Sermons on Philippians 3:18-19
The various sermons below interpret Philippians 3:18-19 by emphasizing the importance of living in a manner that aligns with the teachings of Christ and the cross. Both sermons caution against following those who are enemies of the cross, highlighting the need for discernment in choosing role models. They stress the significance of the cross as central to Christian salvation and warn against teachings that undermine its transformative power. The sermons also address the concept of "telos," or the end goal, contrasting the destruction awaiting those who oppose the cross with the maturity and perfection that believers should strive for. Additionally, they both use metaphors to illustrate how some individuals prioritize their desires over their commitment to God, thus becoming enemies of the cross.
While both sermons share common themes, they diverge in their focus and approach. One sermon emphasizes the danger of antinomianism, warning that the belief in salvation without the responsibility of Christian living makes one an enemy of the cross. It stresses the inseparability of faith and works, arguing that true faith is evidenced by a life transformed in accordance with the gospel. In contrast, another sermon focuses on the centrality of the cross in Christian salvation, warning against substituting personal righteousness or social justice for the cross. This sermon highlights the exclusivity of Christ as the only way to salvation, emphasizing that any teaching undermining this is considered an enemy of the cross.
Philippians 3:18-19 Interpretation:
Living as Citizens of Heaven: Imitate Christ (Living Hope Church) interprets Philippians 3:18-19 by emphasizing the importance of imitating those who live like Christ and being cautious of those who are enemies of the cross. The sermon highlights the need to be deliberate in choosing examples to follow, as there are many who may lead believers astray. The pastor uses the original Greek word "telos" to explain the concept of the end or goal, contrasting the destruction awaiting the enemies of the cross with the maturity and perfection that believers should strive for. The sermon also uses the metaphor of the "belly" to describe how some people worship their own desires and emotions instead of God.
Living as Friends or Enemies of the Cross (MLJTrust) interprets Philippians 3:18-19 by highlighting the danger of antinomianism, a belief that once saved, one's actions do not matter. The sermon emphasizes that this teaching is a misrepresentation of Christianity, as it separates salvation from the responsibilities of Christian living. The preacher warns that such a belief makes one an enemy of the cross, as it undermines the transformative power of the gospel. The sermon uses the Greek term "antinomianism" to describe this false teaching, emphasizing the importance of aligning one's life with the gospel's demands.
Philippians 3:18-19 Theological Themes:
Living as Citizens of Heaven: Imitate Christ (Living Hope Church) presents the theme of the centrality of the cross in Christian salvation. The sermon emphasizes that the cross is the only means of atonement and reconciliation with God, and any teaching that undermines this is considered an enemy of the cross. The pastor warns against substituting personal righteousness or social justice for the cross, highlighting the exclusivity of Christ as the only way to salvation.
Living as Friends or Enemies of the Cross (MLJTrust) presents the theme of the inseparability of faith and works. The sermon argues that while salvation is by faith alone, true faith is evidenced by a life transformed in accordance with the gospel. This theme challenges the notion that Christian liberty allows for moral laxity, emphasizing that genuine faith results in a life that reflects Christ's teachings.
Philippians 3:18-19 Historical and Contextual Insights:
Living as Citizens of Heaven: Imitate Christ (Living Hope Church) provides insight into the cultural context of the early church, where false teachers and enemies of the cross were present even within the church community. The sermon explains that these individuals were not just outside critics but were part of the church, making their influence more insidious. The pastor also references the use of the metaphor of the "belly" in ancient times to describe emotions and desires, contrasting it with the modern metaphor of the "heart."
Living Genuine Faith: Avoiding Hypocrisy in the Church (Spurgeon Sermon Series) provides historical context by discussing the prevalence of hypocrisy and false professions in the early church. The sermon highlights how Paul, as a vigilant shepherd, was deeply concerned about the spiritual welfare of the churches he founded. It notes that the early church faced challenges from those who professed faith but lived contrary to the gospel, a situation that Paul addressed with both honesty and affection.
Philippians 3:18-19 Cross-References in the Bible:
Living as Citizens of Heaven: Imitate Christ (Living Hope Church) references several biblical passages to support the interpretation of Philippians 3:18-19. The sermon mentions Hebrews 11, which highlights the faith of biblical figures like Moses, who chose the reproach of Christ over the treasures of Egypt. This is used to illustrate the importance of valuing eternal rewards over earthly desires. The pastor also references 1 Corinthians 15:49 to emphasize the transformation believers will undergo to become like Christ.
Living Genuine Faith: Avoiding Hypocrisy in the Church (Spurgeon Sermon Series) references the broader biblical theme of hypocrisy and false professions, drawing parallels with other New Testament warnings against such behavior. The sermon emphasizes that false professors are akin to Pharisees, who are criticized throughout the gospels for their outward religiosity but inward corruption. This cross-reference serves to underscore the seriousness of living a life inconsistent with one's professed faith.
Philippians 3:18-19 Christian References outside the Bible:
Living as Citizens of Heaven: Imitate Christ (Living Hope Church) references contemporary Christian authors and theologians to illustrate the presence of false teachings within the church. The pastor mentions Megan Basham's book "Shepherds for Sale," which discusses the influence of secular money on Christian organizations. The sermon also critiques influential Christian authors like Preston Sprinkle for promoting teachings that contradict biblical principles.
Living Genuine Faith: Avoiding Hypocrisy in the Church (Spurgeon Sermon Series) explicitly references C.H. Spurgeon, who delivered the sermon in 1856. Spurgeon is noted for his passionate and direct preaching style, which often addressed the issues of hypocrisy and false professions within the church. The sermon reflects Spurgeon's emphasis on genuine faith and the dangers of mere outward religiosity.
Philippians 3:18-19 Illustrations from Secular Sources:
Living as Citizens of Heaven: Imitate Christ (Living Hope Church) does not provide any illustrations from secular sources specifically related to Philippians 3:18-19.
Living as Citizens of Heaven: A Spiritual Perspective (Oak Grove Church) uses a personal anecdote about walking through Charleston with a dog to illustrate the concept of citizenship. The preacher contrasts the historical significance of American founding fathers with the spiritual significance of being a citizen of heaven. This analogy serves to make the abstract concept of heavenly citizenship more relatable to the congregation by comparing it to a familiar national identity.