Philippians 1:12-20

Introduction

Welcome

Today we continue in Philippians 1

Last week we looked at the context of the book (both historically and biblically), the opening greeting, and Paul’s initial remarks towards the Philippian church - expressing his thankfulness for their partnership in the gospel, confidence in their salvation evidenced in the face of persecution and difficulty, and prayerfulness for their continued walking in salvation.

Today we turn to verses 12-20 where Paul gives an update of his own situation to the church.

But before we read the text, let’s pray.

Pre-Teaching Prayer

Scripture Reading

Philippians 1:12–20 (CSB)

12 Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually advanced the gospel, 13 so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard, and to everyone else, that my imprisonment is because I am in Christ. 14 Most of the brothers have gained confidence in the Lord from my imprisonment and dare even more to speak the word fearlessly. 15 To be sure, some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of good will. 16 These preach out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel; 17 the others proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, thinking that they will cause me trouble in my imprisonment. 18 What does it matter? Only that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is proclaimed, and in this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice 19 because I know this will lead to my salvation through your prayers and help from the Spirit of Jesus Christ. 20 My eager expectation and hope is that I will not be ashamed about anything, but that now as always, with all courage, Christ will be highly honored in my body, whether by life or by death.

Initial Context

We can look at these 9 verses in essentially 4 parts

What happened to Paul (imprisonment/hardships)

The effect on non-believers

The effect on believers

Paul’s response to it all

Let’s look at each and how it applies to us in the church today

Suffering for Christ

Philippians 1:12-13 “12 Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually advanced the gospel, 13 so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard, and to everyone else, that my imprisonment is because I am in Christ.”

What has happened to Paul?

likely referring to his imprisonment that started in Jerusalem up to his current imprisonment… which includes:

Riot

Two-year imprisonment at Cesarea

Appeal to Caesar

The threat on his life

The trip to Rome with its shipwreck

His house arrest in Rome awaiting impending trial

Why did these things happen to Paul?

Direct response to sharing the gospel

All starts with him going to Jerusalem - Acts 21:13 “13 Then Paul replied, “What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.””

Leads to the riot where they accused him of teaching “everyone everywhere against our people, our law, and this place...” (Acts 16:28)

When Paul was on trial he said, “…I admit this to you: I worship the God of my ancestors according to the Way, which they call a sect, believing everything that is in accordance with the law and written in the prophets.” (Acts 24:14)

While he was imprisoned he shared the gospel - Acts 24:24 “24 Several days later, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, he sent for Paul and listened to him on the subject of faith in Christ Jesus.”

Listen to the conversation he has before he is sent to Rome in Acts 26:27-29 “27 King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you believe.” 28 Agrippa said to Paul, “Are you going to persuade me to become a Christian so easily?” 29 “I wish before God,” replied Paul, “that whether easily or with difficulty, not only you but all who listen to me today might become as I am—except for these chains.””

And then once he’s in Rome - “He tried to persuade them about Jesus from both the Law of Moses and the Prophets.” (Acts 28:23)

All of this to say… Paul suffered because of his boldness in preaching the gospel in word and living the gospel in action

So the question we must ask ourselves is, what does this mean for us today? Is this just a historical fact that we take note of? Was Paul a Christian who just suffered by random happenstance? Or is Paul setting some sort of precedent?

Well what does Scripture say?

1 Peter 5:10 “10 The God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, establish, strengthen, and support you after you have suffered a little while.”

2 Timothy 3:12 “12 In fact, all who want to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.”

1 Peter 4:12-13 “12 Dear friends, don’t be surprised when the fiery ordeal comes among you to test you, as if something unusual were happening to you. 13 Instead, rejoice as you share in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may also rejoice with great joy when his glory is revealed.”

John 15:18-21 “18 “If the world hates you, understand that it hated me before it hated you. 19 If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own. However, because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of it, the world hates you. 20 Remember the word I spoke to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours. 21 But they will do all these things to you on account of my name...”

So… we can define Biblical suffering as… the effects of the world’s negative reaction to active sharing of the full gospel

Paul’s suffering may have been unique in terms of “how” he suffered, but the fact that he suffered was not unique

And like, Peter says, we mustn’t be surprised when it comes… rather, we may be surprised when it doesn’t come. And that’s not to say every single moment of your life will be suffering… but it will be a mark of your life

I think for many Christians, it’s not a mark at all. And the reasoning remember then… is our words and actions are actively proclaiming the gospel - a message, that while it offers salvation to those who hear and believe, is hostile to the sin nature of the world

Advancement of the Gospel

So the given in our text is that Paul shared the gospel and that he suffered as a result… but that wasn’t the only result. He experienced the advancement of the gospel - in two ways

Quantitative Advancement

Philippians 1:12-13 “12 Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually advanced the gospel, 13 so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard, and to everyone else, that my imprisonment is because I am in Christ.”

Advanced in those who know

Philippians 1:16-18 “16 These preach out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel; 17 the others proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, thinking that they will cause me trouble in my imprisonment. 18 What does it matter? Only that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is proclaimed, and in this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice”

Advanced in those who have heard

Qualitative Advancement

Philippians 1:14 “14 Most of the brothers have gained confidence in the Lord from my imprisonment and dare even more to speak the word fearlessly.”

Advancement in depth - discipleship of others

Philippians 1:18-19 “18 What does it matter? Only that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is proclaimed, and in this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice 19 because I know this will lead to my salvation through your prayers and help from the Spirit of Jesus Christ.”

Advancement in personal depth

Rejoice in the Proclamation

Philippians 1:18-20 “18 What does it matter? Only that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is proclaimed, and in this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice 19 because I know this will lead to my salvation through your prayers and help from the Spirit of Jesus Christ. 20 My eager expectation and hope is that I will not be ashamed about anything, but that now as always, with all courage, Christ will be highly honored in my body, whether by life or by death.”

This is Paul’s great joy

So much so that he compares it with death

2 Corinthians 4:17-18 “17 For our momentary light affliction is producing for us an absolutely incomparable eternal weight of glory. 18 So we do not focus on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”

Closing Thoughts/Invitation

Holy Spirit led