Trusting Christ when

Alright So today we are going to be in Philippians Chapter 1

we are starting a new Series through Philippians for the next 4 weeks

so let’s do a little bit of background on this book before we jump in

This book is written by the apostle Paul

once was Saul

he wrote this during his Roman imprisonment

so He wrote this from prison

to one of the first churches he planted

interesting fact is that many scholars believe that this is the first Christian Church in Europe

lBut Paul wrote this from Prison and I want you to keep that in mind when you see his attitude

(Trusting Christ) to Use your situation

see V12

So we see here Paul’s attitude when being in prison

he’s not sad

mad

crying

playing pity on himself

No he’s hopeful

we don’t see him feeling bad for himself

we see him thinking of others first (servant)

His first response is I want you to know Brother’s and sisters

He is being a servant like we talked about last week we see that in action in this moment.

He knows that when they got news of something bad happening to a hero of the faith they would worry

and Paul is quick to let them know that is not the case

that it may look bad but it is actually good

now you may be thinking How can he be good if he’s in prison

and it’s simple because he is only worried about people hearing and coming to know Christ

when that is your main objective then being in rough situations is not that big of an issue

because you know that Christ is going to be magnified by your life

and we see him point straight to Christ

That what was happened to me has actually advanced the gospel

One of the first things he does in this passage is mention the Gospel

and because it is being advanced then it is all good

that is Pauls only worry

How can i advance the Gospel with my life

Imagine being in Pauls situation you sitting in prison

life is bad food is terrible

back then prisoners were physically assaulted and that was okay

so Paul is not in a great place

likely chained and shackled to a wall

and Paul knows that Christ is going to use his situation for the advancement of the Gospel

He is trusting Christ to use his situation for the best

See V13

Christ used his situation for good

and the only way that those people in prison know Christ and hear about him is because Paul is in there

I know that in moments it feels like you are struggling or your situation is bad

each one of you have different struggles

but they all feel like nothing good can come out of it

then you start to question Christ

Sometimes you are in those situations to reach people

like Paul here

the whole Imperial guard and everyone else

they are coming to know Christ because Paul allowed Christ to put him in situations that don’t look good

and isn’t good

But because Paul was willing to let himself be used those people are now coming to know Christ

so when your situation seems like it’s unfair wether that be a family situation or school situation whatever it may be remember that God has you in the position for a reason

even though it looks bad now Keep the attitude that Paul has in that it is for the advancement of the Gospel which is our ultimate goal

So remember to trust God when you don’t know whats happening but also when it seems bad

which brings me to my second point Trusting Christ to turn the situation good

(Trusting Christ) to turn it to good

see V14-18a

Paul starts off V14 letting us now that through his Bad situation people have gotten more bold

The brothers have gained confidence in the Lord

When you go through your difficult situations realize that other people see it

other people see how you handle it

how you react

what and who you turn to

we see that with Paul that the people watching see him turn to Christ and they grow more Confident in Christ

and those in the faith use that as confidence to speak out about their faith

your tough times show others that Christ can turn anything for good and that starts a revival at your school and on your team and in your classes

you wanna see your friends come to know Christ

you wanna see those friends that you invite every week actually show up

Don’t hide in difficult situations show them that in Christ you have peace knowing he will turn it to good

Fellow believers will see you and and speak fearlessly

not ashamed of the gospel or Christ but fearlessly

just like in small groups tonight we talked about acts 5 and how apostles treated difficult situations

But next we see an issue arise V15-18a

Paul shows us examples of how people will respond

envy

rivalry

good will

love

Selfishly

not sincerely

you cannot control how people will react

but that’s not up to us

we are to lead by example and let Christ take care of the rest

which is what Paul does and he even knows that some people will react poorly

and that’s okay

because what does it matter only that Christ is proclaimed

Paul shows us the cure to worrying about what others do

realize Christ will turn it for good and for his glory

and that is the great part we are not in control over what happens when we live like this

Christ is we are just to lead by example

my third and final point

(Trusting Christ When) not knowing whats coming next

see V18b-20

We see the apostles rejoice in acts and here we see Paul rejoice

we need to always be rejoicing knowing that Christ is always turning our Difficult situations for good

even when we don’t know what’s coming next

that word salvation does not mean that you can earn salvation

that word simply means Deliverance

that with him rejoicing he will be delivered from the difficulties of this world

and through the prayer of the church of Philippi he will be delivered

and again Paul clarifies that our hope and prayer should be that we are not ashamed about anything

V20

and that we would highly honor Christ will our body’s wether by death or life

meaning that no matter if it make you lose friends you will honor Christ

Closing

If you do not know Christ as your savior please come talk to me

so as I close I wanna have you spend a minute in prayer with Christ

Christ will use my bad situations to advance his name

that your friends would gain confidence in Christ because of how you respond

Not let you get caught up in how people respond to your reaction

and that our body and life would highly honor Christ

PRAY WITH ME