Philippians: God Soverignly Advances His Gospel

Hamburger Hill

Hamburger Hill was the nickname for Hill 937 of Ap Bia Mountain in Vietnam. North Vietnamese 29th Regiment dug into the hill to ward off an American offensive on May 10, 1969. On the first attack the Vietnamese were able to beat back the 101st airborne division. A few days later, on May 14th, 3rd Battalion, 187th infantry battled to take the hill. They were forced to turn back. For the next ten days the battle raged as the mountain came under heavy air-strikes, infantry assaults, and tropical rain showers. On the eleventh try, the Americans and South Vietnamese were able to finally take the Hill. Over 630 North Vietnamese and 72 Americans were killed taking the hill, with 372 American soldiers wounded.

Due to the bitter fighting and the high casualty rate, Ap Bia Mountain was dubbed “Hamburger Hill” by journalists covering the Vietnam War. Speaking to a reporter, 19-year-old Sergeant James Spears said, “Have you ever been inside a hamburger machine? We just got cut to pieces by extremely accurate machine gun fire.”

There are times in the Christian faith it appears like we are inside a hamburger machine. The enemy rages cutting our faith to pieces by extremely accurate gun fire. The Christian faith is a war time faith. We battle everyday to joyfully advance the kingdom of God by making much of Jesus until the church, community, and home joyfully abide in Jesus. The powers we fight agaisnt are not flesh and blood, but are spiritual powers of darkness. There are times when Satan and his minions appear to be holding down their hill just fine.

Jesus warns us that persecution will come to those who bear his name. There will be times when Satan positions himself on top of the hill and cuts our brothers and sisters to pieces with accurate gun fire. Brothers and sisters have been and will be laying down their lives for the sake of God’s elect. Other times, our brothers and sisters, have been and will be imprisoned unjustly, and their homes confiscated, their families torn apart, and their reputations defiled. Satan is so cunning that he can even use envy and jealousy inside camp of God’s people to kill by friendly fire. Satan can make it look like and feel like the gospel has stopped moving forward. He can give your ministry the appearance it is all over. The church is dead. Why bother getting out of that pew to share the good news. We are not ignorant of these things, and Paul does not want the Philippian church to be upset by these things. Whether we are imprisoned or put to death is no concern for the gospel.

God will sovereignly advance his kingdom in the face of outward persecution and inward envy to the glory of Christ Jesus.

Therefore, do not loose your joy nor stop advancing God’s kingdom by making much of Jesus. Paul is confident that the good work God began in them will be completed until the Day of Christ. God promises to work all things for the good of those who love him and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28-29). Paul is living proof that no matter what circumstances arise in your life, whether you are persecuted for the faith by being imprisoned or being hurt by those who envy your ministry, and your ministry may even look like it is over, God is more than able to keeper movi’n forward.

God advances His gospel in the face of outward persecution (Philippians 1:12-14)

Philippians 1:12–14 ESV

12 I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, 13 so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ. 14 And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.

G.K.Chesterton once said of courage,

Courage is almost a contradiction in terms. It means a strong desire to live taking the form of a readiness to die. —G.K. Chesterton, Orthodoxy

G. K. Chesterton

Understanding courage in this light makes Jim Elliot, Nate Saint, Ed McCully, Pete Flemming, and Roger Youdarian’s story understandable. They were five courageous men who were passionate for bring the gospel to unreached people groups. They moved to Ecudor in 1955 as missionaries. At some point they made contact with a violent unreached people group called the Waodoni. The men knew they were violent, but that was risk they were willing to take to bring Jesus’s salvation to this tribe. On January 9, 1956, all five men were speared to death on beach by a remote river. Jim Elliot even had a pistol in his hand, but refused to kill any of the tribes people. Such confidence in Jesus. Paul displays the same confidence in Christ.

God used Paul as a missionary pastor/ church planter for the Gentiles. He traveled much of the Roman empire, including the region of Macedonia, planting preaching the gospel and planting churches; Thessalonica, Corinth, Athens, and Philippi. Paul had always desired to preach the gospel in Rome. Rome was the nerve center of the empire holding over 1 million citizens, slaves, and travelers. If the gospel were to permeate through Rome, it would ripple out across the empire. God gave Paul his desire to preach in Rome, but it came with chains. Paul would not preach the gospel in Rome as a freeman, but a a prisoner of Caesar.

Paul is not a criminal. He is not suffering the consequence of sin nor is he under God’s discipline. Paul is in chains because he preached the gospel in Jerusalem as a free man. He was arrested and tried. Upon that trial he appealed to Caesar and to Caesar he went. Likely under house arrest, he was always within 18 inches of a Roman guard. That is how far his chains would extend from his hands. The imperial guard were elite Roman soldiers. Many of them served as body guards for the emperor in his palace. There would’ve been somewhere between 9,000 and 10,000 praetorians serving in this capacity. Many of them would’ve encountered Paul as they would change guards on rotation. By all means, Paul’s ministry looked to be over. He’s a criminal by Roman standards and he confined to a Roman elite guard and a small house.

In verse 12, however, Paul signals that nothing could be further from the truth. He uses a well known formula in Greek to show the gospel is moving forward. He says, “I want you to know, brothers.” With this phrase, Paul is conveying to the Philippian church, “I know you think my imprisonment is dire and hindering my ministry. Actually, its doing the opposite.” Paul says instead of hindering the gospel, his imprisonment serves to advance the gospel. Paul is so confident of this that he implies God put him in prison for the sake of sharing the Gospel in chains. He says, “my imprisonment is for Christ.” That is, God put me in chains so I could share the gospel with Roman imperial guards and all the rest who come by my path.

Some of you may wonder why I speak of God’s sovereignty so often in my sermons. I am convinced it is one of the foundational doctrines, truths about God that is not only a life line to your faith but a set of glasses to view the world. Injustice happens all the time. Paul’s imprisonment was not just. And yet, it was not governed by wicked pagan men alone. God’s sovereignty ensured Paul would go to Rome according to God’s plan to serve God’s purpose. Paul’s persecution was governed by God to serve God’s will in Rome. There were imperial Guards whom were being called into God’s kingdom, and Paul was going to be the messenger who brought to the gospel to them. Those newly converted guards were going to live their Christian life in close proximity to Roman officials, even the emperor himself, and they were going to have an influence, so much so that In 313 AD, the Emperor Constantine issued the Edict of Milan, which accepted Christianity: 10 years later, it had become the official religion of the Roman Empire. Paul had no idea that in 252 years from the time he was sharing the gospel in Rome, to the imperial guard and to all the rest, that Rome would embrace Jesus as Lord, but God did, and he worked all of Paul’s persecution for his good and God’s glory.

The immediate glory to God in Paul’s day was that other brothers in Christ did not shrink back in fear of suffering when they saw Paul imprisoned. It had the opposite effect. Paul’s persecution inspired other brothers in Christ to be confident in the Lord and speak the word without fear (v14). Seeing Paul persecuted and his response to the persecution inspired them to be bold with their faith and their life. Paul never lost his joy in prison. Paul never lost sight of his mission in prison. Paul testified how good Jesus is in every moment of life, and hoe Jesus will meet you in your greatest need to make it your finest hour. These brothers witnessed Jesus show up big for Paul and it gave them courage. Notice where their confidence lies, its in the Lord. The confidence in the Lord gave their hearts courage to be bold, to preach Christ crucified and risen in season and out of season. To proclaim to Nero and all of Rome there is only one king. His name is Jesus, and you must submit your him to Him.

The greek word for bold to speak denotes the idea of daring to have courage, be brave enough. The word is used to describe the courage of Joseph of Arimathea when he asked for the body of Jesus (Mark 15:43). It is also used to describe Paul’s attitude toward opponents in Corinth (2 Cor 10:2). You have to keep in mind the historical situation in Rome in the early 60’s. Nero’s madness was at a fever pitch. Just a couple of short years later he would burn the entire city down and blame the Christians for it. These brothers who spoke up, they were brave and courageous, and they were inspired by Paul’s bravery for the gospel.

When those five men were speared to death, one would think that all missions to that region would be put on hold. For the safety of their families , men and women would shrink back from reaching such a violent t people. Satan counts on violent death to provoke fear in the hearts of Christians. After this incident you would think the tribe would remain lost and remote forever. Who in their right mind would go back?

Jim’s wife, Elizabeth Elliot and Nate Saints sisters moved into the tribe within two years of the five men’s death death. One by one the men who murdered the five missionaries came to Jesus, until the entire tribe came to Jesus. The courage of faith and the confidence in Christ of those five men inspired Elizabeth and Nate Saints sister to do the unimaginable; to live with the tribe that killed their loved ones in order to bring the good news of Jesus. That, brothers and sisters, is Holy Spirit empowered courage, and it was contagious.

Courage was not confined to two women. Once news got out of the five men’s deaths, it inspired a movement of missionaries to go to South America and Africa. This was on the heels of Billy Graham's call for a million more in 54. The gospel was advancing despite the fear of death and persecution because Christians were inspired by the faith and commitment of five men to give what they could not keep in order to gain what they could not loose (Jim Elliot).

Why does this happen? Why would you and I be inspired to share the gospel in a hard place after witnessing the courage of someone who suffered for it that very hard place? Why would anyone live with the Waodoni people? It seems counter intuitive.

You courage, Christian, is not aroused by your will only. Jesus promised his disciples, all of his disciples, they the Holy Spirit would empower you to testify of Jesus. Moreover, the Holy Spirit gives you everything you need to say, and the will and courage to say it, in your hour of need. Jesus said,

Matthew 10:19–20 ESV

19 When they deliver you over, do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say, for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour. 20 For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.

There can be no courage in men unless God supports them by his Word.

John Calvin

The Holy Spirit loves to make much of Jesus by His word and in your heart. He emboldens you to go forth and make much of Jesus. He is as excited as anyone to boldly speak the truth of Christ, especially when you lay everything on the line. He is there to give you courage and the right words to be bold and truthful.

A quick read through Acts and see Spirit filled courage: Peter was filled with the Spirit when he boldly preached the gospel at Pentecost and the church added 3,000 souls, Stephen was filled with the Spirit when proclaimed the gospel and became the first martyr and even had the gumption to pray for those fools who were stoning him, and the gospel spread throughout the regions. Peter was filled with the Spirit when he courageously spoke before the religious officials and when he was imprisoned. Because of his courage, the church prayed for more boldness to speak the truth. Paul was filled with the Spirit when he was stoned in Lystra for preaching the good news of Jesus and he courageously got up and went back into the city like a boss. The Spirit empowers you with courage that is contagious to other believers who witness it.

Nothing can stop the gospel from the outside hate of the world. God sovereignly works everything toward its purposeful end. Persecution will be an instrument of grace in the hands of God, and when he appoints for you to suffer for the gospel (friends, he will appoint you to suffer for the gospel), He will empower you with courage to speak boldly truth in love so that even those who imprison you, will receive the gospel. Furthermore, those brothers and sisters who hear of your boldness will be inspired to speak truth with the same courage. So, do not fear, brothers and sisters, do not be dismayed. Go forth and preach to your neighbors, co-workers, family members, and even your enemies the good news of Jesus. God sovereignly advances His gospel in the face of outward persecution through your courage and joy in Christ.

If you keep reading, not everyone is filled with courage and love for Jesus. The gospel takes attacks from both outside the camp and inside the camp. Paul reveal that envy has caught the heart of some brothers.

God advances His gospel in the face of inward envy (Philippians 1:15-18)

Philippians 1:15–18 ESV

15 Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will. 16 The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17 The former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment. 18 What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice. Yes, and I will rejoice,

The Puritan Thomas Manton once said,

There are two sins which were Christ’s sorest enemies, covetousness and envy. Covetousness sold Christ and envy delivered him.

Thomas Manton

Envy is a killer of all things relational. I am reminded of the days of the Crusades, Richard of England and Philip of France went to battle as comrades. When both men came under fire in the Holy Land, it was evident that Richard was the braver of the two. The Crusaders nicknamed him Richard “The Lion-hearted.” When it became obvious that the Crusaders regarded Richard as their chief, Philip grew envious. Moved by jealousy, he objected to Richard’s strategies. He finally became defiant, withdrew from Palestine in a huff, and hastened back to France. Envy destroyed the unity of two kings, and it tried to divide God’s kingdom, but God ensured it worked for the good.

In verse 15, Paul says, some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry. Why are they doing this? Verse 17, they preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, but thinking to afflict Paul in his imprisonment. What is going on here? A little cultural context might shed some light on why envy is taking center stage.

The Philippian church existed in an honor culture. In an honor culture, men would compete with one another in the public arena. Men who excelled in oratory speaking and debate would often become targets of the φθόνος (envy) of others. Xenophon is cited as saying, “The envious are those who are annoyed only at their friends’ successes.” Julius Caesar was one of the first Romans to receive such honors and had many envious of his success. Some of his senatorial peers, heaped honors upon him, while others, in their perfidy, approved and proclaimed these extravagant honors only in order that envy (φθόνος) and suspicion might make Caesar hateful to the Romans” (Vita Caesaris by Nicolaus of Damascus [cited by Reumann 178]). Paul says envy is a work of the flesh (Gal 5:21). Peter says to put away envy and to grow up to salvation (1 Peter 2:1-2). Keep in mind, envy is what delviered Jesus over to Pilate (Matt 27:18).

In Paul’s case, he had men who were proclaiming the truth about Jesus. Paul did not say they were preaching heresy, but that they were preaching with ill motives. They preached out of envy of Paul’s success as an apostle; his writings, speaking, preaching =, and influence on the church. Moreover, they wanted a piece of the tithe. The selfish ambition Paul speaks of conveys a monetary entitlement. They were using the gospel to get paid. So, what they would do is give Paul backhanded compliments and then criticize his ministry. Sure, Paul is a great preacher, but his preaching lands him in prison. He’s a criminal. How can anyone take Paul serious and the gospel seriously when he preaches from a prison cell? Paul is not fit to be an apostle.

Envy creeps up in the church all the time. From a pastors perspective, one pastor notices another pastor’s ministry is exploding with fruit. The church is busting at the seems with people. The budget is up. The ministry is productive. They are having to hire new staff to keep up with the needs of the people. Now he turns and looks at his ministry, which looks like it has stalled and is going no where. The tithe does not cover the expenses. People are leaving left and right, and ministry is grinding to a holt. Both men are preaching the gospel. Both men are sincere in their mission to joyfully advance the king of God. But the pastor whose ministry appears to be stalling might be quick to say, “Yes, the pastor at such and such church is preaching the gospel, but his ministry strategy is unethical and I’m not sure he’s keeping huis family in order.” What makes you say that? Envy.

At a church level, one sister sees another sister growing in her faith, bearing fruit that proves she loves Jesus and glorifies the father. And the sister who is not bearing fruit allows envy to find fault in her growing sister. The reality is, according to Thomas Fuller,

Envy shoots at others and wounds herself.

Thomas Fuller

Proverbs 14:30 ESV

30 A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh, but envy makes the bones rot.

Nothing good comes from envy. Paul knows this and deals with it by keeping his eyes on His prize, Jesus

Philippians 1:18 ESV

18 What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice. Yes, and I will rejoice,

He recognized that those preaching out of envy were nothing more than hypocrites of the faith. A hypocrite, in Paul’s day, was an actor who pretended to be someone he wasn’t. A hypocrite of the faith is someone who pretends to be a Christian, but their envy exposes their heart. So, Paul relished in the fact that the hypocrite did get the gospel right, therefore, preach Christ crucified and resurrected, even at Paul’s expense. Paul did not care about his reputation. If you read further Paul says

Philippians 3:4–8 ESV

4 though I myself have reason for confidence in the flesh also. If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5 circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; 6 as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless. 7 But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. 8 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ

Paul’s confidence was in Jesus. Paul saw Jesus as the surpassing worth of life, so much so, he gave everything up to know Jesus. That is how you kill envy. You look at the surpassing worth of Christ and the value of knowing him. Through that lens you look at your brother or sister who is flourishing and you rejoice. You rejoice because you are seeing what you value above life itself being made much of; kind like a proud father who rejoices at their son or daughters achievements. I am not envious of my child’s achievements. I rejoice when they are made much of for their achievements. So it is when I see the fruit of the Holy Spirit manifesting itself in the life of my brothers and sisters.

Later, King Philip treacherously invaded Richard’s territory out of envy. Envy killed their friendship and their kingdom. Making much of Jesus conquers the envious heart and allows God to sovereignly advance the gospel. Envy cannot stop the gospel from moving forward. Making much if Jesus stops envy dead in its tracks. Making much of Jesus gives your heart the right lens to see the success of your brothers and sisters as a blessing and as good for the church, community, and home. John Chrysostom wisely encourages us,

Let us be thankful not for our own blessings alone, but also for those of others. In this way we will be able both to destroy our envy and to rivet our charity and make it more genuine, since it will not even be possible for you to go on envying those on behalf of whom you give thanks to the Lord.

John Chrysostom

Hamburger Hill Abandoned

On June 5—just days after the hard-won victory—Ap Bia Mountain was abandoned by U.S. forces because it had no real strategic value. The North Vietnamese re-occupied Hamburger Hill a month later.

“The only significance of the hill was the fact that your North Vietnamese (were) on it … the hill itself had no tactical significance,” General Zais was quoted as saying.

Calvary was conquered

That is not the case for the Christian faith. There was another hill, a greater hill, that held the greatest strategic value in all of heaven and earth. That was Calvary. Calvary is the hill Jesus walked with his cross, was crucified, and died for the sins of his people. And when the enemy thought they could come back and take the hill once again, Jesus rose from the grace three days later, conquering death and securing eternal life for all who would put their trust in Him.

He ascended into heaven and then poured out his Spirit on all who call upon his name to be saved. His Spirit empowers you stand firm in the faith, to act like men, and be strong and courageous, tot he point of death for the sake of God’s elect. God’s Spirit empowers you to kill envy in your heart and the hurt that envy brings from others by giveing you eyes to see Jesus, your prize, your surpassing worth in all of life.