Sermons That Exalt Christ

The Reason We Live - Part 2

Tom Pennington's sermon, "The Reason We Live, Part 2," delves into Philippians 1:18b-26, exploring Apostle Paul's core life ambitions, which are entirely centered on Jesus Christ. The message primarily unpacks Paul's profound declaration: "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain," providing a distinctly Christian perspective on life and death. "To live is Christ" means that a believer's existence is completely filled, occupied, and directed by Jesus. This commitment to Christ, the sermon explains, stands in stark contrast to various common, inadequate reasons for living such as family, pleasure, stoic endurance, cynicism, mysticism, humanism, or mere religious observance. True Christian living ensures Christ alone inspires, defines, and controls every facet of one's being. Furthermore, "to die is gain" redefines death for the Christian, portraying it as a "profit" or "interest" derived from a life invested in Christ. While death is a physical separation of soul and body, its inherent fear and "sting" have been removed by Christ's sacrifice. This biblical viewpoint transforms death from a dreaded end into a joyous transition, as the prospect of being "with Christ" is considered "very much better" than earthly life.

The Bridge Between Knowing and Doing

The text highlights a common problem among Christians: despite abundant access to biblical resources, a significant gap often exists between knowing God's truth and consistently living it out. Pastor Tom Pennington identifies biblical meditation as the essential "bridge" that connects knowledge with practice. Citing Joshua 1:8 and Psalm 1, he explains that consistent meditation on God's Word is foundational for spiritual prosperity, stability, and fruitfulness. Biblical meditation is not about emptying the mind, like pagan practices, but actively filling it with deep thought on scripture. It involves deliberately recalling, engaging in internal discussion, and thoroughly contemplating God's Word, works, and character. This process yields two primary results: spiritual insight, or illumination, where the Holy Spirit clarifies and deepens understanding, and practical application, leading to concrete plans for living out biblical truths. The speaker defines meditation as "deliberately choosing to think deeply about something in order to better understand it and to plan how to do it." Practical methods for meditation include asking questions of the text, making observations, rephrasing, praying through the scripture, and considering specific ways to apply its teachings to daily life.

The Reason We Live - Part 1

The sermon "The Reason We Live, Part 1," based on Philippians 1:18b-26, asserts that true Christianity is fundamentally centered on Jesus Christ. Many misinterpret faith, remaining "miles from the true heart" because Christ is not their central focus. Pastor Tom Pennington highlights Paul's life as a model, emphasizing that a Christian's primary ambition should be to exalt Jesus Christ. This commitment brings three significant benefits: undiminished joy, derived from living for a purpose greater than oneself; unwavering confidence, as all life circumstances ultimately advance Christ's cause; and ultimate vindication, knowing God will uphold those dedicated to His Son. Paul's "blueprint" for exalting Christ includes an "earnest expectation and hope" to never be ashamed before God. This involves "magnifying" Christ�showing and declaring His greatness�through speaking up boldly, living consistently, never quitting, and embracing all circumstances, whether in life or death. The sermon concludes by urging listeners to dedicate their lives to exalting Christ, ensuring lasting joy, confidence, and vindication.

God's Eternal Guarantee

What Are Your Intentions? - Part 2

The sermon on Philippians 1:15-18a explores the complex issue of motives in Christian ministry, presenting two key points: the reality of mixed motives and a mature believer's appropriate response. Pastor Tom Pennington details how the imprisoned Apostle Paul observed two groups of genuine Christians in Rome preaching Christ. One group acted from "envy and strife," driven by selfish ambition and aiming to cause Paul distress, resenting his influence. The other group preached from "good will" and "love," understanding Paul's divine calling to defend the Gospel. The sermon stresses the critical importance of love as a pure motive, drawing from 1 Corinthians 13. Despite the malicious intentions of some, Paul expresses profound joy, stating, "What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed; and in this I rejoice." This perspective is not a call to ignore sin or tolerate doctrinal error, but rather to rejoice in the genuine proclamation of Christ's message when direct confrontation of motives isn't feasible, trusting that God ultimately judges hearts.

What Are Your Intentions? - Part 1

The text highlights the critical role of "motive," illustrating its importance through legal cases where intent dictates punishment and, more significantly, in God's economy, where He "weighs the hearts" and judges not just deeds but their underlying purpose. God's Word also actively discerns the "thoughts and intentions of the heart." Examining Philippians 1:15-18a, the speaker focuses on Apostle Paul's unique response to genuine Christians preaching Christ with mixed motives. While some preached from "good will" and love, others did so out of "envy and strife," driven by selfish ambition to distress Paul during his imprisonment. The speaker extensively argues that these anti-Paul preachers were true believers sharing the true Gospel, a point underscored by Paul's rejoicing that Christ was proclaimed, a response he would never give to heretics. Paul's experience provides an example for the Philippian church, which also grappled with internal divisions. The sermon concludes by emphasizing that mixed motives are an undeniable reality in Christian ministry, often manifesting as envy and rivalry. Therefore, believers must consistently evaluate their own motives, ensuring their service to Christ and others arises from genuine love rather than self-promotion or competition, recognizing that God assesses the heart.