In Every Way, Christ is Preached Philippians 1:12-18 Studies in Philippians (5)

Furtherance of the gospel (12) “I want you to know, brethren…” a desire that they understand what is happening. He seeks to alleviate their concerns

Furtherance of the gospel (12) These things actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel Paul circumstance did not hinder him from doing what he could Nor did he have a hopeless attitude Furtherance – “to cut forward”

Furtherance of the gospel (12) These things actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel Optimism! Hopefulness or confidence about the future success of something Many circumstances can be viewed more than one way Typically we CHOOSE! What will we do with our circumstances?

Furtherance of the gospel (12) These things actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel Christians ought to be optimistic Philippians 4:13 1 Corinthians 13:7 Numbers 13 – Joshua & Caleb Hebrews 10:22 – Assurance 2 Corinthians 5:6 - Confidence

Furtherance of the gospel (12) These things actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel Christians ought to be optimistic John 4:35 – open your eyes Romans 15:14, Galatians 5:10, Philemon 21 – Confidence brethren were receptive

Furtherance of the gospel (13) It has become evident to the whole palace guard Praetorium – elite soldiers of Caesar. Paul is writing from prison, Acts 28:16, 30-31 – Confidence brethren were receptive

Furtherance of the gospel (13) It has become evident to the whole palace guard They knew WHY he was there – not as a common criminal. Philippians 4:22? Paul in chains has a “captive audience” – cf. Acts 27:43, 28:16

Furtherance of the gospel (13) My chains are in Christ All know that Paul is no murderer, thief or insurrectionist We may be called upon to suffer – 2 Timothy 3:12, James 1:2 1 Peter 2:12, 2:19-20, 3:14-17, 4:12-16 What price are we willing to pay for Him?

Confidence in my chains (14) Our endurance of trials might be an encouragement to others. “Most of the brethren in the Lord”, were made confident.

Confidence in my chains (14) Our endurance of trials might be an encouragement to others. We are not alone – cf. 2 Timothy 4:17 By example, we know that if our Lord can sustain one who is enduring afflictions

Confidence in my chains (14) Our endurance of trials might be an encouragement to others. Faithful examples can move us to action by seeing what is right 2 Corinthians 13:5 Consider how others may see in us the power of the gospel – Romans 1:16-17, Hebrews 4:12

Confidence in my chains (14) It can produce boldness Acts 28:31 Bold examples – Acts 4:13, 29-31, 1 Thessalonians 2:2 Paul made requests for prayers for boldness – Philippians 1:19-20, Ephesians 6:19-20

Confidence in my chains (14) It can produce boldness We need boldness 1) In personal faith - 2 Peter 1:5 2) In our prayers – Hebrews 4:16 3) In our teaching and defense – Ephesians 6:19-20, Acts 13:46 4) When He appears in judgment 1 John 2:28

In every way Christ is preached (15-18) Some preach out of envy and strife Who were these men? Unlikely they were false (e.g. Judaizing) teachers – Paul would NEVER endorse such Probably men who taught the truth, but were jealous of Paul in Rome. Possibly threatened by his presence, or ashamed

In every way Christ is preached (15-18) Some preach out of envy and strife Out of selfish ambition –a personal agenda (3 John 9-10?) Selfish ambition – Galatians 5:20, James 3:14-16

In every way Christ is preached (15-18) Some preach out of envy and strife Not sincerely – without genuine motives We need sincerity – Philippians 1:10 – without offense 1 Timothy 1:5 - faith 1 Peter 1:22 – love of brethren

In every way Christ is preached (15-18) Some preach out of envy and strife Supposing to add affliction to my chains Influence to keep Paul in prison? OR to keep others from him? OR Paul’s desire to encourage brethren, but he is powerless as they misbehave. Motives are as important as actions

In every way Christ is preached (15-18) Some preach out of envy and strife How do we respond when someone, especially a brother in Christ, mistreats us?

In every way Christ is preached (15-18) Some preach out of goodwill Goodwill – pleasant and in a good way. MOST stood with Paul. Out of love – Christian love – Jesus, Paul and others Knowing he was appointed for the defense of the gospel

In every way Christ is preached (15-18) What then? Only in every way, whether in pretense or truth Christ is preached Is this what our goal is? 1 Corinthians 2:2, Galatians 6:14 In this I will rejoice!

In every way Christ is preached (15-18) Can good come from ungodly motives? Yes! Each one is judged by His response to the gospel 2 Corinthians 5:10, 2 Thessalonians 1:8

In every way Christ is preached (15-18) Can good come from ungodly motives? BUT, ungodly motives can hinder! Our motives ARE important! 1 Corinthians 13:1-3, 1 Timothy 1:5-6, Matthew 5:3-10, 22:37, etc. 1 Thessalonians 2:4

In every way Christ is preached (15-18) Can good come from ungodly motives? God can use imperfect men to accomplish His will! When one responds to the truth, it matters not who started the process! We ought to rejoice!

How do we handle situations that are less than ideal?