Four Oaks Midtown Podcast

Teaching | Understanding Philippians: Faithful Friends (Philippians 2:19-30)

There’s a saying in media and communications that “the medium is the message,” meaning the way content is delivered often has more impact than the content itself. If this is true, then the fact that much of the New Testament consists of letters holds great significance. Letters represent personal connections between individuals and communities. Paul’s epistles, in particular, are deeply personal, filled with specific greetings, appeals, and applications. They are messages from friends to friends, and the numerous names mentioned are not just foreign terms to us, but representations of men and women Paul loved—those with whom he shared suffering, meals, and ministry. Often, the deepest pains in the church stem from the breaking of such bonds of friendship. Paul’s emphasis on unity and love within the body of Christ is rooted in this. Philippians 2:19-30 offers insight into Paul’s friendships with Timothy and Epaphroditus, showing how these relationships enabled him to endure immense suffering for Christ. The need for deep, genuine friendships in the Christian life is as vital now as it was two thousand years ago. This is Understanding Philippians.

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Teaching | Understanding Philippians: Working and Willing (Philippians 2:12-18)

The Christian life requires effort. While some may be accustomed to the phrase, “Let go and let God,” suggesting that passivity in obedience magnifies God’s grace, nothing could be further from the truth. As J.I. Packer aptly stated, “The Christian’s motto should not be ‘Let go and let God’ but ‘Trust God and get going.’” Grace is opposed to works, not action. Just as an adopted child dishonors their status by rejecting their family’s ways, so too does a Christian who neglects obedience. It is precisely because God has saved us and adopted us into his family that we obey him—not to earn his love, but out of gratitude and trust.

Philippians 2:12-18 challenges the notion that salvation is merely a one-time decision for Christ. Instead, salvation is an ongoing transformation, a process empowered and fueled by God himself. This divine work does not negate human effort but demands it, as we live out what God has worked within us. True faith does not lead to passivity but to Spirit-empowered action, shaping us into the image of Christ. This is Understanding Philippians.

Check out the rest of our Understanding Series: https://www.fouroaksmidtown.com/teachings

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Sermon | The Purpose of Darkness (Ecclesiastes 6:1-12)

The illustrations in Ecclesiastes reveal the darkness we experience in this life and require us to pause and consider if how we handle suffering allows us to realize and better appreciate seeing the true Light. 

Teaching | Understanding Philippians: The Humility of Jesus (Philippians 2:1-11)

Humility, central to our faith, defied Roman ideals of virtue and honor, where it was seen as weakness—reserved for slaves, women, and children. Yet, Scripture repeatedly elevates these very groups as models of faith. This is the scandal of Christianity: at its core is a God who humbles Himself. How can we follow Him while clinging to pride? True humility isn’t mere niceness—Jesus feared no man, and it led Him to the cross. Genuine humility seeks the good of others at any cost, just as Christ, though equal with God, emptied Himself to become a servant. Because He humbled Himself, even to the point of death on a cross, God exalted Him—and He will do the same for us. In the kingdom of God, the way up is down. This is Understanding Philippians.

Check out the rest of our Understanding Series: https://www.fouroaksmidtown.com/teachings

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Sermon | Guarding Your Soul (Ecclesiastes 5:1-20)

Through Ecclesiastes, we consider guarding how we live so that we may remain on the path of righteousness and receive the gifts God gives us in this life. 

Teaching | Understanding Philippians: Magnifying Christ (Philippians 1:19-30)

Our efforts to spread the kingdom are opportunities for fellowship with God. This humble posture frees us to rely on His grace, enriching our efforts with the joy of knowing that God Himself empowers our work. This mindset allowed Paul to rejoice in his sufferings and boldly advance God’s mission—and it is the same mindset we are called to adopt as we walk in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. This is Understanding Philippians.

Check out the rest of our Understanding Series: https://www.fouroaksmidtown.com/teachings

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/@fouroakschurchmidtown1962

Sermon | Heavenly Minded, Earthly Good (Ecclesiastes 4:1-16)

As we confront the vanities of this life, believers must train themselves to walk through trials and injustice with a sober mind and trust God’s mercy and sovereignty. 

Teaching | Understanding Philippians: Imprisoned for Christ (Philippians 1:12-18)

Conversion is often described as “inviting Jesus into your life,” but this falls short of the gospel’s radical message—the good news for which Paul suffers. The gospel (εὐαγγέλιον) proclaims God’s decisive action to redeem sinners: the Father plans salvation, the Son accomplishes it, and the Spirit applies it, bringing us into the very life of the Trinity. Through the Spirit, in Christ, we come to the Father as His adopted children. Salvation, from start to finish, is the work of the Triune God, and the ultimate gift of the gospel is God Himself. The good news is not merely that God enters our lives, but that we enter His. Our story is reshaped by Christ’s death, resurrection, and glorification—if He suffered, so will we; if He was raised, so will we be; if He reigns in glory, so will we. This truth gives us every reason for boldness, risk, and joy in trials. This is Understanding Philippians.

Check out the rest of our Understanding Series: https://www.fouroaksmidtown.com/teachings

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Sermon | Toiling in the Dust (Ecclesiastes 3:1-22)

Through the wisdom presented in Ecclesiastes, we are reminded to examine the toil of our lives relying upon God with hope as we walk through each season.  

Teaching | Understanding Philippians: A Prayer of Gratitude (Philippians 1:1-11)

Joy and suffering—our culture sees them as opposites, but Paul’s letter to the Philippians tells a different story. Writing from a Roman prison, Paul proclaims a joy unshaken by chains, trials, or hardship. How? Because Christ, the true source of lasting joy, dwelled in him.

In this episode, we unpack Philippians 1:1-11 and discover how gospel partnership, prayer, and God’s ongoing work in us transform the way we experience joy—even in the darkest moments.

Check out the rest of our Understanding Series: https://www.fouroaksmidtown.com/teachings

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/@fouroakschurchmidtown1962