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

2. 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

3. 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”

4. 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?

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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, – Confidence brethren were receptive

8. 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

9. 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?

10. 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.

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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

16. 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

17. 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

18. 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

19. 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?

20. 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

21. 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!

22. 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

23. 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

24. 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!

25. How do we handle situations that are less than ideal?