This Is Living!

Here is a plan for a sermon series on Philippians developed by the preaching team at Tapestry Church. These general thoughts, or “seeds,” for each sermon were developed as a team, then each preacher had freedom to structure and present the sermon in a way that fit his own style and the Spirit’s leading. Here are a few introductory thoughts for clarification:

We decided to integrate the various themes in Philippians under the general title of “This is Living!” building on Paul’s statement in 2:21, “For me to live is Christ.”

• Our goal at the planning stage was to develop a “seed” for each sermon that included at least three items: a Big Idea, a Gospel Component, and some Bullet Points.

• The Big Idea is the sermon in a nutshell, a clear and memorable statement that would be used in the sermon, and which we hope people will remember when they leave.

• The Gospel Component represents a commitment that we have made on our team to seek in every sermon to show the connection between the truth of the sermon and the Gospel of Christ.

• Powerpoint bullets might be points around which the sermon would be built, or it might simply be application points for the conclusion. We just wanted to be sure that we had one bulleted list in each sermon, for the benefit of those who tend to best receive and learn information visually and/or through lists.

• We also tried, as often as we could in the early planning stages to suggest the basic appeal for response, or “take-away” points, and sometimes questions to stimulate brief discussions with the congregation.

Here are the title and text for each sermon in the series. Follow the links for a more developed “seed” for each sermon.

1. Living in Partnership: Growing Up Together – Philippians 1:1-11.

2. Living with Perspective: Thriving in Life’s Storms – Philippians 1:12-30.

3. Living in Unity: The Downward Path to Greatness – Philippians 2:1-11.

4. Living Towards Maturity: Working Out What God Is Working In – Philippians 2:12-18.

5. Living in Serenity: The Great Exchange – Philippians 3:1-11.

6. Living with Purpose: Eye on the Prize – Philippians 3:12-4:1.

7. Living in Harmony: The Practice of Unity – Philippians 4:4-5.

8. Living in Peace: Breaking the Anxiety Habit – Philippians 4:6-7.

9. Living in Contentment: Loving the Life He Gives – Philippians 4:10-20.