Philippians
Our Homeland Now Is Heaven
May 5, 2024 • David Mathis • Philippians 3:20—4:1
In this sermon on Philippians 3:20-4:1, Pastor David Mathis expounds upon Paul’s contrast between enemies of the cross (v.19) and those who are friends of the cross and citizens of heaven. As Christians, our true place of belonging is in heaven and it is real, right now. We marvel at the power of our king, anticipate the spectacular upgrade of our bodies, and wait eagerly to see Jesus face to face.
Imitate Those Who Walk Well
April 28, 2024 • Mike Schumann
In this sermon, Pastor Mike Schumann expounds upon Philippians 3:15-19 in which Paul entreats the Philippians to think in a way that says: ‘I’m a member of God’s true people, because of Christ, who is my treasure. And I’m not there yet, but I am pressing on.’ A mature Christian thinks this way. Paul entreats us to imitate those who have walked the Christian life well.
For the Journey
April 21, 2024 • Jonathan Parnell • Philippians 3:12–14
In this sermon, Pastor Jonathan Parnell expounds upon Philippians 3:12-14. There are three things here that the Christian should remember as we progress and mature in our journey of the Christian life. Let’s press on to lay hold of Jesus Christ.
I Want to Know Christ
April 14, 2024 • David Mathis
In this sermon, Pastor David Mathis expounds upon Philippians 3:9-11 in which Paul teaches justification by faith alone. We are fully accepted by God in Jesus, and we will one day fully know Jesus and be satisfied in him forever. We know Jesus even now, and we want to know him more. Knowing Jesus will change us. We become more like him. In triumph and sufferings – we want to echo Christ’s heart and mind.
Because of Christ
April 7, 2024 • Jonathan Parnell • Philippians 3:3–9
In this sermon, Pastor Jonathan Parnell expounds upon Philippians 3:3-9 in which Paul counts everything as loss because of Christ. Jesus Christ is the only true savior. We cannot be righteous by our own merit. The only way God accepts you is by looking at you and seeing something not of you. Jesus is the only one who gets you God, if it’s God that you want.
Easter Safety
March 31, 2024 • David Mathis • Philippians 3:1–3
In this sermon, on Resurrection Sunday, Pastor David Mathis expounds upon Philippians 3:1-3. Easter is the highpoint of our rejoicing in the risen Christ. These verses have three threats, and so here are three safeties for us as we put our confidence in the risen Christ.
The Honesty of Paul
March 24, 2024 • Jonathan Parnell • Philippians 2:25–30
In this sermon, on Palm Sunday, Pastor Jonathan Parnell expounds upon Philippians 2:25-30 in which Paul gets really personal. Paul shows his honesty is three ways in this passage by how he makes practical ministry decisions, how he shows honor to Epaphroditus, and how he talks about the sorrows of death.
No One Like Timothy
March 17, 2024 • Mike Polley • Philippians 2:19–24
In this sermon, Pastor Mike Polley expounds upon Philippians 2:19-24 in which Paul gives instructions regarding Timothy. Paul was like a father to Timothy, living out a Godly life to be imitated by Timothy. And Timothy was faithful to receive this well. Paul commends Timothy to the Philippians and encourage them to follow his Christ-like example.
God Himself in Me to Work
March 10, 2024 • David Mathis • Philippians 2:12–18
In this sermon, Pastor David Mathis expounds upon Philippians 2:12-18 in which Paul turns from Jesus's obedience and reward to ours. We have God in us not only to will, but to work! And all this stands on the rock of God’s own joy, his delight, his good pleasure. He is not reluctant in helping us fight sin and pursue Christlikeness.
The Example of Jesus
March 3, 2024 • Jonathan Parnell • Philippians 2:5–11
In this sermon, Pastor Jonathan Parnell expounds upon Philippians 2:5-11 which has been called not only the centerpiece of Philippians, but even the centerpiece of the entire New Testament. We must look to Jesus to know humility. The example of Jesus shows us true humility and it changes the way we see life in this world
How Humility Serves Church Unity
February 25, 2024 • Mike Schumann • Philippians 2:1–4
In this sermon on Philippians 2:1-4, Pastor Mike Schumann expounds further upon the topic of church unity by focusing specifically on unity amidst opposition from within. In humility, we should count others more significant by remembering whose blood was spilled for them, remember how much God desires to bring that person all the way home, and look to the interests of others by praying for them and showing up for them even when you don’t feel like it.
Real Church Unity
February 18, 2024 • Jonathan Parnell • Philippians 1:27–28
In this sermon, Pastor Jonathan Parnell focuses in on just two verses in which Paul describes why real church unity is so important for the local church. In these verses, Paul provides 3 marks of real church unity. Real church unity means our church will be ready for battle: to hold our ground, to fight for gospel advance, and to be courageous when it costs.
Our Primary Calling
February 11, 2024 • Jonathan Parnell • Philippians 1:27–30
In this sermon, Pastor Jonathan Parnell expounds upon Philippians 1:27-30 in which Paul tells the local church how they should be doing. There are things in this passage that are especially relevant for Cities Church as we enter our tenth year of life together as a church. The main exhortation from this passage is: It is absolutely necessary that our church’s life together in this world witness to the all-satisfying value of Jesus.
To Live Is Christ
February 4, 2024 • Marshall Segal • Philippians 1:19–26
In this sermon on Philippians 1:19-26, Deacon Marshall Segal expounds further upon the implications of Paul’s passion for the glory of God magnified through the advance of the gospel. In this passage, verse 21, Paul writes a verse familiar to many of us ... “for to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” But do we really understand both sides of this precious, life-altering (and death-altering) verse?
Passion Shapes Outlook
January 28, 2024 • Jonathan Parnell • Philippians 1:12–18
In this sermon on Philippians 1:12-18, Pastor Jonathan Parnell’s exposition shows how Paul’s passion for the glory of God magnified through the advance of the gospel shaped his outlook on: how he was doing, how he understood the impact of his witness, and the way he viewed other ministries. This same idea of our passion shaping our outlook is still true for us today.