Prayers with Purpose

( read from verse 12, skip to 18- the point is true in any circumstance)

Philippians 1:12–20 “12 Now I want you to know, brothers, that my circumstances have actually served to advance the gospel.

13 As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. 14 And most of the brothers, confident in the Lord by my chains, now dare more greatly to speak the word without fear. 15 It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. 16 The latter do so in love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel. 17 The former, however, preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can add to the distress of my chains.

18 What then is the issue? Just this: that in every way, whether by false motives or true, Christ is preached. And in this I rejoice.

Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, 19 because I know that through your prayers and the provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, my distress will turn out for my deliverance. 20 I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have complete boldness so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.

Past Prison Problems

Acts 16:22–26 “22 The crowd joined in the attack against Paul and Silas, and the magistrates ordered that they be stripped and beaten with rods. 23 And after striking them with many blows, they threw them into prison and ordered the jailer to guard them securely. 24 On receiving this order, he placed them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks. 25 About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. 26 Suddenly a strong earthquake shook the foundations of the prison. At once all the doors flew open and everyone’s chains came loose.”

What else are you going to do when you have been brought to your lowest point?

your options involve either you being in control or God being in control

This kind of testing proves the mettle of your faith in the goodness of God

We all need a good “earthquake” once in a while.

shakes the foundation of our prison

breaks our chains and sets us free (not merely to escape)

Hopeful House Arrest

ACTS 23:11. Boldness in preaching the gospel started a squabble in the Sanhedrin. (CHECK IT OUT)

Berean Standard Bible Chapter 23

11The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, “Take courage! As you have testified about Me in Jerusalem, so also you must testify in Rome.”

Paul’s Hope:

Acts 24:15–16 “15 and I have the same hope in God that they themselves cherish, that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked. 16 In this hope, I strive always to maintain a clear conscience before God and man.”

Paul’s Point

Philippians 1:21–26 “21 For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

22 But if I go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. So what shall I choose? I do not know. 23 I am torn between the two. (dislocated heart) I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better indeed. 24 But it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body.

25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain

and will continue with all of you

for your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that through my coming to you again your exultation in Christ Jesus will resound on account of me.”