Developing Spiritual Discernment
A Sermon on Philippians 1:1-26 by Pastor Allan Santos
Watch the sermon here.
Introduction
Welcome to our new preaching series on the book of Philippians! We titled this series as, “Joyful Living with Jesus in the Face of Suffering.” The Apostle Paul wrote this book when he was in prison. He was experiencing persecution and difficulties when he penned this prison epistle, but his spirit and faith were on fire because of the furtherance of the gospel of Jesus. Paul, in this book, encourages the Philippian church to stand firm in their faith, to know Jesus deeply in their minds and hearts, and to unite with other believers in expanding the influence of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Outline
Paul’s gratefulness and charge to remain steadfast in living for Jesus (vv.3-8)
Paul’s prayer for the believers to develop spiritual discernment (vv.9-11)
Paul’s imprisonment is a God-given opportunity to proclaim the gospel (vv.12-18)
Paul’s unwavering service to Christ even in life and death (vv.19-26)
Believers’ call to live a life that is worthy of the Gospel (vv.27-30)
Applying God’s Word
We are all called to live for Christ. Living for Christ means to exalt Him in the manner of our living and to die to our selfish desires.
Paul charged us to develop our spiritual discernment so that we could distinguish what is right and true in our daily walk with the Lord. Let us remember to ask the Lord for godly discernment each day in our prayers for us to choose what is excellent, pure, and righteous as we pursue God’s will in our lives.
Paul was encouraged because of the Philippian church’s care, prayers, and material blessings to him in time of his difficulties in prison. May we all develop kindness and compassion for those people who need support and encouragement in times of troubles and loneliness.
