Advancing the Gospel Scripture Reading: Phil 1:12-18

Introduction Paul longed for the opportunity of taking the message of Christ to Rome (Rom 1:14-16) Paul arrived in Rome in chains as a prisoner ◦ Acts 25:10, 28:16 Reactions of Paul ◦ Could have loudly proclaimed his innocence and sought sympathy for his situation ◦ Could have hung his head in shame at being treated as a prisoner and wearing chains ◦ could have retreated into self-pity and given up ◦ could have acted hostile leading to a sense of bitterness and despair ◦ Instead, he met his circumstances with faith, hope, and determination (Phil 1:12)

Introduction Paul experienced success in his tragedy (Phil 1:12) ◦ Instead of experiencing defeat in these difficult times, Paul experienced victory ◦ Instead of focusing on his personal misfortune, Paul rejoiced in, “The furtherance of the gospel” ◦ He was seeing first hand that the gospel was, “The power of God unto the Gentiles” (Rom 1:16) How can we advance the gospel today?

Examples from the letter to the Philippians Advancing the gospel by means of the contribution (Phil 4:15-18) ◦ They had repeatedly sent offerings to Paul for his physical needs ◦ These offerings released Paul from the need to make tents so he could put his full time and focus into spreading the gospel ◦ Paul lets them know that their gift will bear fruit in the spreading of the gospel

Examples from the letter to the Philippians Advancing the gospel through prayer (Phil 1:19) ◦ Peoples new Testament describes it this way, “1:19 I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer. All this envy and opposition will tend to promote his salvation. He will be delivered by God who will hear their prayers, and who will strengthen and direct him by the Spirit of Jesus Christ.” ◦ How much sincere praying do we do for others who are seeking to spread the gospel of Christ? ◦ While we may not have the means to supply them financially, we all have an ability to supply another great need, the need for prayer on their behalf ◦ Two songs to consider: ◦ Others (92 vs 1) ◦ I am praying for you (309)

Examples from the letter to the Philippians Advancing the gospel by living completely for Jesus (Phil 1:21) ◦ There is no way we can effectively communicate the good news of the gospel unless there are evidence which can be seen in how we live our lives ◦ It is clear that Paul devoted his life to allowing Christ to Live in, and work through him ◦ If we want to advance the gospel today, we must allow our actions to speak as loud or louder than our words ◦ Two songs to consider: ◦ Live for Jesus (335) ◦ Living for Jesus (552)

Examples from the letter to the Philippians Advancing the gospel by speaking about it, sharing it with others (Phil 1:14) ◦ It was not enough for Paul to live a righteous life, he needed to share why ◦ It was not enough for The Christians in Philippi to live a righteous life, they need to share why ◦ Those who have chosen not to know God, need to be told why they should ◦ Paul rejoiced in the fact the brethren in Rome became more bold to speak the Word without fear (Because of his chains in Christ) ◦ It is not enough for us to live a righteous life, we must share why ◦ Two songs to consider: ◦ Will You Not Tell It Today (351) ◦ You Never Mentioned Him to Me (598)

Examples from the letter to the Philippians Advancing the gospel by being willing to suffer (Phil 1:27-30) ◦ Being a Christian in the first century could be very costly ◦ Paul put his life on the line to advance the gospel ◦ Paul suffered greatly on his trip to Philippi, being beaten with stripes and thrown into prison ◦ Paul told the brethren in Philippi that suffering for Christ was a gift ◦ How much inconvenience have we endured to advance the gospel? ◦ To what degree have we sacrificed that others may come to know God? ◦ To what degree have we really suffered criticism or persecution ◦ Song to consider: ◦ Ready and Heaven will Surely be Worth it All (253)

Examples from the letter to the Philippians

Conclusion At the end of your life, will people say of you, “His/her life really served to help advance the gospel of Christ?” Will the Kingdom of God grow larger and richer because you were a part of it and worked for it? If you have not been working to advance the gospel, will you not start today? If there is anything we can do to help you in this endeavor please make this known while we stand and sing