Rejoicing in Trials

Introduction

The sermon “Finding Joy in Christ” from Philippians 1:1-11 centers on Paul’s profound joy despite his imprisonment, as he encourages the Philippians to continue in their partnership in the gospel, growing in love, knowledge, and discernment. Paul’s joy is rooted in his confidence that God will complete the good work He began in the lives of believers, calling the church to embrace joy, even amidst challenges. We were reminded that true joy transcends circumstances when our faith is firmly anchored in Christ’s work.

As we transition from verses 1-11, we turn to today’s message of “Rejoicing in Trials,” verses 12-30. Here, we see how enduring hardship with faith not only strengthens our spiritual walk but magnifies God’s glory in our lives. Through trials, we find deeper joy as our reliance on God grows.

Paul saw his imprisonment as a joy and a way to advance the gospel. Paul taught the church at Philippi and teaches us to have the courage to live for Christ despite our many difficulties. Paul tells us that the gospel is not like other information. This information is of power and charged forward into unknown territories while changing the hearts and lives of all who heard and were receptive to the good news.

This reminds me of one of my church members who lost her home during Hurricane Ida. She returned home to nothing, and she could not salvage much from the home. Yes, it was a struggle for her and her girls; she suffered during that time, and yes, she and her daughters were hurt by the storm's outcome. But this church member kept her faith. She, in her actions, advanced the gospel through her adversity. She taught me how to fight through struggle and to trust God in the midst of turmoil. When we would ask her how she was doing while rebuilding her home, her comment was usually, “God is good.” How can we glorify God when things don’t work out in our favor? We trust God and advance the gospel for the sake of Jesus’ name. The big idea of this passage is whether, in life or death, the ultimate aim of every Christian should be to honor Christ. Life’s trials, including suffering, are opportunities to live out and proclaim the gospel. In vs 12-30, Paul expresses his inner conflict: desiring to be with Christ in death but also wanting to remain in the flesh for the benefit of others. Then, he urges the Philippians to live lives worthy of the gospel and stand firm in their faith despite opposition and suffering.

Philippians 1:12–30 (ESV)

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.

Yes, and I will rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance, as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again.

Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God. For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake, engaged in the same conflict that you saw I had and now hear that I still have.

Let’s break down the text to entirely understand what Paul is telling the Philippians.

I. The Gospel Advances Through Adversity (vs 12-14)

Paul says that his imprisonment has provided opportunities for ministry. He points out that because he is in jail, it was a setback for him, but it helped to spread the gospel like wildfire to the whole imperial guard. Why the imperial guard?

Philippians 1:12–14: “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.”

Paul mentions the imperial guard to encourage the church at Philippi that due to his imprisonment, the gospel was spread to unexpected places, even to the Roman elites. He is saying that he has access to influential people who otherwise might not have heard the gospel; therefore, the gospel is advanced by his suffering. He is also encourages the Philippians and he assures them that rather than hindering the gospel by complaining and worrying why he was in jail. He is saying, look at what “my arrest did to advance the gospel forward.” The situation Paul made Christ known in places and to people. Paul’s vitality inspired vitality in believers to boldly proclaim the gospel.

This passage tell us that no matter the circumstances, the gospel can and will spread, often in ways that defy human understanding and expectations.

II. Paul’s Perspective on Life and Death (Vs 21-26)

The Heidelberg Catechism Question #1 asks, “What is our only comfort in life and in death?” This catechism question emphasizes that our only comfort in life and death is that we belong to Christ. In Philippians 1:21-26, Paul reflects this truth by expressing that whether he lives or dies, his ultimate desire is to honor Christ, showing that his life and death are fully surrendered to Christ’s purposes.

Philippians 1:21–26 “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose, I cannot tell. I am hard-pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again.”

Ok, I have been waiting to get to this part! | Imagine living life with such purpose that whether you wake up tomorrow or face death, you are completely satisfied because everything you do is about one person—Jesus Christ. | In Philippians 1:21, Paul boldly declares, “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” For me to have life is given by Christ and secured in his death and resurrection! His life revolves entirely around Christ, and he views even death as a victory because it brings him into Christ's presence. | What would change in your life if you truly believed that both living and dying were equally meaningful because your sole purpose was to honor Christ?

This apostle knows that everything he does is for the glory of Christ! He does not even want the Philippians to give him credit for anything; he does not want them to start taking credit for what is not theirs to take, including their lives!

Living with Christ at the center of our existence can radically change our outlook and priorities. When we fully grasp that we belong to Christ in both life and death, we can face challenges with unwavering hope, find purpose in every circumstance, and approach death without fear. As we contemplate Paul's words and the wisdom of the Heidelberg Catechism, let us challenge ourselves to live in a way that reflects this truth. We must live in such a way, so that through our suffering and success, by the power of the Holy Spirit in us, we can boldly advance the gospel.

III. Living a Life Worthy of the Gospel (vs 27-30)

Let me ask you a few questions that might get your wheels turning.

How does your daily conduct—whether at work, at home, or in your relationships—reflect the values of the gospel, and what areas of your life might need to change for you to truly live in a way that is “worthy of the gospel of Christ” as Paul describes in Philippians 1:27-30?

Are you willing to die for the gospel and are you willing to have such a love for Christ that you are yearning to know him even if it means suffering or conforming to his death? Let’s take a look at the text.

C. T. Studd, a wealthy British who left behind all of his wealth to live a life worthy of the gospel as a missionary, said - “Only one life,’ twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.”

Philippians 1:27–30 (ESV)

Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God. For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake, engaged in the same conflict that you saw I had and now hear that I still have.

One commentator said this about this passage: “That point is driven home even further when you understand that Paul is actually quoting the Greek Old Testament. Job says, Job 13:15-16: Though he slay me, I will hope in him; yet I will argue my ways to his face. This will be my salvation, that the godless shall not come before him.” So what is actually Paul saying here. So the Bible says in Proverbs 28:1–6 “The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion. When a land transgresses, it has many rulers, but with a man of understanding and knowledge, its stability will long continue. A poor man who oppresses the poor is a beating rain that leaves no food. Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, but those who keep the law strive against them. Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the Lord understand it completely. Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity than a rich man who is crooked in his ways.”

Let me point out that Paul uses “one spirit” and “one mind” to capture the essence of working side by side for the faith of the gospel. Why are we called to do this daily? I am glad you asked. The answer is simple, our boldness tells the enemy that we believe what you are saying. Why do we believe what we are saying? Because it has been revealed to us by the Holy Spirt by HIS word. When we live a life of suffering, and we trust in our salvation through Christ, we will begin to live a life worthy of the gospel. Just like I mentioned earlier about my church member who struggled through Ida after losing her house, she advanced the gospel through her struggle and suffering. 2 Corinthians 4:7-8 tells us that suffering for the gospel helps us find strength in Christ. 1 Peter 4:12-19 stirs up encouragement in the face of suffering while living a godly life.

Conclusion

Whether in life or death, the ultimate aim of every Christian should be to honor Christ. Life’s trials, including suffering and opposition, are opportunities to live out and proclaim the gospel. Why? Because the world is watching our every move. How are we going to act when we suffer? What image do you want to portray when fears are too much to bear? Suffering causes us to live a life worthy of the gospel. The Holy Spirit takes our minds off the world and focuses our attention on God so that our character is developed. In that, we become purified in Christ to look like Christ and be like Christ in a dark world that needs light. 2 Timothy 1:7 “for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”

In this passage, we find that Christ is the central figure; he is both our purpose and reward so that whether we live or die, our manner of life, our proclamation of the gospel, or even suffering, Christ is who we focus our attention on and set our sights and our hearts on.

When the world sees you face trials, what do they see - faith or fear?

As Christians, our suffering is not meaningless; it is an opportunity to reflect on the strength, love, and self-control that God has given us through HIS Spirit.

In our darkest moments, when fear and hardship press in, will we shine as a light, pointing to Christ, or will we hide in the shadows? Our response to suffering can either draw others closer to the gospel or push them away. Choose to live a life worthy of the gospel, even when the weight of the world is on our shoulders.

As you can see, this passage points to CHRIST because everything points to him. Paul focuses entirely on Christ—his mission, life, and death are all about Christ’s glory. He reflects the mindset of living for Christ and being willing to sacrifice everything for Him. His imprisonment for the gospel and readiness to die for Christ point to Christ’s ultimate sacrifice on the cross. Paul’s attitude of selflessness, humility, and devotion mirrors Christ’s own heart for His people. Philippians 3:10–12: “That I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own because Christ Jesus has made me his own.”

Let your circumstances, no matter how difficult, be a platform for advancing the gospel, just as Paul's imprisonment spread the message of Christ to places it had never reached (Philippians 1:12-13).

Pray