The Furtherance of the Gospel Philippians 1:12–26

Everyone has heard of Charles Haddon Spurgeon, the famous British preacher, but few know the story of his wife, Susannah. Early in their married life, Mrs. Spurgeon became an invalid. It looked as though her only ministry would be encouraging her husband and praying for his work. But God gave her a burden to share her husband’s books with pastors who were unable to purchase them. This burden soon led to the founding of the “Book Fund.” As a work of faith, the “Book Fund” provided thousands of pastors with tools for their work. All this was supervised by Mrs. Spurgeon from her home. It was a pioneer ministry.

Throughout History there have been many well known pioneers, Lewis and Clark, Daniel Boone, Kit Carson… A pioneer is one who settles new territories. Here in these verses the word “Furtherance” is used twice (vs. 12, 25) it is the Greek word prok-op-ay´ progress or “pioneer advancement.” In the context of this text it is the Idea of the Gospel message advancing into uncharted territories.

Never in the History of faith has there been a greater pioneer than the Apostle Paul. It was his desire to preach the gospel where it had not been heard. In the book of Romans we learn that his desire was to come to Rome and preached the Gospel in the capital of the Roman world, and it came to pass, but not quite as he expected… Instead of coming to Rome on his own freewill as a preacher he came to Rome by the Sovereign hand of God as a Prisoner! Yet, Paul rejoices because he belongs to Christ and Christ is in hum.

CPS: During a time of great difficulty, Paul found reason to rejoice because his life was solely dedicated to Christ Jesus and Jesus' cause therefore saw the furtherance of the Gospel.

I. During times of great difficulty Paul found reasons to rejoice in the Furtherance of the Gospel. Vs. 12-20

Paul’s entire life, every aspect of his life solely belonged to Christ and His cause. When our lives are completely dedicated to him we are able to see and understand that He is our source and reason for Joy. The single-mindedness of Paul allowed him to see that even in his imprisonment for the cause of Christ God used it to the further the Gospel. In this Paul rejoiced!

A. The Gospel advances in Rome because of Paul’s chains (why was this important? The Capital of the world!)

1. His chains became well known in the Praetorian Guard. (Guards and there shifts)

Illustration: I have always said the best place to share the Gospel was in an airplane, your neighbor can’t get away from you. Here... Roman guards were chained to the great apostle, they had no where to go to!

2. His chains became well known to everyone in Rome.

B. The brothers are strengthened in Rome. (His convictions) (Conviction vs Beliefs)

1.The sincere - defended the Gospel

2.The selfish - proclaimed the Gospel and he cheered them on

3.The result - They didn’t shut him up; they gave me a pulpit!

The Gospel was furthered and Paul’s single-mindedness concern was only for Christ to be exalted regardless if it meant his life or his death!

When we are completely sold out for Christ Jesus, when we have only one thing we live for… Christ Jesus… then we will find reason to rejoice in all things!

II. During times of great difficulty Paul found reasons to rejoice in the Furtherance of the Church. Vs. 21-26

Paul’s whole being and existence was for one single cause, Christ . For Paul to live meant to know Christ, further His Kingdom, and strengthen His people.

A. The Children of God are strengthened because of Paul’s attitude! (To live is Christ to die is gain)

1.The choice (Imagery of chained between to guards)

a. life = fruitful labor

b. death = his bountiful gain

ILL; A bank in Binghamton, New York, had some flowers sent to a competitor who had recently moved into a new building. There was a mixup at the flower shop, and the card sent with the arrangement read, “With our deepest sympathy.” The florist, who was greatly embarrassed, apologized. But he was even more embarrassed when he realized that the card intended for the bank was attached to a floral arrangement sent to a funeral home in honor of a deceased person. That card read, “Congratulations on you new location!”

For Paul, death simply meant "departing." This word was used by soldiers; it meant "to take down your tent and move on."

Departure was also a political term; it described the setting free of a prisoner. Death sets the Christian free from limitations of the body and the temptations of the flesh!

Departure is a word used by farmers; it means "to unyoke the oxen" Paul had taken Jesus' yoke, which is easy to bear, but how many burdens he carried in his ministry (2 Cor. 11:22 - 12:10) To depart to be with Christ would mean laying aside the burdens, his earthly work completed.

2. The necessity

Paul’s choice was selfless, he chose life in order for the Church at Philippi to be furthered in joy and faith. That they would have confidence in Jesus’ deliverance of Paul through the work of their prayers and ministry.

Application: Do you want true abounding joy? Then live your life as Paul did, solely dedicated to Christ, notice the order of his concern… Christ 1st..... Others 2nd… Himself last.

Conclusion: During a time of great difficulty, Paul found reason to rejoice because his life was solely dedicated to Christ Jesus and Jesus' cause and he saw the furtherance of the Gospel.