most satisfied in Christ, especially in our suffering and dying." This interpretation stands out for its missionary application and its emphasis on the public, global witness of satisfaction in Christ amid hardship.

Philippians 1:20-21 Theological Themes:

Joy and Suffering: Magnifying Christ in Our Lives (Ligonier Ministries) introduces the theme that joy in Christ, especially through suffering, is not only a personal blessing but the primary means by which Christ is magnified in the world. The sermon asserts that suffering is divinely appointed so that the believer’s joy in God, despite loss, demonstrates God’s superior worth. This theme is further developed by the idea that suffering enlarges the believer’s capacity for joy in heaven, and that the Christian’s perseverance in joy through suffering emboldens others and serves as a witness to the world.

Enduring Faith and the Unchanging Gospel (Solid Rock Community) adds the theme that the true measure of Christian success is not earthly prosperity or comfort, but faithfulness to Christ in both life and death. The preacher stresses that the world may see a suffering Christian as a failure, but in God’s eyes, the one who glorifies Christ in all circumstances is truly rich. This theme is reinforced by the assertion that God’s grace is what sustains the believer through suffering, and that the Christian’s hope is not in this world but in being brought safely to Christ’s heavenly kingdom.

Living for the Lord: Embracing Christian Liberty (MLJTrust) presents the theological theme that Christian liberty is always subordinate to the glory of Christ, and that the believer’s life and death are not matters of personal preference but of divine lordship. The sermon uniquely applies this to the issue of Christian liberty and conscience, arguing that even in disputable matters, the ultimate concern is whether one’s actions are “unto the Lord.” The preacher also introduces the idea that the Christian should neither desire death as an escape nor fear it, but should leave both entirely to God’s will, living and dying as acts of worship and submission.

Understanding God's Love: Joy in His Glory (Desiring God) introduces the theme that God’s love is fundamentally about enabling us to enjoy Him above all else, even if it means stripping away lesser joys. The sermon adds the nuanced idea that God’s delight in us is contingent on our delight in Him, and that this mutual joy is the true meaning of being loved by God. It also explores the tension between God making much of us and us making much of God, resolving it by arguing that God delights in us precisely as we delight in Him.

Understanding Human Depravity and God's Glory (Desiring God) presents the distinct theological theme that depravity is not merely law-breaking but a deep preference for created things over God, and that this preference is an attack on God’s glory. The sermon’s fresh angle is the assertion that failing to be satisfied in God nullifies both our joy and God’s purpose to be glorified in us, making satisfaction in God the linchpin of both human fulfillment and divine glory.

Finding True Joy in the Essence of Salvation (Desiring God) emphasizes the theme that salvation’s ultimate good is the Everlasting enjoyment of God Himself, not merely the benefits He gives. The sermon uniquely applies this to Philippians 1:20-21 by arguing that the “gain” of death is the unmediated presence of Christ, and that this is the highest expression of both salvation and God’s glory.

Finding Joy in God's Glory: A Christian Perspective (Desiring God) develops the theme that there is no ultimate conflict between God’s glory and human joy, because our satisfaction in God is the very means by which He is glorified. The sermon’s new facet is the assertion that the structure of Philippians 1:20-21 itself demonstrates this unity, making the passage a scriptural foundation for Christian Hedonism.

Joy and Suffering: Magnifying Christ's Worth in Trials (Desiring God) introduces the theme that suffering is divinely appointed as a stage for displaying the superior worth of Christ. The sermon’s unique contribution is its focus on the apologetic power of joy in suffering: when Christians are satisfied in Christ despite loss, it provides an unanswerable testimony to the world of Christ’s supreme value.

God: The Ultimate Treasure of the Gospel (Desiring God) introduces the theme that the ultimate good of the gospel is God himself, not merely his gifts, and that the love of God is defined as enabling us to enjoy making much of him forever. The sermon also develops the idea that satisfaction in Christ is the essence of saving faith and the means by which both God is glorified and sinners are rescued from hell—a unification of evangelistic and doxological motives.

God's Glory: The Purpose of Life and Death (Desiring God) adds the theme that God's radical God-centeredness is not egomania but love, because in exalting himself he gives us the one thing that will most deeply satisfy us. The sermon also addresses the modern objection to God's self-exaltation and answers it by showing that God's glory and our joy are not in competition.

Living a Life That Magnifies Christ's Glory (Desiring God) brings a new facet by connecting the worth of the gospel to visible, communal life—specifically, unity in love and fearlessness in witness. The sermon argues that living "worthy of the gospel" means living in such a way that the supreme value of Christ is displayed to the world, especially through selfless love and unity, not just private satisfaction.

Magnifying Christ: The Essence of True Worship (Desiring God) presents the theme that the essence of worship is not outward acts but inward treasuring of Christ as gain, and that the pursuit of joy in God is not optional but is the highest duty of worship.

Finding Joy in God: The Path to True Satisfaction (Desiring God) adds the theme that the pursuit of joy in God is a biblical command, not a luxury, and that failing to be happy in God is a form of idolatry and the essence of evil. The sermon also explores the nature of faith, conversion, and self-denial as fundamentally about seeking satisfaction in God.

Finding Joy in God's Glory: A Gospel Perspective (Desiring God) uniquely emphasizes that God's self-glorification and our ultimate satisfaction are not only compatible but are the same reality, making the gospel good news for both God and us.

Finding True Joy and Satisfaction in God (Desiring God) introduces the theme that God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him, especially at the moment of loss or death. The sermon develops the idea that biblical love is not God making much of us, but God doing whatever is necessary—even painful stripping away of other satisfactions—to bring us to the place where we enjoy Him above all, thus magnifying Him. This is contrasted with the cultural notion of love as being made much of, and is supported by a detailed definition of love as God removing every obstacle to our enjoyment of Him.

Magnifying Christ Through Satisfaction in Suffering (Desiring God) adds the missional dimension that Christ is magnified globally through servants who are so satisfied in Him that they can endure suffering and death for His sake. The unique facet here is the explicit connection between personal satisfaction in Christ and the spread of His glory among the nations, arguing that the world is most impacted when it sees Christians valuing Christ above life itself.

Finding Glory in Suffering: A Faithful Perspective (Desiring God) presents the theme that suffering endured with faith magnifies Christ by showing that He is more precious than relief from pain. The sermon adds the angle that every moment of suffering is not wasted but is actively producing a greater weight of glory, thus making Christ look supremely valuable in the eyes of others and in eternity.

Unshakeable Faith: Magnifying Christ in Every Circumstance (Desiring God) introduces the idea that "life" for Paul is defined by the realization of his highest value—Christ’s magnification—rather than mere physical existence. The sermon uniquely applies this to the encouragement Paul receives from the faith of others, suggesting that the magnification of Christ in others’ faith is what gives Paul true life and joy.

Pursuing Joy: Finding Fulfillment in God's Presence (Desiring God) introduces the theme that God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him, especially in the context of death. The sermon develops the idea that the pursuit of joy in God is not optional but central to the Christian life, and that this joy is what enables believers to magnify Christ, even in suffering and death. The analogy of marriage is used to show that seeking joy in God is not selfish but actually honors God.

Finding True Joy and Satisfaction in God (Desiring God) adds the theological theme that the ultimate end of Christ's work is to bring us to God for our supreme satisfaction in Him, and that this satisfaction is the means by which God is glorified. The sermon also introduces the idea that not being happy in God is a serious spiritual danger, even a form of idolatry, and that the nature of faith itself is coming to Christ for soul satisfaction.

Finding Joy in God Amidst Sorrow and Glory (Desiring God) brings a fresh angle by emphasizing the simultaneity of joy and sorrow in the Christian life, showing that deep satisfaction in God can coexist with profound grief. The sermon also explores how the logic of Philippians 1:20-21 transforms the concepts of duty, faith, conversion, and love, making the pursuit of joy in God foundational to all aspects of Christian living.

Joyful Suffering: Magnifying Christ Through Trials (SermonIndex.net) presents the theme that suffering is appointed by God so that our joy in Him, especially through loss, demonstrates His supreme value. The sermon uniquely connects the perseverance of joy in suffering with the public magnification of Christ's worth, arguing that joyless Christianity is a poor witness to the world.

Living with Purpose Amidst Life's Uncertainties (Desiring God) offers the theme that facing death with a heart that treasures Christ above life itself is a powerful testimony to Christ's worth. The sermon also explores the opposite of becoming jaded—blessing the Lord in suffering—and ties this to the logic of Philippians 1:20-21.

Transforming Mind and Heart Through the Gospel (SermonIndex.net) introduces the theme that the ultimate purpose of the gospel is to shape the heart for "white-hot affection" for God, and that the mind’s right thinking serves this affection. The sermon’s unique angle is its insistence that God is most glorified when believers are most satisfied in Him, and that this satisfaction is the key to magnifying Christ in both life and death, as seen in Philippians 1:20-21. The preacher also develops the idea that spiritual affections are distinct from bodily emotions, and that these affections will persist even after death, directly linking this to Paul’s statement that "to die is gain."

Finding True Joy: God Above All Else (SermonIndex.net) presents the unusual theological theme that God’s love is not primarily about making much of us, but about enabling us to make much of Him by being satisfied in Him. The sermon draws a sharp contrast between the world’s definition of love (being made much of) and the biblical definition (being enabled to enjoy God’s glory), using Philippians 1:20-21 as a foundation for this redefinition. The preacher also explores the idea that God’s self-exaltation is the highest form of love, since it leads us to the greatest good—Himself.

Transformative Faith: Trusting God's Future Grace (SermonIndex.net) adds a fresh facet by connecting the pursuit of joy in God (Christian hedonism) with the experience of God’s future grace. The sermon’s new angle is that living by faith in future grace is the lifestyle that fulfills the passion for God’s supremacy and our own joy, and that Philippians 1:20-21 demonstrates the harmony between God’s glory and our joy, especially in the face of death.

Magnifying Christ Through Global Missions and Suffering (SermonIndex.net) introduces the distinct theme that the global spread of the gospel is fueled by believers who are so satisfied in Christ that they can endure suffering and death for His sake. The sermon’s unique application is that the world is most impacted by the witness of Christians who count Christ as gain above all else, especially in hardship, thus making Christ look supremely valuable to the nations.

Philippians 1:20-21 Historical and Contextual Insights:

Finding Strength and Purpose in Persecution (First Christian Church) provides historical context by describing the situation of the Philippian church and Paul’s imprisonment. The preacher explains that the Philippians were likely facing social ostracism, loss of business, and familial rejection due to their faith, paralleling Paul’s own suffering and possible death sentence. This context helps the congregation understand why Paul’s words about exalting Christ in life or death would be especially poignant and relevant to his audience.

Living for the Lord: Embracing Christian Liberty (MLJTrust) offers historical insight into the early church’s disputes over food laws and the observance of special days, explaining that these were significant issues for Jewish and Gentile believers. The preacher situates Paul’s teaching within the context of first-century debates about Christian liberty, emphasizing that the principle of living “unto the Lord” was meant to unify believers despite their differences on non-essential matters.

Understanding God's Love: Joy in His Glory (Desiring God) provides a historical insight by referencing the Greek word “oun” (therefore) in John 11:6, explaining how Jesus’ delay in coming to Lazarus was an act of love designed to reveal God’s glory. While not directly about Philippians 1:20-21, this linguistic and cultural detail is used to illuminate the biblical concept of love as God’s pursuit of His own glory for our joy, which is then tied to the Philippians passage.

Understanding Human Depravity and God's Glory (Desiring God) offers a contextual insight by explaining the cultural and religious background of Paul’s use of “magnify” (megalyn?) in Philippians 1:20, and by situating Paul’s desire to make much of Christ within the broader Greco-Roman context where honor and shame were central. The sermon also references the Westminster Shorter Catechism and its historical development, connecting it to the biblical logic of Philippians 1:20-21.

Finding True Joy in the Essence of Salvation (Desiring God) provides a brief linguistic note on the Greek word megalyn?, explaining its connotation of “making big” or “magnifying,” which would have resonated with Paul’s original audience familiar with public honor and shame.

Living a Life That Magnifies Christ's Glory (Desiring God) provides a historical-linguistic insight by explaining the Greek verb politeuesthe (translated "let your manner of life be"), which is related to citizenship. The sermon notes that Paul is calling believers to live as citizens of heaven, not earth, and that this would have resonated with the Philippians, who were proud of their Roman citizenship. This context deepens the call to live in a way that displays the worth of the gospel as one's true homeland.

Finding True Joy and Satisfaction in God (Desiring God) provides a linguistic insight by explaining the Greek word "megaluno" (to magnify) in Philippians 1:20, highlighting that Paul’s passion is to make Christ appear as great as He truly is, both in life and in death. The sermon also references the cultural context of Roman honor and shame, suggesting that Paul’s concern is not to be ashamed but to have courage to honor Christ regardless of circumstances.

Finding Glory in Suffering: A Faithful Perspective (Desiring God) offers historical context by referencing the Roman practice of crucifixion and the cultural expectation of shame in suffering and death. The sermon notes that Jesus’ prediction of Peter’s death by crucifixion (John 21) was seen as a way to glorify God, paralleling Paul’s desire to magnify Christ in his own suffering and death.

Finding Joy in God Amidst Sorrow and Glory (Desiring God) provides a brief linguistic insight by referencing the Greek word "megalunth?s?tai" (to be magnified/exalted) and explaining its significance in the passage, showing that Paul's goal is to make Christ "big" or "great" in the eyes of others. The sermon also situates Paul's logic within the broader Greco-Roman context, where honor and shame were central cultural values, making Paul's desire to magnify Christ in his body (even in death) a radical countercultural stance.

Joyful Suffering: Magnifying Christ Through Trials (SermonIndex.net) offers historical context by referencing the early church's experience of suffering and martyrdom, and by citing historical figures like John Bunyan and Jay Oswald Sanders to illustrate how suffering for Christ has been understood as a means of magnifying Him throughout church history.

Finding True Joy: God Above All Else (SermonIndex.net) provides historical context by referencing the life and ministry of Jonathan Edwards, particularly his experience during the First Great Awakening and his analysis of religious affections. The sermon explains how Edwards navigated the excesses and abuses of revival, distinguishing between true and false spiritual experiences, and how this historical struggle informs the understanding of genuine satisfaction in God as the heart of Christian experience, echoing the logic of Philippians 1:20-21.

Philippians 1:20-21 Cross-References in the Bible:

Joy and Suffering: Magnifying Christ in Our Lives (Ligonier Ministries) references a wide array of biblical passages to support and expand on Philippians 1:20-21. These include Matthew 5:10 (blessed are those persecuted for righteousness), Romans 5:3 (rejoicing in suffering), James 1:2 (count it all joy in trials), 1 Peter 4:13 (rejoice in sharing Christ’s sufferings), Hebrews 10:34 (joyfully accepting the plundering of property), Acts 5:41 (rejoicing in suffering dishonor), Hebrews 12:1-2 (Jesus enduring the cross for joy), 2 Corinthians 12:9 (boasting in weakness), Philippians 2:17 (rejoicing even if poured out as a sacrifice), Colossians 1:24 (rejoicing in sufferings for the church), 1 Thessalonians 1:6-7 (joy in affliction), 2 Corinthians 8:1 (joy in poverty and affliction), 2 Corinthians 1:8-9 (suffering to rely on God), 2 Corinthians 4:17 (affliction preparing eternal glory), and Genesis 50:20 (God’s intention in suffering). Each reference is used to illustrate how suffering and joy are intertwined in the Christian life, and how this dynamic serves to magnify Christ.

Enduring Faith and the Unchanging Gospel (Solid Rock Community) cross-references 1 John 2:15-16 (do not love the world), Matthew 13 (parable of the sower), and 1 John 2:19 (those who leave were not truly of us) to discuss the dangers of loving the world and the perseverance of true faith. The sermon also references Paul’s own words in Philippians 1:20-21 to show the consistency of his message about glorifying Christ in life and death.

Living for the Lord: Embracing Christian Liberty (MLJTrust) cross-references Romans 14, 1 Corinthians 10:31 (“whatever you do, do all to the glory of God”), 1 Corinthians 9:21 (being under the law to Christ), Galatians 2:20 (“I have been crucified with Christ”), Philippians 3 (transformation of the body), 2 Corinthians 5 (longing for heavenly dwelling), and John 21 (Jesus’ prophecy about Peter’s death). These references are used to reinforce the principle that the Christian’s life and death are entirely for Christ, and that even in matters of liberty, the ultimate concern is the Lord’s glory.

Understanding God's Love: Joy in His Glory (Desiring God) references several passages to expand on Philippians 1:20-21: John 11 (the story of Lazarus, to illustrate love as the pursuit of God’s glory), Zephaniah 3:17 (God rejoicing over His people), Psalm 147:1 (God taking pleasure in those who fear Him), 1 Peter 1:6-7 (the tested genuineness of faith), and others. These passages are used to show that God’s love is about bringing us to delight in Him, and that God’s pleasure in us is rooted in our pleasure in Him.

Understanding Human Depravity and God's Glory (Desiring God) cross-references a wide array of passages: 1 John 3:4 and 5:1-3 (sin as lawlessness and the heart’s role in obedience), Jeremiah 2:13 (forsaking God as the fountain of living waters), John 3:19-21 (loving darkness rather than light), Romans 3:23 and 1:23 (sin as falling short of and exchanging the glory of God), Matthew 5:11-16 (joy in persecution and letting your light shine), and others. Each reference is used to build the case that satisfaction in God is the essence of obedience and the means by which God is glorified.

Finding True Joy in the Essence of Salvation (Desiring God) references Psalm 70:4 (“let those who love your salvation say, ‘Great is God’”) and Psalm 63:3 (“your steadfast love is better than life”), using these to reinforce the idea that salvation is about seeing and savoring God’s greatness, which is the same logic as Philippians 1:20-21.

Finding Joy in God's Glory: A Christian Perspective (Desiring God) references Psalm 19:1 (the heavens declare the glory of God) and John 17:24 (the desire to see Christ’s glory), using these to illustrate the universal longing for greatness and the ultimate satisfaction found in Christ, which is then applied to Philippians 1:20-21.

Joy and Suffering: Magnifying Christ's Worth in Trials (Desiring God) references a multitude of passages to support the connection between suffering, joy, and the magnification of Christ: Philippians 1:29 (suffering granted as a gift), 1 Peter 4:19 (suffering according to God’s will), Genesis 50:20 (God’s intention in suffering), Matthew 5:10-12 (joy in persecution), Romans 5:3, James 1:2, 1 Peter 4:13, Hebrews 10:34, Acts 5:41, Hebrews 12:1-2, 2 Corinthians 12:9, Colossians 1:24, 1 Thessalonians 1:6-7, 2 Corinthians 8:1-2, and others. Each passage is used to show that joy in suffering is a biblical theme that magnifies Christ’s worth.

God: The Ultimate Treasure of the Gospel (Desiring God) references several passages to support and expand on Philippians 1:20-21: Habakkuk 3:17-18 (rejoicing in God when all else fails), Acts 17:25 (God is not served by human hands), Mark 10:45 (the Son of Man came to serve), 2 Chronicles 16:9 (God shows himself mighty for those whose hearts are whole), Isaiah 64:4 (God works for those who wait for him), John 11 (the story of Lazarus, showing that love is exalting God's glory for others' enjoyment), 2 Corinthians 4:4-6 (conversion as seeing the glory of Christ), 1 Corinthians 15:3 (the gospel event), Galatians 3:13, Romans 8:3, Colossians 2:14 (the achievement of the cross), Ephesians 1:7, Colossians 1:14 (forgiveness), Romans 5:1-2, 5:11 (justification and reconciliation), John 17:3 (eternal life as knowing God), Matthew 5:11-16 (the meaning of being salt of the earth), and Psalm 67:3 (the nations praising God). Each reference is used to show that the ultimate aim of the gospel, conversion, and Christian life is the enjoyment and magnification of God himself.

God's Glory: The Purpose of Life and Death (Desiring God) cross-references Isaiah 45:23 (every knee will bow), Isaiah 48:9-11 (God's commitment to his own glory), Isaiah 43:7 (created for God's glory), Psalm 19:1 (the heavens declare the glory of God), John 12:27-28 (Jesus' purpose to glorify the Father), Ephesians 1:5-6 (predestined for the praise of his glory), and Philippians 1:9-11 and 2:9-11 (God's purpose in exalting Christ). These references are used to show that God's design in creation, redemption, and consummation is the exaltation of his glory, and that this is the context for understanding Philippians 1:20-21.

Magnifying Christ: The Essence of True Worship (Desiring God) references Philippians 3:8 (counting all things as loss for the surpassing value of knowing Christ) to explain what it means to "live is Christ," tying the theme of gain in both life and death to the surpassing value of Christ.

Finding Joy in God: The Path to True Satisfaction (Desiring God) references Psalm 100, Philippians 4:4, Psalm 37:4, Psalm 32:11 (commands to rejoice in God), Deuteronomy 28:47 (threats for not serving God with joy), Hebrews 11:6 (faith as coming to God for reward), John 6:35 (faith as satisfaction in Christ), Jeremiah 2:13 (evil as forsaking God as the fountain of living waters), Matthew 13:44 (conversion as joyfully selling all for the treasure), Mark 8:35 (self-denial for the sake of gaining life), and Psalm 73:25-26 (God as the believer's portion). These references are used to build a comprehensive biblical case for the necessity and centrality of joy in God as the heart of faith and worship.

Finding Joy in God's Glory: A Gospel Perspective (Desiring God) references Philippians 1:20-21 and 1:23 (desire to depart and be with Christ) to show that dying is gain because it means more of Christ, and that this is the way Christ is magnified in death.

Finding True Joy and Satisfaction in God (Desiring God) references several passages: Philippians 3:7-9 (Paul counting all as loss for Christ), Psalm 70:4 ("Let those who love your salvation say evermore, 'Great is God'"), and Psalm 63:3 ("Your steadfast love is better than life"), using these to reinforce the idea that true love and salvation are about seeing and savoring God’s glory, not merely receiving benefits. The sermon also references John 11 (the raising of Lazarus) to illustrate that God’s love is shown by revealing His glory, even through suffering and loss.

Magnifying Christ Through Satisfaction in Suffering (Desiring God) cross-references Philippians 3:8 ("I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord") and Romans 15:20 (Paul’s ambition to preach where Christ is not named), using these to show that Paul’s passion for Christ’s magnification is both personal and global. The sermon also references Romans 1:5 to emphasize the global scope of Paul’s ministry.

Finding Glory in Suffering: A Faithful Perspective (Desiring God) references John 21:15-19 (Jesus’ prediction of Peter’s death), Romans 8 (nothing can separate us from the love of Christ), and 2 Corinthians 4:17 ("this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory"), using these to support the idea that suffering and even death can glorify God when endured with faith.

Unshakeable Faith: Magnifying Christ in Every Circumstance (Desiring God) cross-references 1 Corinthians 6:13 ("stand firm in the faith"), 2 Corinthians 1:24 ("you stand firm in your faith"), and Philippians 2:17 ("even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering"), connecting these to the idea that Paul’s life and joy are bound up in the faith and perseverance of other believers, which magnifies Christ.

Pursuing Joy: Finding Fulfillment in God's Presence (Desiring God) cross-references several passages to support its interpretation of Philippians 1:20-21: Psalm 16:11 (fullness of joy in God's presence), Matthew 13:44 (the treasure in the field, illustrating conversion as joy in Christ), John 6:35 (faith as coming to Christ for satisfaction), Jeremiah 2:12-13 (the essence of evil as forsaking God as the fountain of living water), Mark 8:34-35 (self-denial as the pursuit of ultimate joy in God), 2 Corinthians 8:1-2 (joy in God overflowing in generosity), and Isaiah 60 (God's glory as the ultimate purpose of life). Each reference is used to build the case that joy in God is central to magnifying Christ, especially in death.

Finding True Joy and Satisfaction in God (Desiring God) uses cross-references such as 1 Corinthians 15 (the gospel as the foundation for joy), Psalm 73:25-26 (desiring God above all), Deuteronomy 28:47 (the threat of not serving God with joy), John 6:35 (faith as soul satisfaction), Jeremiah 2:13 (evil as forsaking God as the fountain), Matthew 13:44 (conversion as joy in Christ), Mark 8:34-35 (self-denial as pursuit of joy), 2 Corinthians 1:24 (pastoral ministry as working for others' joy), and Philippians 1:25 (Paul's ministry for the joy of others). These references are woven together to show that the pursuit of joy in God is biblically mandated and central to glorifying Christ.

Finding Joy in God Amidst Sorrow and Glory (Desiring God) cross-references Psalm 30:5 (sequential joy and sorrow), 2 Corinthians 6:10 (simultaneous joy and sorrow), Matthew 13:44 (conversion as joy in Christ), John 6:35 (faith as soul satisfaction), Jeremiah 2:13 (evil as forsaking God), Mark 8:34-35 (self-denial and joy), 2 Corinthians 8:2 (joy in poverty leading to generosity), and 2 Corinthians 1:24 and Philippians 1:25 (ministry as working for others' joy). Each passage is used to illustrate how the logic of Philippians 1:20-21 transforms the Christian life.

Joyful Suffering: Magnifying Christ Through Trials (SermonIndex.net) references a wide array of passages to support its interpretation: Matthew 5:10-12 (rejoicing in persecution), Romans 5:3 (rejoicing in suffering), James 1:2 (joy in trials), 1 Peter 4:13 (rejoicing in sharing Christ's sufferings), Hebrews 10:34 (joyfully accepting loss), Acts 5:41 (rejoicing in suffering for Christ), Hebrews 12:2 (Jesus' joy in enduring the cross), 2 Corinthians 12:9 (boasting in weakness), Philippians 2:17 (rejoicing in being poured out), Colossians 1:24 (rejoicing in suffering for the church), 1 Thessalonians 1:6-7 (joy in affliction), 2 Corinthians 8:1-2 (joy in poverty), Genesis 50:20 (God's purpose in suffering), and others. These references are used to show that joy in suffering is a pervasive biblical theme that magnifies Christ.

Living with Purpose Amidst Life's Uncertainties (Desiring God) cross-references Romans 9:20 (the potter and the clay), Job 1:20-21 (blessing the Lord in loss), 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (not losing heart in affliction), 1 Timothy 6:19 (true life in the age to come), and Ephesians 2:7 (the immeasurable riches of God's grace). These passages are used to encourage believers to honor Christ in suffering and to see death as gain because of the promise of eternal life with Christ.

Transforming Mind and Heart Through the Gospel (SermonIndex.net) references several passages to support its interpretation of Philippians 1:20-21. It cites Philippians 3:8 ("I count everything as loss for the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord") to explain what it means for "to live is Christ," and Philippians 1:23 ("to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better") to clarify why "to die is gain." The sermon also references 1 Peter 3:18 ("Christ suffered once for sinners... that he might bring us to God") to emphasize that the ultimate goal of the gospel is to bring believers to God Himself, and Psalm 100 to illustrate the biblical structure of knowledge serving affection. Additionally, it draws on Matthew 15:8, 1 Corinthians 13, and 2 Corinthians 9:7-8 to argue that actions are only virtuous when animated by genuine affection for God.

Finding True Joy: God Above All Else (SermonIndex.net) uses Psalm 70:4 ("Let those who love your salvation say evermore, 'Great is God'") and Psalm 63:3 ("Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you") to reinforce the idea that salvation and God’s love are ultimately about leading us to praise and delight in God Himself, paralleling the logic of Philippians 1:20-21. The sermon also references John 11 (the raising of Lazarus) to illustrate the biblical definition of love as God doing whatever is necessary to bring us to enjoy His glory, even through suffering.

Transformative Faith: Trusting God's Future Grace (SermonIndex.net) references Acts 17:25 ("God is not served by human hands, as though he needed anything"), Mark 10:45 ("the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve"), and 1 Peter 4:11 ("whoever serves, let him do so as by the strength which God supplies") to support the idea that God is glorified when we depend on His grace. The sermon also cites Matthew 6:24-34 (do not be anxious; seek first the kingdom) and Matthew 5 (rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great) to illustrate the lifestyle of faith in future grace, which is then connected to the logic of Philippians 1:20-21.

Magnifying Christ Through Global Missions and Suffering (SermonIndex.net) references Philippians 3:8 ("I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord") to explain what it means to value Christ above all else, and Romans 1:5 and 15:20 to show that Paul’s passion for magnifying Christ was not just personal but global, aiming for Christ to be honored among all nations.

Philippians 1:20-21 Christian References outside the Bible:

Joy and Suffering: Magnifying Christ in Our Lives (Ligonier Ministries) explicitly references several Christian authors and historical figures. The preacher critiques William Barclay’s liberal theology regarding suffering, quotes the hymn writer Carolina Sandell Berg (“Day by Day”), references John Bunyan’s “Seasonable Counsels” and his exposition of 1 Peter 4:19, cites Jonathan Edwards on the degrees of happiness in heaven, and tells stories from the lives of David Brainerd, Henry Martyn, Elizabeth Elliot, and J. Oswald Sanders to illustrate the themes of suffering, joy, and magnifying Christ. Each reference is used to provide historical examples or theological support for the sermon’s interpretation of Philippians 1:20-21.

Living for the Lord: Embracing Christian Liberty (MLJTrust) references the historical figures George Whitefield and William Tennent, recounting an anecdote in which Tennent rebukes Whitefield for desiring death rather than focusing on his calling to preach the gospel. This story is used to illustrate the principle that the Christian should not seek to control the timing or manner of death, but should leave it entirely to God’s will.

Understanding God's Love: Joy in His Glory (Desiring God) explicitly references Jonathan Edwards, quoting from “The End for Which God Created the World” and “Religious Affections.” Edwards is cited to support the distinction between hypocritical and true joy, and to argue that true saints rejoice in God Himself, not merely in being made much of by God. The sermon also references B.B. Warfield’s commentary on the Westminster Shorter Catechism, using his analysis to support the unity of glorifying and enjoying God.

Understanding Human Depravity and God's Glory (Desiring God) also references Jonathan Edwards, quoting his statement: “God is glorified not only by His glory being seen, but by its being rejoiced in.” Warfield is again cited for his historical analysis of the catechism’s teaching on glorifying and enjoying God. These references are used to reinforce the sermon’s interpretation of Philippians 1:20-21 as the biblical foundation for Christian Hedonism.

Joy and Suffering: Magnifying Christ's Worth in Trials (Desiring God) references William Barclay (to critique his view on suffering), John Bunyan (his book “Seasonable Counsels” on suffering), and Jonathan Edwards (on the capacity for joy in heaven). The sermon also mentions Jay Oswald Sanders and David Brainerd as examples of suffering for Christ, using their lives and writings to illustrate the principles drawn from Philippians 1:20-21.

God: The Ultimate Treasure of the Gospel (Desiring God) explicitly references Jonathan Edwards, quoting him at length on the idea that God is the ultimate good of the gospel and that God is glorified not only by being seen but by being rejoiced in. The sermon also mentions R.C. Sproul's comment about not fearing death but fearing dying, and alludes to the influence of other Christian thinkers in shaping the preacher's understanding of the passage.

Living a Life That Magnifies Christ's Glory (Desiring God) references Francis Schaeffer, noting his view that denominational divisions are a "golden opportunity" to show love across boundaries, and that the world is looking for communities of sacrificial love rather than organizational unity. This is used to illustrate the kind of visible, loving unity that magnifies Christ.

Finding Joy in God: The Path to True Satisfaction (Desiring God) references C.S. Lewis, particularly his struggle with and eventual acceptance of God's self-exaltation as loving, as described in "Reflections on the Psalms." The sermon also quotes Lewis's statement that "it is the Christian's duty to be as happy as he can be," and mentions Jeremy Taylor (via Lewis) on the idea that "God threatens terrible things if we will not be happy." The preacher also alludes to John Bloom's song on Psalm 73.

Finding True Joy and Satisfaction in God (Desiring God) explicitly references Jonathan Edwards, particularly his works "The End for Which God Created the World" and "Religious Affections." The sermon quotes Edwards on the difference between the joy of the hypocrite (who rejoices in being made much of by God) and the true saint (who rejoices in God Himself). Edwards’ analysis is used to support the idea that true love and joy are found in being satisfied in God, not in self-exaltation. The sermon also briefly references C.S. Lewis’s "Voyage of the Dawn Treader" as an analogy for the painful process of being stripped of false satisfactions.

Living by Faith: Trusting God's Future Grace (Desiring God) also references Jonathan Edwards, specifically his "Dissertation Concerning the End for Which God Created the World," to support the idea that God’s pursuit of His own glory and our pursuit of joy in Him are not at odds but are united in the Christian life.

Finding Joy in God Amidst Sorrow and Glory (Desiring God) explicitly references C.S. Lewis and Jonathan Edwards as influential in shaping the preacher's understanding of the relationship between God's glory and human joy. The sermon also mentions Daniel Fuller as a teacher who introduced these ideas, and Elizabeth Elliot as a conversation partner who challenged the focus on joy versus obedience. The preacher recounts a panel discussion with Elliot, using her objection to clarify that the pursuit of joy is not opposed to obedience but is, in fact, central to it.

Joyful Suffering: Magnifying Christ Through Trials (SermonIndex.net) explicitly references William Barclay (critiquing his view that suffering is never God's will), John Bunyan (citing his book "Seasonable Counsels" on suffering according to God's will), Jay Oswald Sanders (noting his prolific writing in old age and his story about an evangelist in India), David Brainerd (whose suffering inspired Henry Martyn and others), and Elizabeth Elliot (referenced in the context of the five martyrs in Ecuador). Each reference is used to illustrate how suffering and joy have been understood and lived out by Christians throughout history.

Finding True Joy: God Above All Else (SermonIndex.net) explicitly references Jonathan Edwards as a major influence on the preacher’s understanding of Philippians 1:20-21 and the nature of true spiritual affections. The sermon quotes extensively from Edwards’ works, particularly "The End for Which God Created the World" and "Religious Affections," to illustrate the difference between hypocritical and genuine joy in God. Edwards is cited as teaching that true saints rejoice in God Himself, not merely in being made much of by God, and that God’s self-exaltation is the highest form of love because it leads us to the greatest good—Himself. The preacher also references J.I. Packer’s summary of the gospel ("propitiation by substitution") and C.S. Lewis’s concept of "transposition" to further illuminate the nature of spiritual affections.

Transformative Faith: Trusting God's Future Grace (SermonIndex.net) references Jonathan Edwards and his work "The End for Which God Created the World" as foundational to the preacher’s understanding of God’s passion for His own glory and the harmony between God’s glory and our joy. The preacher also mentions his own book "God’s Passion for His Glory," which includes Edwards’ treatise and his personal reflections on its impact.

Philippians 1:20-21 Illustrations from Secular Sources:

Joy and Suffering: Magnifying Christ in Our Lives (Ligonier Ministries) uses the analogy of a magnifying glass or projection screen to explain how the Christian life is meant to make Christ appear great to the world, especially when He seems small or distant. The preacher also references the experience of watching a speaker on a distant stage versus seeing them magnified on a large screen, making the point that Christians are to “project” the greatness of Christ to those who cannot see Him clearly. Additionally, the sermon mentions the “library tie” as a humorous detail to illustrate the clarity with which Christ should be made visible in the believer’s life.

Enduring Faith and the Unchanging Gospel (Solid Rock Community) uses the analogy of a fish being lured by a shiny object to its death to describe how Demas was drawn away from faith by the attractions of the world. The preacher also references the modern experience of being abandoned or disappointed by others, drawing a parallel to Paul’s experience of being deserted by his companions.

Living for the Lord: Embracing Christian Liberty (MLJTrust) references the general human tendency to desire escape from suffering, using the example of people wishing they were dead to avoid trouble, and rebukes this as a form of selfishness and defeatism. The preacher also alludes to the Psalmist’s longing for “the wings of a dove” to escape trouble, connecting this to the broader human experience of seeking relief from hardship.

Finding Joy in God's Glory: A Christian Perspective (Desiring God) uses the popular film series “The Lord of the Rings” as a detailed analogy for the human longing for greatness and glory. The preacher describes the experience of watching the films—the grandeur of the battles, the arrival of Gandalf, the artificiality of the movie set compared to the vastness of the real universe—and uses this as a springboard to argue that all human longing for greatness is ultimately a longing for Christ. The analogy is extended by comparing the artificial “bigness” of the movies to the true greatness of Christ, who “flung the universe out with his little finger.” The preacher’s personal story of watching the films with his wife and reflecting on their significance adds depth to the illustration, making it a memorable metaphor for the surpassing worth of Christ as described in Philippians 1:20-21.

God: The Ultimate Treasure of the Gospel (Desiring God) uses several detailed secular illustrations to illuminate Philippians 1:20-21. The Grand Canyon is used as an analogy for the human longing to be small before greatness, suggesting that people are wired to "make much of" something greater than themselves, which is fulfilled in magnifying Christ. The preacher also references the comic strip "Arlo and Janis," where the characters reflect that "the best moments make you feel insignificant," using this as a cultural echo of the biblical truth that joy is found in exalting something greater than oneself. Additionally, a Nature Valley Trail Mix ad from National Geographic is described, showing two small figures atop a mountain with the tagline "You've never felt more alive, you've never felt more insignificant," again illustrating the innate human desire to find joy in something beyond oneself.

God's Glory: The Purpose of Life and Death (Desiring God) references Oprah Winfrey, Brad Pitt, C.S. Lewis, Eric Reese, and Michael Prowse as examples of modern people who have rejected Christianity because of objections to God's self-exaltation. These cultural references are used to frame the contemporary challenge of understanding and accepting the biblical teaching on God's glory.

Finding Joy in God: The Path to True Satisfaction (Desiring God) uses a detailed marriage illustration: the preacher imagines giving his wife roses on their anniversary and explaining his motive as either "duty" or "delight," showing that true honor is found in delight, not mere obligation. This is used to parallel how God is honored when we delight in him. The sermon also references a personal anecdote about a skeptical teenager at a youth event who is won over by the message of joy in God, illustrating the transformative power of this teaching in real life.

Finding True Joy and Satisfaction in God (Desiring God) uses the story of Eustace from C.S. Lewis’s "Voyage of the Dawn Treader" as a detailed analogy for the painful but necessary process of being stripped of false satisfactions so that one can be truly satisfied in God. The preacher describes how Eustace, transformed into a dragon by his greed, must have his dragon skin painfully removed by Aslan (the Christ figure) before he can be restored, illustrating how God’s love sometimes involves painful loss to bring us to true joy in Him.

Pursuing Joy: Finding Fulfillment in God's Presence (Desiring God) uses a detailed marriage analogy to illustrate the logic of Philippians 1:20-21. The preacher imagines bringing flowers to his wife on their anniversary and contrasts two motivations: giving flowers out of duty versus out of delight in her. The point is that true honor comes from delight, not mere obligation—just as God is honored when we find our joy in Him. The analogy is extended to the believer's entrance into heaven, where the right answer to "Why do you want to be here?" is "Because I want to be with You," not "Because I read it in a book."

Finding True Joy and Satisfaction in God (Desiring God) repeats the marriage/anniversary analogy, this time with purple roses, to illustrate that seeking joy in one's spouse is not selfish but honoring. The laughter of the audience at the "duty" answer is used to reinforce the point that joy, not mere obligation, glorifies the beloved. The analogy is then applied to Sunday worship, where the right motivation is delight in God, not mere duty.

Finding Joy in God Amidst Sorrow and Glory (Desiring God) uses the analogy of a magnifying glass or a video screen to explain how a Christian's life can make Christ "big" to the world, just as a small image is made large and clear by technology. The preacher also shares a personal story of grief at his mother's death, illustrating the coexistence of deep sorrow and unshakable joy in God.

Joyful Suffering: Magnifying Christ Through Trials (SermonIndex.net) uses the metaphor of a magnifying glass and a video screen to illustrate how a Christian's joy in Christ, especially in suffering, makes Christ's worth visible to others. The preacher also recounts historical stories, such as the evangelist in India whose blistered feet convinced villagers to listen to the gospel, and the story of the five martyrs in Ecuador, to show how suffering and joy can have a powerful impact on others.

Finding True Joy: God Above All Else (SermonIndex.net) uses an extended analogy from C.S. Lewis’s "The Voyage of the Dawn Treader" (from the Chronicles of Narnia series) to illustrate the painful but necessary process of being stripped of false satisfactions so that one can truly delight in God. The preacher describes the scene where Eustace, having become a dragon, must have his dragon skin painfully removed by Aslan, which serves as a metaphor for God stripping away our idols and lesser joys so that we can experience the true satisfaction of knowing Him. This vivid literary illustration is used to help the audience grasp the depth of transformation implied in Philippians 1:20-21.