The Epistle To The Philippians Lemon Filled Doughnuts In Christ

When Life Gives You Lemons….. What do you do? Make lemonade? I prefer other lemon products above lemonade. In many ways the book of Philippians is a record of what the apostle Paul did with a life full of lemons. Sour, sometimes bitter – still he used the opportunity to excel still more!

Paul’s Bitter Imprisonment Philippians 1 has numerous references: Vs. 7, 13-14, 17: For it is only right for me to feel this way about you all, because I have you in my heart, since both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers of grace with me…. so that my imprisonment in the cause of Christ has become well known….trusting in the Lord because of my imprisonment….the former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition…thinking to cause me distress in my imprisonment.”

What Were The Circumstances? He was under house arrest for a full two years Acts 28:16, 30 -- When we entered Rome, Paul was allowed to stay by himself, with the soldier who was guarding him….And he stayed two full years in his own rented quarters and was welcoming all who came to him…. Rented – but chained to guards.

Praetorian Guard Established by Augustus Caesar in 27 A.D. Up to 9,000 elite troops Personal body guards to the Caesar Paid triple wages Politically very powerful – able to raise up and pull down Caesars.

Paul In Chains Ephesians 6:20 – “…for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in proclaiming it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.” 2 Timothy 1:16 – “The Lord grant mercy to the house of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains….”

The Result: Advance Of The Gospel Verse 12 – “Now I want you to know, brethren, that my circumstances have turned out for the greater progress of the gospel….” Progress = PROKOPE From PROS = Forward And KOPTOS = to cut Used early to speak of those cutting down trees so the army could advance.

How Was The Gospel Advancing? Verse 13 – “…so that my imprisonment in the cause of Christ has become well known throughout the whole praetorian guard and to everyone else….” As the praetorian guard stayed with Paul, they heard the gospel preached and spread the gospel throughout their ranks and (it is thought) to other household members of Caesar.

Other Advances Paul’s imprisonment resulted in greater courage amongst the brethren in preaching the gospel Verse 14: “…and that most of the brethren, trusting in the Lord because of my imprisonment, have far more courage to speak the word of God without fear….” What were they seeing?

So That Christ Was Proclaimed Verse 18: “What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed; and in this I rejoice.” Paul rejoiced even in the bitterness of his imprisonment and chains because Christ was proclaimed as a result.

Rejoicing Regardless! Even when additional bitterness was brought his way. Verses 15-17 -- Some, to be sure, are preaching Christ even from envy and strife, but some also from good will; the latter do it out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel; the former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition rather than from pure motives, thinking to cause me distress in my imprisonment.

Christ Being Preached Regardless Those envious were still preaching the gospel in truth. But, imagine how they could preach the truth and still make Paul’s life worse? Preacher: “Jesus Christ is king of kings and Lord of Lords.” Roman: “What do you mean Jesus is King? Caesar is the only king.” Preacher: “You best speak to Paul about that. He’s the one preaching these things.”

Throughout Paul Still Rejoices Verse 18b-19 – “Yes, and I will rejoice, for I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayers and the provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ….” By which Paul invites them to continue to pray for his release, but in the meantime, He is rejoicing in the spread of the gospel.

Paul’s Greatest Ambition Verse 20 – “…according to my earnest expectation and hope, that I will not be put to shame in anything, but that with all boldness, Christ will even now, as always, be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.” What will you do with your lemons?