1.       Identify in the text the ideas about God that would plead his credibility. These may be directly presented or only implied.

Character: God is faithful- In Philippians 1:12-18, Paul portrays the sovereignty of God and believes that despite the challenges that he comes across, God is in control. In writing this text, Paul has been suffering from various hardships but he was rejoicing everyday in Christ[1]. 

Capabilities-God is powerful and he fulfills our needs- We see the character of God as the source of joy since Paul’s joy does not come from the changing circumstances in his life but it comes from the Lord. 

Intentions: keeps his promises and intends to sustain us- In the call for faith, Paul shows that people need to understand the nature of God and the latter will provide both hope and confidence.  When writing this letter, Paul is incarcerated but despite the circumstances, he believes that the sovereignty of God will allow people to continue spreading his Gospel[2]. 

Record: Trusitng in Christ His chains are not meant to discourage others but they play role in encouraging people proclaim the gospel.  In the sovereignty plan, we see that God is the control of everything and everything happens for a reason.

2.       Trace from the text writer’s material the theological assumptions behind his statements. Every instruction, interpretation, or application has its foundation in the person of God. The imperative is based on the indicative.

In theological perspective, Paul says that by believing that things that happened to him such as imprisonment, obstacles and distractions, people would get new opportunities in spreading the gospel.  Paul says his chains are in Christ simply because he was not a criminal but he was made to be a criminal because of spreading the message of salvation. His condition did not affect him in spreading the gospel and this encouraged other people not to fear imprisonment.  In spreading the word, there were two types of people-those who supported Paul and joined him in spreading the message from goodwill-and those who criticized and preached the gospel from envy and strife[3].  However, in the midst of all these, his joy was that the gospel was preached from God’s authority.  Behind this statement, Paul shows that in church today, the forces of darkness that appear to distract the gospel acts as a light for the advancement of the gospel. Note that there was a conflict between Judaism and Roman authority on religious matters and when Christians were imprisoned, Lord was their savior[4]. Even though Paul was imposed false charges, his testament helped many believe in Christ.

3.       Write your sermon idea here as you have stated it. Test it for its faith appeal.

The main sermon idea is; spreading the gospel despite the challenges. This is clearly shown in the chapter that even though he is imprisoned, the word of God will continue to spread.  Paul present the message  and provides the  faith principles in a sympathetic way  and in an indicative mood  to inform the believers in Philippi that  the hardships he is undergoing  do not curtail  the  gospel but rather they  play  a great role in advancing the gospel[5]. Note that Philippians are distressed by the Paul’s imprisonment and they fear that the gospel of salvation will come to an end.  However, in Philippians 1:12, Paul  uses a faith language not only in informing that the gospel will continue but also in letting them see the credibility of God. For example, Paul says that the trials he is going through opens and opportunity to spread the gospel.  In Rome, his desire and objectives is to reach the unreached and spread the gospel of salvation.  In fact after spreading the gospel in Jerusalem, his agenda was to spread the gospel in Rome though he ended up being a prisoner[6].

4.       Check each division statement by the same tests. How does it measure up to the faith aim?

  Each sermon division statement  offers a faith response  in that Paul continues to say that  he captures the attentions  of Philippians and  talks with  determination  that  his experiences makes him become a victorious. He wants the Philippians to learn from his experience  and understand  that  all things that he comes across comes from God  and  the trials do not  discourage him  but  rather they gives him an opportunity to spread the gospel. The point with Paul’s message to the Philippians is that he provides them with an assurance that any God-permitted circumstances acts as a path for spreading the gospel[7].

5.       Examine development throughout and check it for balance in dealing with the barriers to faith.

In  addressing the  barriers to faith,  Paul uses a  conceptualization process or rather he   gives his life experiences  and his victory to allow the Philippians  to  trust  in God and to unite in  order to defend the faith.  In addition, the concepts tell the Philippians to rejoice in Christ in everything and they will gain peace which comes from the God[8].   The only way to address the barriers to faith according to Paul is to understand that all things happens for a reason and in his case, his imprisonment is a path of ultimate salvation. The important thing is to trust God, to raise and to pray that God may grant us peace. Initially, Philippians believes that the trials and challenges will curtain the gospel but Paul views their thinking as a barrier to faith. He   lets them understand that his imprisonment helps him save many souls[9].

6.       Analyze the introductory and concluding segments for their faith appeal according to the tests in item three above.

Paul in Philippians 1:12-18 makes a call to faith by presenting the God’s credibility. For instance, we see God’s capabilities in that he is powerful and in control in v everything that happens to the life of Paul. In fact, God is all knowing and he meets the needs of his people.  We also see Gods intentions in terms plans he has for Paul, that is, not to destroy him but to use him in spreading the gospel[10]. The God’s credibility helps form the sermon ideas that despite everything, Paul could spread the Gospel and gives the Philippians an assurance that God is in control.  His conceptualization ideas helps Philippians maintain a strong faith and trust in God despite circumstances.