July 12, 2026
Paul Gotthardt
(#9 in series)
Download a PDF of the sermon notes by clicking here.
Download a PDF of the children’s sermon notes by clicking here.
Philippians 1:27-30
Big Truth: When Christians live a life __ with the gospel, it requires us to stand firm, stay __, strive together and suffer __.
• It requires us to stand firm…
“I will hear of you that you are standing firm…” (v.27b)
• It requires us to…stay united…
“in one spirit, with one mind…” (v.27c)
• It requires us to…strive together…
“…striving together for the faith of the gospel; in no way alarmed by your opponents—which is a sign of destruction for them, but of salvation for you, and that too, from God.” (v.27d-28)
• It requires us to…suffer purposefully.
“For to you it has been granted for Christ’s sake, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake, experiencing the same conflict which you saw in me, and now hear to be in me.” (v.29-30)
When we suffer for the sake of the gospel…
• It gives us __ we belong to Jesus (1:28).
• It reminds us of God’s __ gifts (1:29).
• It brings us into deeper __ with Jesus (3:10-11).
• It grows and __ believers (James 1:2-4; 1 Peter 1:6-7).
• It helps us __ temporal things from eternal glory (2 Corinthians 4:16-18; Revelation 21:3-4).
• It requires us to look to the __ nature of God in all things (Job 1:12, 2:6;
Genesis 50:20).
• It __ the gospel (Matthew 5:10-12; Colossians 1:24; Acts 8:1-4).
• It means He’s counted us worthy to suffer __ for His name (Acts 5:41).
• It validates our __ in a way that words never will (Galatians 6:17).
July 5, 2026
Paul Gotthardt
(#8 in series)
Download a PDF of the sermon notes by clicking here.
Download a PDF of the children’s sermon notes by clicking here.
Philippians 1:21-26
Key Statement: Many people have false __ about Christianity because they stopped short of __.
Key Truth: Serving others is not primarily a horizontal __; it’s the overflow of a vertical __.
What should we know about pursuing Jesus and serving well?
1. Let your __ flow from a Christ-centered life.
If Christianity is Christ, that means…
• Christianity begins with __ in Christ.
• Christianity grows through __ with Christ.
• Christianity advances by __ after Christ.
2. Embrace __ sacrifice and “fruitful labor” as normal.
Spiritual fruit is often divided into several categories:
• __ fruit includes the “fruit of the Spirit” (Galatians 5:22–23)
• __ fruit consists of righteous deeds (Philippians 1:11)
• __ fruit involves people coming to faith in Christ (Romans 1:13)
3. Choose what is “more necessary” for others over personal __.
4. Aim for __ and joy in the faith of others.
5. Seek Christ’s __and not personal recognition.
Reflection/Response: Prayerfully reflect on and respond to the following questions.
• If Christianity is Christ, how have you been defining it?
• Christianity includes faith in Christ, fellowship with Christ, and following after Christ.
• Where are you struggling to believe Jesus, spend time with Jesus, or follow after Jesus?
• Is there something you need to give up to faithfully follow Him?
• Are you stewarding time, energy and opportunities for fruitful ministry?
• Is God calling you to lay down some preferences or comforts so that others may know Him?
• Is God calling you to step into a place of service? If so, where?
• Are there needs in the church that are going unmet? How can you help?
• What will it take for Sherwood to continue to be on mission for God?
