Christ Will Be Exalted

Philippians 1:15-19

Introduction:

We are continuing in our series, Joy In The Journey, and today is the fourth message.

Today’s title is: Christ Will Be Exalted and we will specifically be in Philippians 1:15-19

In July 1961, the Green Bay Packers gathered for the first day of training camp. The team was still stinging from a tough loss in the NFL Championship the previous season, where they gave up a late lead and lost to the Philadelphia Eagles. The players were eager to improve and focus on the details that would help them win it all. But Coach Vince Lombardi had a different approach. Holding up a football, he said, “Gentlemen, this is a football.” Lombardi started from the very basics, acting as if the team knew nothing—even though they had almost won the championship. He focused on the fundamentals: blocking, tackling, and going through the playbook from the first page. Even when a player joked that the pace was too fast, Lombardi stuck to his plan. That focus on the basics paid off. Six months later, the Packers dominated the New York Giants 37–0 and won the NFL Championship.

Vince Lombardi kept the main thing, the main thing with his football team and went back to the basics. The text we will study today, Paul is going to show us how to keep the main thing, the main thing, no matter the circumstances - It’s all about Jesus.

Prayer:

Read The Text:

Philippians 1:15-19

Central Idea:

No matter the circumstances, God’s message about Christ will go forth.

Walk Through The Text:

Read Verses 15-17

POINT ONE: Christ Was Proclaimed

Read Verse 15

You had two camps of believers who were preaching Christ.

Those who preached Christ from envy and rivalry- they were glad Paul was in prison and this was their chance to shine and get recognition.

Others preached Christ from good will- they had a true heart for Christ and seeing the lost saved. We should strive to be in this camp!

Read Verse 16

Paul knew the pure and true hearts of those who preached Christ out of love (AGAPE). They knew Paul was in prison for defending the Gospel and they were carrying on the mission of telling others about Jesus.

Read Verse 17

Paul also knew that the others who preached Christ from envy and rivalry were doing it for the wrong reasons. They wanted the spotlight on them, not Paul. And this was their chance to benefit from his imprisonment. Disclaimer- they were not anti-Christ, they were anti-Paul. They were still sharing Jesus with others, just with impure hearts.

We’ve all fallen into moments where our actions for Jesus were more about us. Let’s commit to a pure heart and a genuine desire to glorify Him everywhere we go.

Read Verses 18-19

POINT TWO: Christ Was The Focus

Read Verse 18

Either way, Paul wanted the focus to be on the message of Jesus, not the messenger. He rejoiced that Christ was being proclaimed and knew that God was at work! What a Kingdom perspective Paul had that was beyond his years.

It could have been so easy to be bitter and frustrated by not only being in prison for telling others about Jesus but finding out that some of those telling others about Jesus were doing it for the wrong reasons. Yet he kept the main thing, the main thing- It’s all about Jesus and the life change that He brings!

Application: If Jesus has saved you, then you’ve got a story worth sharing—so go share it!

Illustration: Draw out the 3 Circles- Gospel Presentation

Don’t forget—God used both those who preached Christ with pure motives and those who didn’t. We should strive to always serve with a pure heart.

Read Verse 19

Paul is telling the Philippians that he knows through their consistent prayers (pray without ceasing) and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ (That’s the Holy Spirit in Paul), this will turn out for my deliverance.

Paul trusted in their prayers and knew they made a difference! He also trusted in the Spirit of Jesus Christ (The Holy Spirit) to comfort him and guide him during this time in prison.

Paul leaves the last part “This will turn out for my deliverance vague and 2 applications can be made here”

Paul could be physically delivered from prison and be back out with the Philippians working together in ministry again and back on the streets proclaiming Christ.

Paul could be spiritually delivered (salvation in Christ). He knew the emperor Nero could have him killed at any time. If that happened, he would be delivered from the world and face to face with Jesus.

Paul trusted that God was at work and still in control. He rejoiced in that!!

Application:

Share the message of Jesus with someone this week.

Conclusion:

Spend the next few minutes in prayer. God may be calling you to repent. God may be calling you to draw closer to Jesus this morning if you have strayed. God may be calling you to surrender to Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and start your relationship with Him today. If you do not have a relationship with Jesus, if he truly is not your Lord and Savior, I would love to talk to you right now about how you can leave here with a relationship with Jesus Christ today!

However God has spoken to you this morning to respond, do it!