2. “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.”
John 15:11

3. “I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing praise to your name,
O Most High.”
Psalm 9:2

4. Experience how joyful living can thrive in spite of tough circumstances and challenging relationships.

5. Joy can reign in the midst of… 1) Tough circumstances.
“Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel.”
Philippians 1:12

6. 2 years in jail in Caesarea
What has happened…
False charges
2 years in jail in Caesarea
Shipwreck
Stranded on an island
Bit by a snake
House arrest in Rome
Chained to a guard 24/7

7. “But I will stay on at Ephesus until Pentecost, because a great door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many who oppose me.” 1 Corinthians 16:8-9.
“We had previously suffered and been treated outrageously in Philippi, as you know, but with the help of our God we dared to tell you his gospel in the face of strong opposition.” 1 Thessalonians 2:2

8. “Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David
“Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel, for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God’s word is not chained.” 2 Timothy 2:8-9

9. Joy can reign
in the midst of…
2) Trouble-makers.

10. “It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains.” Philippians 1:15,17

11. What brings the ultimate joy? 1) People hear about Christ.

12. “As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this,
I rejoice. Yes, and I will
continue to rejoice.”
Philippians 1:13,18

13. “For me to live is Christ and to die is gain.”
Surprising Truths
for the guards:
“For me to live is Christ and to die is gain.”
“Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of others.”

14. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

15. Chain Shifts?
6 hours = 2920
4 hours = 4380

16. What brings the ultimate joy?
Other believers grow
(and we do, too!).
“And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become more confident in the Lord and dare all the more
to proclaim the gospel
without fear.” (v.14)

17. “’I have told you these things, so that in me you will have peace
“’I have told you these things, so that in me you will have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.’” John 16:33

18. “However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me – the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.” Acts 20:24

19. Lifestyle Evaluation:
How does ______________lead to the advance of the gospel?