Philippians 1:12-18

Joy in the Advancement of the Gospel

Philippians 1:12-18 “I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, 13 so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ. 14 And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. 15 Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will. 16 The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17 The former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment. 18 What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice.”

I. The Gospel Will Advance Despite Our Circumstances (vs ) II. The Gospel’s Advancement Will Bring Confidence and Boldness, Destroying Our Fear (1:14) III. The Gospel Will Advance Despite Our Intentions (1:15-18a) IV. The Gospel’s Advancement Will Bring Joy (1:18)

I. The Gospel Will Advance Despite Our Circumstances (1:12-13) “I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, 13 so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ.”

“advance” = προκοπή (prokopen) = “progress, furtherance or profitability”

“imperial guard” = Praetorium 9,000 handpicked soldiers honored with double-pay, good pensions, and special duties, such as guarding military and political prisoners

Acts 28:16: “And when we came into Rome, Paul was allowed to stay by himself, with the soldier who guarded him.”

4:21-22: “Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me greet you. All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar’s household.”

Genesis 50:20: “you meant it for evil, but God meant it for good”

Dr. John MacArthur: “Paul’s example of selfless humility shows that the worse circumstances are, the greater joy can be. When the seemingly secure things in life begin to collapse, when suffering and sorrow increase, believers should be drawn into ever-deeper fellowship with the Lord. It is then that they will most fully experience the enduring joy the apostle knew so well. This joy is far greater and more satisfying than any fleeting circumstantial happiness. And this unmixed joy comes not because of circumstances, but in spite of them and through them.”

Mark 16:15: “go into all the world and spread the Gospel”

II. The Gospel’s Advancement Will Bring Confidence and Boldness, Destroying Our Fear (1:14) “And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.”

Philippians 1:6: “And I am confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”

Jonah 2:9 “Salvation is of the Lord.”

Jim Elliot: “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.”

III. The Gospel Will Advance Despite Our Intentions (1:15-18a) “ Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will. The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment. What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed”

vs. 15: “Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will. “

4:2: “I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord.”

vs 17: “The former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment.”

vs. 18: “…in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed”

Don Carson: “Paul’s example is impressive and clear: Put the advance of the gospel at the center of your aspirations. Our own comfort, our bruised feelings, our reputations, our misunderstood motives – all of these are insignificant in comparison with the advance and splendor of the gospel. As Christians, we are called upon to put the advance of the gospel at the very center of our aspirations…”

…What are your aspirations? To make money? To get married? To travel? To see your grandchildren grow up? To find a new job? To retire early? None of these is inadmissible; none is to be despised. The question is whether these aspirations become so devouring that the Christian’s central aspiration is squeezed to the periphery or choked out of existence entirely.” (Don Carson)

vs : “…from good will. The latter do it out of love…”

IV. The Gospel’s Advancement Will Bring Joy (1:18b) “Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice.”

“rejoice” = χαίρω (kario) = “being glad; exceeding celebration; delight”

“rejoice” = χαίρω (kario) = “being glad; exceeding celebration; delight”

I. The Gospel Will Advance Despite Our Circumstances (vs ) II. The Gospel’s Advancement Will Bring Confidence and Boldness, Destroying Our Fear (1:14) III. The Gospel Will Advance Despite Our Intentions (1:15-18a) IV. The Gospel’s Advancement Will Bring Joy (1:18)