TODAY’S MAIN PASSAGE:
Philippians 1:12-18a
Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually advanced the gospel, 13 so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard, and to everyone else, that my imprisonment is because I am in Christ. 14 Most of the brothers have gained confidence in the Lord from my imprisonment and dare even more to speak the word fearlessly.
15 To be sure, some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of good will. 16 These preach out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel; 17 the others proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, thinking that they will cause me trouble in my imprisonment.
18 What does it matter? Only that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is proclaimed, and in this I rejoice.
Philippians 1:27a
Just one thing: As citizens of heaven, live your life worthy of the gospel of Christ.
Kingdom Living
The Philippian church was a diverse community.
The Philippian church was transformed community.
Prayer of Gratitude (vs. 3-8)
Prayer of Intercession (vs. 9-11)
The gratitude for the Philippian church is because of their partnership in the gospel.
Philippians 1:6
I am sure of this, that he who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
The “good work” in the Philippian church is the advancement of the gospel in them (their salvation & maturity) and through them (their partnership & ministry).
The prayer for the Philippian church is that their love will keep on growing.
Kingdom Mindset & Perspective
Philippians 1:12-14
Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually advanced the gospel, 13 so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard, and to everyone else, that my imprisonment is because I am in Christ. 14 Most of the brothers have gained confidence in the Lord from my imprisonment and dare even more to speak the word fearlessly.
The gospel was advancing by:
1) Personal evangelism: the whole imperial guard became aware that the reason for his imprisonment is because he is “in Christ”
Mark 16:15
Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.
Acts 1:8
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.
2) Church edification: most Christians in Rome became more courageous in the Lord and began to preach Christ fearlessly
2 Timothy 2:8-9
Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead and descended from David, according to my gospel, 9 for which I suffer to the point of being bound like a criminal. But the word of God is not bound.
Philippians 1:14-17
Most of the brothers have gained confidence in the Lord from my imprisonment and dare even more to speak the word fearlessly. 15 To be sure, some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of good will. 16 These preach out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel; 17 the others proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, thinking that they will cause me trouble in my imprisonment.
Group 1 (friendly to Paul)
- Preach Christ
- Out of goodwillIn love
- Knowing I’m here for the defense of the gospel
- True motives
Group 2 (rivals to Paul)
- Preach Christ
- Out of envy and rivalry
- From selfishness, not sincerely
- Supposing they can stir up trouble for me while I’m in chains
- False motives
Philippians 3:2
Watch out for the dogs, watch out for the evil workers, watch out for those who mutilate the flesh.
Philippians 1:18a
What does it matter? Only that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is proclaimed, and in this I rejoice.
Philippians 1:4-5
…always praying with joy for all of you in my every prayer, 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.