Always With God Philippians 1:12-30

The Passage A letter An author A recipient

The Recipient: The Church In Philippi The City: Established in 360/359 BC Renamed by Philip II of Macedon in 356 BC. Gold mines Via Egnatia 60:40 Greek/Roman Population A small Jewish community. Polytheism Became the first European city to receive the Gospel.

The Philippians and Paul Acts 16: Paul brings the Gospel to Philippi. Lydia converted. Home church. Exorcism of the fortune-telling slave girl (Acts 16:16-18) Paul and Silas flogged and sent to prison. Miraculously released from prison Conversion of the jailer and his household (Acts 16:19-39). Hence, Paul uses a paternal tone.

The Letter : Themes Paul’s situation; V 12-13. Paul’s obsession: V 12-13. Persecution paradoxically strengthens faith v 14, Motives for preaching Christ v.16-18 A competitive spirit ( contrary to the concept of the body of Christ) v 17 Christ in life, Christ in death. (Always with God) v. 21 The Christian lifestyle. V 27 Suffering as a gift. V. 29

Paul’s Situation/Hardship Paul under house arrest for 2 years in Rome. No freedom of movement. No privacy. ““ambassador in chains” (Ephesians 6:20) Chains were a cause of shame: Yet he was rejoicing: (Philippians 1:13+15).

Paul’s Arrest & Death 57–59 imprisoned at Caesarea Marittima (2 years) 59–60 appeals to Caesar; voyage to Rome 60–62 Under house arrest at Rome; writes letters to Philippians, Ephesians, Colossians, and Philemon 62–64 Released; journeys ?to Spain; writes letters to Timothy and Titus 64 Returns to Rome; ? martyred during persecution by Nero.

Why was Paul in Jerusalem He does not come from Jerusalem. “16 Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus to avoid spending time in the province of Asia, for he was in a hurry to reach Jerusalem, if possible, by the day of Pentecost.” He addressed the Elders from Ephesus: “22 “And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. 23 I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me.(Acts 20:22-23) He sailed to Tyre (Lebanon), where he was warned: “Through the Spirit they urged Paul not to go on to Jerusalem”.(Acts 21:4). Then onto Ptolemais. Onto Caesarea, where he had a warning: “a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. 11 Coming over to us, he took Paul’s belt, tied his own hands and feet with it and said, “The Holy Spirit says, ‘In this way the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem will bind the owner of this belt and will hand him over to the Gentiles.’”(Acts 21:10-11).

In Jerusalem “Paul greeted them and reported in detail what God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry.” (Acts 21:19) Arrested in the Temple and accused of teaching “everyone everywhere against our people and our law and this place”.(Acts 21:28) “The whole city was aroused... Seizing Paul, they dragged him from the temple, …While they were trying to kill him, news reached the commander of the Roman troops that the whole city of Jerusalem was in an uproar.” (Acts 21:30-31). The commander put him in two chain “The crowd that followed kept shouting, “Get rid of him!” (Acts 21:36). He seeks to share his testimony with those who want to kill him. In prisoned for 2 years in Caesarea (Justice delayed is Justice denied) He appealed to Caesar and was sent to Rome.

From Caesarea to Rome

Shipwrecked A violent storm for 2 weeks Shipwreck near Malta. Roman soldiers would kill Paul and the other prisoners., but for the intervention of Julius, the centurion. Even here, Paul shared the Gospel. No room for moaning and self-pity.

Advancing the Gospel This was the focus of Paul’s life Paul’s conversion was radical; he gave all he had/was to Jesus. (Philippians 3:8) He became known “throughout the whole praetorian guard…that I am in chains for Christ” (Philippians 1:13) He put himself last: (Philippians 1:23-25)

The Christian lifestyle: a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. V 27 Paul teaches elders at Miletus: If you wants to live a life worthy of the Gospel of Christ: Your life must have the right focus? (Acts 20:22-24) My life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race Main aim is to be a witness for Christ. You must have the right Characteristics? (Acts 20:19) great humility passion Resilience. Do not love money. Acts 20:33) “we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”(Acts 20:35) Faithfulness to Christ

Prophet Micaiah Ahab (Israel) asks Jehoshaphat (Judah) to help him recover land from Aram. Jehoshaphat “First seek the counsel of the Lord.” Ahab’s prophets sought to scratch Ahab’s itching ears. Jehoshaphat asked if there is one more prophet they could consult Micaiah ; but Ahab hated him Micaiah under Pressure to conform Micaiah replies simply: I can tell him only what the Lord tells me.” Micaiah mocks Ahab But he tells the king: Do not go to battle.

Suffering Suffering for the Gospel is a gift from God: (Philippians 1:29) ἐχαρίσθη (echaristhē): to show favor, give freely Unless you participate in suffering, your knowledge of Christ remains superficial: (Philippians 3:10) koinónia: fellowship A key feature of the Christian lifestyle: (Galatians 2:20 )

For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. (Always with God) v Heart and mind of a true disciple of Christ. Maturity. Non-circumstantial faith. Honouring God in life and in death. A challenge.

Response Lord God, my father in heaven, thank you for your faithfulness to me. I beseech you to give me the grace to walk with you always: in sickness as in health, in weakness as in strength, in poverty as in wealth. I repent from selfishness, pride, the love of this world and the fear of people and circumstances. I promise today to be an imitator of Paul, as he was of Christ: to walk humbly before you and be focussed on sharing the gospel and expanding your kingdom, in all circumstances. Because, for to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.