Sermons

Partners in the Gospel - Philippians

This May and June we have a new sermon series through the book of Philippians, titled Partners in the Gospel. In the first century AD, when this letter was written, Philippi was a large, pagan city with very little Jewish presence, and a deep loyalty to the Roman Empire. A small church began there (see Acts 16), but the surrounding people and culture were hostile to the gospel. They even rioted and locked Paul up when he visited. But Paul writes to this small church, under pressure though it is, with joy and thankfulness in his heart, to encourage them and spur them on. He describes the church in Philippi as partners in the gospel with him:

"In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now." (Philippians 1:4-5, NIV)

His words are not just for the leaders of the church, but ‘To all God’s holy people in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons’ (1:1b). We are all partners in the gospel, not just the leaders.

Partners in the gospel, according to Philippians, share together in:

The Benefits of the Gospel – Together they share in the grace of God, and the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ (1:7, 11)
The Work of the Gospel – They support Paul’s missionary work (2:25, 4:14-16) and strive together for the gospel (1:27).
Suffering and Glory – Our great hope is to share in Christ’s resurrection life, even persisting through suffering in a Christlike way (3:10-11).
Joy, Affection, Concern for each other – Paul and the Philippians show concern and affection (2:20, 4:10, 1:8) for each other. Indeed Paul ‘has them in his heart’ (1:7). They have many reasons to rejoice (at least 8 times!)
Prayer – They pray regularly and joyfully and thankfully for each other (1:4, 9, 19).
Peace – They have peace with God and peace with each other (1:2, 4:7, 4:9).

As we read through Philippians together, I encourage you to reflect on your partnership in the gospel. How does the gospel shape your life and encourage you as a Christian, alongside your fellow-partners at Ormond and beyond?

Audio Podcasts

- Philippians
- Michael Phillips
• 2/6/25
Shining as Lights

Paul encourages his readers not to be like the Israelites in the wilderness during the Exodus but to shine like stars without grumbling.
Mike unpacks Philippians 2:12-30, revealing the encouragement Paul has for the faithful in Philippi and the ways in which we can seek to be an encouragement to others.
- Philippians
- Michael Phillips
• 26/5/25
The Mind of Christ

Mike continues our series “Partners in the Gospel” with Philippians 2:1-11. In this passage, Paul encourages his readers to be of one mind and seek to meet the needs of others before themselves. Not only for the benefit of the early church in Phillipi, but to be imitators of Christ.
Mike helps us to see the need for this same attitude and mindset today, not only for the benefit of our wider community but discover that a life live in this way is more fruitful for us too.
- Philippians
- Michael Phillips
• 19/5/25
Living Worthy of the Gospel

Third in our series on Philippians, drawing from Philippians 1:27-30, Mike shows how standing firm in the Gospel is easier when we have a community living likewise and can see examples in the lives of others.
For the Philippians this was Paul, in chains for his faith. For all of us past, present and future, this is most clearly seen in the willingness of Jesus Christ going to the cross to redeem us.
- Philippians
- Michael Phillips
• 12/5/25
Christ Proclaimed

In the second sermon of our series through Philippians 1:12-26, Mike highlights the single minded focus Paul has on Chirst that enables him to rejoice in Christ regardless of his circumstances and in spite of the motivations of others.
While pointing to the way in which others have lived for Christ above all, Mike encourages us today to likewise develop a singular focus on Christ and discover the way it can change our lives and motivations.
• 5/5/25
Partners in the Gospel

Starting our series through Philippians with Philippians 1:1-11, Mike introduces the context of the letter to the Philippians found in Acts 16:11-40 and encourages us to consider how we might be effective partners in the gospel.
- 1 Peter
- Michael Phillips
• 28/4/25
The Enduring Word of God

This Sunday we celebrate the enduring legacy of St Mark’s faithful ministry in the south-east of Melbourne.
Ormond Anglican began as a church plant from St Marks, today Michael helps us to reflect on 1 Peter 1:22-2:10 and what will truly endure in this world. Now, while reflecting on the 175 years of the legacy of St Mark’s, we are encouraged to consider how the enduring word of God will continue in the weeks, years and decades to come.
- Gospel of John
- Michael Phillips
• 21/4/25
Easter is Nonsense

On the surface, Easter makes no sense; our own experience of life tells us that the dead do not come to life, and yet this is the claim of the Bible and the events in our passage, John 20:1-18.
Mike helps us to see the heart of this passage, the truth of Jesus’ resurrection and the real and honest emotional responses of Jesus’ friends and followers; Mary, Peter, and John. In this passage, we see how in Jesus we can make sense of the nonsensical.
This easter, you are invited to re-examine the empty tomb and encounter the risen Jesus. He is risen, he is risen indeed.
- Gospel of John
- Michael Phillips
• 14/4/25
The King of Peace

The crowds on the road to Jerusalem for the Passover Festival welcome Jesus as their king, but as we read John 12:12-19, it is revealed that Jesus is a different kind of King.
Mike unpacks this passage and helps us to consider what good leadership should look like and how we can exemplify it in our lives.
• 7/4/25
Blessing for all People

In his first sermon as vicar of Ormond Anglican Church, Mike encourages us from Psalm 67 and Titus 2:11-14, pointing to the blessings of God for all people.
Furthermore, we have seen God’s blessing and graciousness in the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, while we await his return we can all play a part in sharing that blessing and grace with others in our lives no matter our context.