12. General Exhortations (Philippians 4:1-9)
The Subject/Complement and Exegetical Outline
Subject/Complement: The final exhortations Paul gives the church include helping two women to agree, rejoicing, praying, thinking like a Christian, and imitating Paul.
A. Transition (4:1)
B. Exhortations (4:2-9)
1. To Help Two Women (4:2-3)
2. To Rejoice (4:4-5)
3. To Pray (4:6-7)
4. To Think Rightly (4:8)
5. To Imitate Paul (4:9)
Homiletical Subject/Complement and the Teaching/Preaching Outline
Underlying Question (vv. 2-8): These items are loosely connected logically, but are practical injunctions to help the Philippian church stand firm and grow to maturity.
Underlying Homiletical Question: How can we stand firm and grow to maturity?
Homiletical Subject/Complement (Big Idea): Stand firm by striving for unity, rejoicing always, praying always, thinking rightly, and imitating Paul.
A. Transition (4:1)
B. Exhortations (4:2-9)
1. Strive for Unity (4:2-3)
2. Rejoice (4:4-5)
3. Pray (4:6-7)
4. Think Rightly (4:8)
5. Imitate Paul (4:9)
Related Topics: Sanctification, Teaching the Bible