Steadfast in Suffering

The book of Philippians is one of the Apostle Paul's prison epistles, written around A.D. 61-63 while he was under house arrest in Rome (Acts 28:30-31). Paul had been imprisoned for preaching the gospel, yet he remained joyful and focused on spreading the message of Christ.

In Philippians 1:12-19, Paul encourages the believers in Philippi by showing them how his imprisonment has actually advanced the gospel rather than hindered it.

Key Historical Themes in This Passage:

Paul’s Imprisonment and the Spread of the Gospel

In verse 12, Paul assures the Philippians that his situation has “fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel.”

This means that, rather than stopping his ministry, his chains had given him a new audience—the Roman guards and others in Caesar’s household (Philippians 4:22).

The elite Praetorian Guard (Philippians 1:13, “palace”) was now hearing about Christ, something that might not have happened otherwise.

Encouragement to Other Believers

In verse 14, Paul states that his imprisonment has emboldened other Christians to preach the gospel without fear.

Persecution was common in the Roman world, but seeing Paul remain faithful encouraged others to do the same.

Motives in Preaching Christ

In verses 15-17, Paul acknowledges that some were preaching Christ out of envy and rivalry, while others preached sincerely.

Some may have seen Paul’s imprisonment as an opportunity to elevate their own status as preachers.

Despite this, Paul rejoices because Christ is still being proclaimed (v. 18).

Paul’s Confidence in Deliverance

In verse 19, Paul expresses confidence that, through prayer and the Spirit of Christ, he will ultimately be delivered—either by being freed or through eternal victory in Christ.

This reflects Paul's unwavering faith, whether in life or death.

The Philippians’ Connection to Paul

The church at Philippi was the first church Paul planted in Europe (Acts 16).

The Philippians had a deep love and partnership with Paul, often supporting him financially (Philippians 4:15-16).

Paul’s letter is written to encourage them not to be discouraged by his chains but to continue in boldness and faith.

Summary

Philippians 1:12-19 highlights Paul’s joy in suffering, his trust in God’s sovereignty, and his focus on the gospel despite opposition. His imprisonment, instead of being a setback, became a tool for advancing God’s kingdom. This passage teaches us that God can use difficult circumstances for His glory and encourages us to remain faithful regardless of trials.

2. Things Get Worse

While in prison, Paul didn't only face the challenge of persecution by the Roman government. He also faced the discouragement of hearing that some Christians were preaching the gospel with impure motives-some even with the express desire to add difficulty to Paul. They wanted to "kick him while he was down."

There are times in our lives as well when it seems that problems are relentless. But even through these times, God can give us courage under pressure.

Paul saw this situation for what it was—an issue of motives.

A. The Problem of Motives

A Slide 2A

God is not just concerned with what we do; He is also concerned with what motivates our actions.

Charles Spurgeon said, "Always has the Holy One of Israel estimated men by their inner nature, and not by their outward professions; to Him the inward is as visible as the outward, and He rightly judges that the essential character of an action lies in the motive of him who works it."

Our motives matter. And Paul knew that not everyone who was preaching Christ was doing so with pure motives.

Philippians 1:15

Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will:

1. ONE PREACHES FOR ENVY AND STRIFE

The root of envy is covetousness, a desire for what others have, which can lead to destructive behavior.

Paul noted that some individuals preached Christ out of jealousy towards his influence and success.

Their intent was not to spread the gospel sincerely but to compete with Paul and elevate themselves.

The disciples exhibited a similar form of jealousy, and Jesus rebuked them for it.

Mark 9:38-41

And John answered him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, and he followeth not us: and we forbad him, because he followeth not us. 39 But Jesus said, Forbid him not: for there is no man which shall do a miracle in my name, that can lightly speak evil of me. 40 For he that is not against us is on our part. 41 For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward.

The Bible is clear that there is one reason contention comes into relationships-pride.

Proverbs 13:10 KJV 1900

10 Only by pride cometh contention: But with the well advised is wisdom.

These preachers, driven by envy and strife, were more interested in creating division and drawing attention to themselves than in the well-being of lost souls.

2. ONE PREACHES FOR GOOD WILL

On the other hand, there were those who preached out of genuine love and goodwill. These individuals were not motivated by competition but by a sincere desire to share the gospel and support Paul's ministry.

We should treasure and give thanks for those who are faithful in God's work. We should encourage them and be encouraged by their examples.

The Problem of Motives

The Proof of Motives

A Slide 2B

There were some who preached for envy, and some of goodwill. And the results of both were different in Paul's life.

Philippians 1:16-17

The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds: 17 But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel.

1. ONE PREACHES WITH CONTENTION

When people act from pride and try to put themselves forward or gain praise and attention from others, there will be conflict.

An example of a contentious spirit is found in Diotrephes mentioned in 3 John.

3 John 9

I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not.

Diotrephes sought to dominate the congregation, causing strife and division rather than fostering unity.

The church is meant to function as a unified body with all the members working toward the same goal. However, that does not happen by accident.

We must work at it if we are to have unity.

Philippians 2:2-4

Fulfill ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. 3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. 4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.

2. ONE RELIEVES AFFLICTION

In contrast, some individuals, motivated by love, sought to alleviate Paul's affliction. They were genuinely concerned with the spread of the gospel and the well-being of their fellow believers.

God calls us to serve Him motivated by love.

2 Corinthians 5:14-15

For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: 15 And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.

Paul was blessed to have people who stood with him in his trials. Though there were those filled with contention and strife, there were also those who made a special effort to reach out and help him.

There are great opportunities for those who are willing to invest in others in this way. Very few things have as great an impact as helping those who are under pressure.

Suggestion

Share with the class a time in your life when God used a difficult situation to produce something important and meaningful that you didn't understand until later.

2 Timothy 1:16-17

The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain: 17 But, when he was in Rome, he sought me out very diligently, and found me.

The Reality of Persecution

The Relentlessness of Problems

3. The Rejoicing of Patience

Slide 3

The persecution, the problems, the obstacles and the opposition that Paul faced were real, but they did not rob him of his joy. Even in prison, and even when others took advantage of him, Paul rejoiced.

Philippians 1:18

What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.

Joy is not dependent on our circumstances. Joy is internal, a fruit of the work of the Holy Spirit as He fills our lives and we walk in submission and obedience to Him.

Galatians 5:22-25

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. 24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.

. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

Paul not only rejoiced himself, but he reminded the Christians at Philippi that they should do the same-not because everything was easy and going well, but because Jesus was Lord. He is our unfailing source of hope and joy in this world. He never changes, never fails, and never stops loving and caring for His children. Even on the worst days, He gives us reason to rejoice.

A. Christ Was Preached

Discussion

When have you seen someone demonstrate joy in hard times?

Slide 3A

The great passion of the Apostle Paul was telling people about Jesus. He traveled across the Roman Empire at a time when travel was hazardous and uncomfortable. He preached in synagogues, amphitheaters, houses, and prisons. He endured great suffering, opposition and persecution, but he never quit.

So, when others were preaching Christ-whether it was in pretense or in truth-Paul rejoiced that Christ was being preached.

The word pretence in this passage comes from the Greek word prophasis. It means "a pretext; alleged reason, pretended cause."

But while some preached without their heart in it, there were those who preached in truth. Their own lives were behind their message.

Paul backed up that message by the way he lived and interacted with others, knowing that if he did not, the cause of the gospel might be hindered.

1 Thessalonians 1:5

For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.

1 Thessalonians 2:10

Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe:

Christ Was Preached

Paul Rejoiced Slide 3B

The results-regardless of the motive or purpose-was that the gospel is preached. And for Paul, that was the bottom line. He just wanted the gospel to go out, and he rejoiced when it did.

God has told us that His Word, in spite of its speaker, will not come back void.

Isaiah 55:11

So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.

A faithful Christian, regardless of the pressure he is under or the suffering he is enduring, can always rejoice in God's Word and in the knowledge that God's work is being done through it.

It must have seemed strange to the guards watching Paul that, despite being held in captivity, he was rejoicing. The trials and pressure were real, but he had a joy that could not be taken away. No doubt there were mornings when his body ached from the sufferings he had endured.

But the trials do not steal our joy unless we let them. In fact, knowing that we are enduring something for the cause of Christ gives us even more reason to keep going with a smile on our face and a song in our heart. When the world hates us and tries to stop us, it is a strong indication that we are doing the right thing—and that we should keep on doing it.

1 Peter 1:6-8

Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: 8

Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:

CONCLUSION

A Slide Summary

We are never going to fully understand God's plan until we see Him face to face. There will be times when we feel overwhelmed and do not understand how we can keep going. In those moments, God offers to provide all that we need.

When we wait on the Lord and trust in Him, He allows us to see the big picture and gives us the courage we need for the moment.

Paul faced the reality of persecution in prison.

He faced the relentlessness of problems as contentious and pretentious people sought to bring difficulty to him. But he also chose the rejoicing of patience as he saw the will and Word of God go forward in spite of the difficulties.

Isaiah 40:28-31

Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding. 29 He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. 30 Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: 31 But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.