Define happiness! Does your understanding of happiness depend on financial security, certain relationships, or ideal circumstances? What if those pieces change or don’t happen? Are you doomed to an unhappy existence? In the book of Philippians, Paul showed how true joy is found in Christ alone. We can see that life changes fast. Circumstances are not always favorable. But when we build our lives on the person, pursuit, and power of Christ—He is enough! Join us as we learn how pursuing Jesus is a choice that brings joy in the journey.
February 22, 2026
Paul Gotthardt
(#1 in series)
Philippians 1:1-2
Section 1: The __ of the Church:
They shared the gospel through 3 different types of evangelistic encounters.
Evangelism through __ with Lydia and some other ladies (Acts 16:11–15).
Evangelism through __ with a slave girl (Acts 16:16–24).
Evangelism through __ with the Philippian jailer
(Acts 16:25–34).
Tim Keller provided the following chart in Church Planter Manual.
Download the chart by clicking here
Section 2: The __ of the Letter:
Paul wrote to thank the church of Philippi for their __ gift and to remind them that true joy is found in __ alone.
We will be challenged in five areas as we work through Philippians.
__: Gospel advancement will cost us, but Jesus is worth it.
__: Joy doesn’t just happen. We choose joy by
choosing Christ.
__: The enemy tries to divide. Be diligent to
maintain the unity of the Spirit.
__: Extravagant generosity flows from treasuring Jesus above all.
__: Partnerships can advance the gospel further and faster.
Section 3: The __ of the Introduction:
March 1, 2026
Paul Gotthardt
(#2 in series)
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?
March 8, 2026
Paul Gotthardt
(#3 in series)
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 15, 2026
Paul Gotthardt
(#4 in series)
Philippians 1:9-11
Spiritual Lesson: Without God’s guidance, we pray against the __, but never the __.
In every challenge, there’s a problem, a symptom and a source.
When the source __, the symptoms and problems follow __.
How do we pray for perpetual spiritual growth?
Response and Reflection:
March 22, 2026
Paul Gotthardt
(#5 in series)
Philippians 1:9-11
When you think about a person’s spiritual journey, there are two
main transitions.
How do we pray for perpetual spiritual growth?
• Pray for divine love to abound more and more (v.9a).
• Pray for real knowledge and all discernment (v.9b).
• Pray for recognition of things that are excellent (v.10a).
• Pray for __ and integrity until the day of Christ (v.10b).
When God’s light exposes sin and makes people uncomfortable,
there are three typical responses:
1. __: They run from the light.
2. Rebuke: They rebuke the one who __ them.
3. __: They repent of their sin.
Embracing sin usually happens in four stages.
1. We __
2. We __
3. We __
4. We __
Here are three tests to help us with spiritual discernment:
1. Is there a __ in my spirit?
2. Could it cause others to __?
3. Will I be __ when Jesus returns?
• Pray for the fruit of __ that comes through Christ (v.11a).
What kind of “fruit” will God bring through mature believers?
1. Fruit of the __ (Galatians 5:22–23)
2. Sanctified/holy living (Romans 6:22)
3. Good works (Colossians 1:10)
4. Praise of our lips (Hebrews 13:15)
5. Salvation of souls (Romans 1:13; Colossians 1:5–6)
• Pray for God to be __ and
praised (v.11b).
Response and Reflection:
• Are you living with integrity? If not, what’s holding you back from repenting and stepping into God’s best?
• Are you comfortable living in the light of God’s Word? What’s being hidden that might be exposed?
• We talked about how embracing sin happens in 4 stages. We go from tolerating to accommodating to validating to participating. Are you already at stage two, three, or four on the wrong path?
• Can you see “the fruit of righteousness” in your life? If so, where? If not, why?
• Are you living for self or the glory of God?
• What would hinder you from praying these verses over those you love for the rest of your life?
June 14, 2026
Paul Gotthardt
(#6 in series)
Philippians 1:12-18
What can we learn about the spread of the gospel?
Response/Reflection:
June 28, 2026
Paul Gotthardt
(#7 in series)
Philippians 1:19-21
For I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your
prayers and the provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, according
to my eager expectation and hope, that I will not be put to shame
in anything, but that with all boldness, Christ will even now, as
always, be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.
Philippians 1:19-21
Why was Paul confident in God’s deliverance?
• Paul was confident in the saints’ __ and the Spirit’s __ (v.19).
“For I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayers and the provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,”
• Paul was confident that God would enable him to remain
__ (v.20a).
“according to my earnest expectation and hope, that I will not be put to shame in anything…” (1:20a)
• Paul was confident that Christ would be __ in his life or
death (v.20b-21).
“but that with all boldness, Christ will even now, as always, be exalted in my body whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” (1:20b–21)
Warren Wiersbe stated the process so clearly.
• Because of Paul’s __, Christ was known (1:13)
• Because of Paul’s critics, Christ was __ (1:18)
• Because of Paul’s __, Christ was magnified (1:20)
Paul understood that death simply means “departing.”
• It was a word used by ___; it meant “to take down your tent and move on.”
• It was a word used by __; it meant “to loosen a ship and set sail.”
• It was a word used by __; it meant “to set a prisoner free.”
• It was a word used by __; it meant “to unyoke the oxen.”
July 5, 2026
Paul Gotthardt
(#8 in series)
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?
July 12, 2026
Paul Gotthardt
(#9 in series)
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).
September 6, 2026
Paul Gotthardt
(#14 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 2:12-13
What is the difference between justification and sanctification?
Two extremes for sanctification:
“Only he who __ is obedient, and only he who is __ believes.” -Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Key Truth: In obedience, believers work out what was __; for His good pleasure, God works in all we __.
The work of salvation has two parts:
Salvation is presented in three dimensions of time.
| Time Dimension | Biblical Emphasis | Key Passages | Theological Term |
|---|---|---|---|
| Past | Saved from sin’s __; forgiven and declared righteous. | Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:5; 1 Corinthians 6:11 | __ |
| Present | Being saved from sin’s __; transformed in daily life. | 1 Corinthians 1:18; Philippians 2:12-13; 2 Corinthians 3:18 | __ |
| Future | Will be saved from sin’s __; resurrection and final glory. | Romans 5:9-10; 1 Peter 1:5; Hebrews 9:28 | __ |
Response/Reflection:
September 20, 2026
Paul Gotthardt
(#16 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 2:17-18
Serving God will often require “__.”
Serving God will often go __.
Serving God will often get __ and stressful.
Key Truth: The __ of Christian service can produce a well of __ joy when we stay submitted to Jesus.
God uses three primary “tools” to bring His power through us:
What are some lessons to remember when serving becomes a struggle?
Response/Reflection:
September 27, 2026
Paul Gotthardt
(#17 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 2:19-24
Serving God will often require sacrifice.
Serving God will often go unnoticed.
Serving God will often get discouraging and stressful.
Philippians 2:17-30 provides three examples of people who lived righteously, served faithfully and worked out their salvation through the power of the Holy Spirit. The examples are…
1. Paul (The apostle; v.17-18)
2. Timothy (A young pastor; v.19-24)
3. Epaphroditus (A layman; v.25-30)
Key Truth: Kingdom impact is the result of a __ life that is __ made available to a sovereign God.
Practical Lessons:
• It doesn’t have to be __ to be kingdom; it just has to be __.
• Submission to Jesus is the key to lasting __, and it’s vital to kingdom __.
• __ precedes engagement.
• There is safety in __.
Timothy had numerous traits that led to a greater impact. He has been described as __, single-minded, seasoned, __, selfless and service-oriented.
Response/Reflection:
• How is God calling you to make a greater kingdom impact?
• Do you see any traits from Timothy’s life in your life? If so, what are they?
• Who are you submitted to? Who has the ability to speak into your life with any level of authority?
• How did Timothy learn to follow well?
• In what ways are you showing genuine concern for people within the local church?
• Part of being a disciple of Jesus is serving the world. Where are you currently serving?
October 04, 2026
Paul Gotthardt
(#18 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 2:25-30
But throughout the Bible, we’re called to give honor. We’re called to honor…
Key Truth: When a believer __ God’s mission, serves sacrificially, and presses on in spite of __, they are to be honored by other believers.
Consider the differences between the three examples.
| Paul | Timothy | Epaphroditus |
|---|---|---|
| Philippians 2:17-18 | Philippians 2:19-24 | Philippians 2:25-30 |
| An Apostle | A Young Pastor | A Layman |
| __, fearless leader | __, devoted assistant | __, behind-the-scenes worker |
| Fully Jewish | Part Jewish and part Gentile | Fully Gentile |
The three descriptions parallel what Paul wrote about the Gospel in chapter 1:
| “my brother” | “the __ in the gospel” (Philippians 1:5) |
| “my fellow worker” | “the furtherance of the gospel” (Philippians 1:12) |
| “my fellow soldier” | “the __ of the gospel” (Philippians 1:27) |
What are some practical lessons from his life?
Response/Reflection: Take your time and prayerfully process each one with God.