March 8, 2026
Paul Gotthardt
(#3 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 1:6-8
Key Idea: God __ the work of salvation and God __ the work of salvation.
Seven scenarios could cause you to “lose your salvation:”
1. If __ were to end. (John 3:16, 5:24, 10:28; 1 Thessalonians 4:17;
1 Peter 1:3-5)
2. If you find someone __ than God (John 10:27-29)
3. If you can be __. (John 3:3-4)
4. If the Holy Spirit gets tired and __. (Philippians 1:6; John 3:5-8; Titus 3:5; John 1:13; 1 Corinthians 2:14)
5. If God __ His promises. (1 John 5:11-13)
6. If you could __ your way to heaven. (Colossians 2:6)
7. If God stops __ you. (John 3:16; Romans 8:38-39)
What are some “joy stealers” from the first eight verses of Philippians 1? What has the ability to rob us of the true joy found in Christ?
• Lack of __ leads to lack of joy. (v.1a) “bondservants of Christ Jesus.”
• Lack of identity leads to lack of joy. (v.1b) “To all the saints…”
• Lack of __ leads to lack of joy. (v.1c) “in Christ Jesus”
• Lack of community leads to lack of joy. (v.1d) “To all the saints…who are in Philippi…”
• Lack of __ leads to lack of joy. (v.3a) “I thank my God in all my remembrance of you.”
• Lack of prayer leads to lack of joy. (v.4) “Always offering prayer with joy in my every prayer for you all,”
• Lack of __ leads to lack of joy. (v.5) “In view of your participation in the gospel…”
• Lack of assurance leads to lack of joy. (v.6) “For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.”
• Lack of __ leads to lack of joy. (v.7-8) “…because I have you in my heart…how I long for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus.”
Response and Reflection:
• Why is it important to recognize God’s full work in salvation?
• How does an improper view of salvation lead to discouragement, self-loathing and frustration?
• Does Philippians 1:6 encourage or discourage you? Explain your answer.
• Compare Philippians 1:6 with Philippians 2:12–13. How do these passages complement each other?
• Are you striving for perfection in your own strength?
• Do you think much about “the day of Christ”? How can periodic reflection on this future event impact our daily lives?
March 1, 2026
Paul Gotthardt
(#2 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 1:3-5
Big Truth 1: Fellowship describes participation in the gospel that includes __ and __.
William Hendriksen lists eight aspects of Christian koinōnia. These pieces bring depth to Christian fellowship. Christians experience a…
1. Fellowship of __ (Ephesians 2:8)
2. Fellowship of faith (Acts 16:31)
3. Fellowship of __ and thanksgiving (Ephesians 5:20; 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18)
4. Fellowship of love (1 John 4:7–8; 1 Corinthians 13)
5. Fellowship of __ to the needs of others (Galatians 6:10)
6. Fellowship of promoting the gospel (Matthew 28:19–20)
7. Fellowship of __ from the world (John 15:19; 1 John 2:15–16)
8. Fellowship of spiritual warfare (John 15:19–20)
Four obstacles will keep you from enjoyable and edifying relationships as a Christian:
Big Truth 2: Christian joy comes from __ and in __.
Response and Reflection:
• Where do people look for happiness? How is that different from a biblical view of joy?
• How can prayer lead us to joy?
• What has been your view of Christian “fellowship”? Does it involve mission or just hanging out? Compare it with a biblical view of fellowship.
• Why do we need gospel partnerships?
• What are some of the problems associated with trying to live out the Christian life apart from community?
• What are some of the enemies of enjoying biblical community?
