Powerful proclamations in pitiful situations

Philippians 1:12-18

Philippians 1:12-18 “I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ. And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. 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, and in that I rejoice.

Where is Paul?

Roman Prison chained to rotating guards because he brought a gentile into the temple two years ago. He is under house arrest in a leased home at his expense.

He has to pay for his prison stay. Acts 28:30 “He lived there two whole years at his own expense, and welcomed all who came to him,”

Epaphroditus brought support (money) from Philippi. Paul planted that church and they support him in ministry. Epaphroditus’ health condition is actually the initiate of the letter to the Philippians.

Prisoner of Christ

Paul uses what is often called a “disclosure formula” at the beginning of this section. The formula includes a desire to inform a specific group. This “I want you to know” is a common expression in Greek writing as well as modern expressions, however in Greek culture, the disclosure formula is followed by great amounts of detail. Paul is, however, vague towards his conditions in prison. Philippi would expect to have a narrative of his arrest, list of associates, specific conditions of Paul’s imprisonment and a retelling of specific routines in prison as well as many other details about his situation.

Imagine I sent you a Christmas letter but I only wrote about building things around my house.

Paul isn’t concerned about the details of his condition physically, only that the gospel is being spread. Would you be in the same mindset?

Paul is a joyful prisoner of Christ, he is used to being in prison. His imprisonment in Rome is not harsh because he has died to self and is alive in Christ.

Why are you here?

Prison movie references “why are you here?”

I’m sure Paul got the question “why are you here?”

mission trip to Malawi, get that question alot

Beach reach, get that question alot

It’s easy to get that question on a physical mission trip where we escape every day life, but how much more effective would we be if we lived a life where that question is necessary more often?

God will use you in uncomfortable circumstances

God is doing a work

when you’re in the pit, when you’re stretched from every side, when you’re being opposed all around, when you’re feeling beat down and far from God, when you’re in the valley, when you’re in the fire

Envy and Rivalry vs. Good Will

Cleaning the house with kids..... some clean with poor attitudes, or are trying to suck up or make another jealous. Others clean with a joyful attitude but at least the house is clean

Not the only believer in prison “And most of the brothers......”

What are the brothers doing?

Motivation matters

Envy and Rivalry proclaim for selfish ambition and to inflict Paul. It is unsure how it would inflict him....

Good will preach out of love

Cleaning the house with kids..... some clean with poor attitudes, or are trying to suck up or make another jealous. Others clean with a joyful attitude but at least the house is clean

God will use you around uncomfortable people

Are there those around you who

seek your pain, want you to fail, take joy in your discomfort, oppose your message, try to take flight on your wings, build a house on your foundation

God is using that to grow you and further his kingdom

Paul was chained to a powerful pagan but proved to influence them

Philippians 4:21-23

Look what happened

Philippians 4:21-23 “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. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.”