Bethel Pulpit - Primitive Baptist Sermons

In this 3/1/26 sermon from the Philippian series, Michael Gowens considers Philippians 2:19-30 and Paul's tribute to two exemplary Christians - Timothy and Epaphroditus. These two men embody the selfless and sacrificial nature of Christian discipleship, and serve as role models for the rest of us to emulate.

In this message from 2/22/26, Elder Gowens considers Philippians 2:17-18 and the third mark of authentic Christian living highlighted in this important section. The Christian life involves selfless service and sacrifice toward Christ and others. Gowens spends the bulk of this sermon developing the paradoxical nexus between the apparently opposite concepts of sacrifice and joy. This is message #16 in the exposition of Philippians.

Mike Gowens' sermon on 2/15/26 is based on Philippians 2:14-16 and emphasizes the importance of non-conformity in living the Christian life. Discipleship involves witnessing the light of Jesus Christ in a dark world. Although verbally witnessing the truth of the gospel is important, the emphasis in this passage concerns the non-verbal witness of a transformed life. Like torchbearers in a relay before an athletic contest in ancient Greece, Christians are called to carry the light of Christ into the darkness of this world. This is message #15 in the Philippians study.

Br Gowens continues his exposition of Philippians with this 2/8/26 message from Philippians 2:12-13. This important text explains a dynamic of fundamental importance, namely that the life of Christian discipleship necessarily originates from the life that God works within the heart. The inward man, in other words, is the wellspring from which everything else in the Christian life must flow.

In this sermon from 1/25/26, Michael Gowens considers the rich theology in Philippians 2:5-11, with a special focus on the doctrine of Christ's ascension. The entire passage is underpinned by the language of a master plan, a covenant of redemption, in the fulfillment of which Jesus Christ was highly exalted by God the Father. This is message #13 in the exposition of Philippians.