Rejoice Always 02 - The Sweet Fruit of Suffering

Reading: Philippians 1:12-26
I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. 
Philippians 1:20 (NIV)

I.   A Deeper view of circumstances

     A.  Does God Fall Asleep?

           1.  We’re in a tough situation, is God sleeping?

                 a.  Illness, injury, medical problems

                 b.  Finances, job questions

                 c.  Friends (?), family, neighbors

           2.  We’re in the midst of an apparent defeat…

                 a.  Faith/faithfulness seem to cause prob’s

                 b.  Hardship comes in spite of faithfulness

           3.  It looks like the Gospel is losing ground…

                 a.  Tho we proclaim it, the trend is down

                 b.  Fewer seem to come to faith

                 c.  The churches seem to be emptying

     B.  Paul in Chains

           1.  Paul is in jail–did God make a mistake?

                 a.  Arrested b/c he followed Jesus

                 b.  Under house arrest in Rome

                 c.  This lasted 2 years (Acts 28:30)

           2.  Some are stirring up trouble for Paul (17)

                 a.  He’s lost his freedom; reputation too?

                 b.  Where is the power of his God now?

                 c.  Where is the blessing?

           3.  In chains for Christ (13)

                 a.  In chains because of the Gospel

                 b.  He is there for the Gospel (16)

     C.  See what’s Really happening

           1.  Paul sees beyond the obvious to God’s plan

                 a.  The chains, guards, power of Rome

                 b.  All are pawns in God’s plans for Paul

                 c.  His glass is always more than half full!

           2.  Reality is always bigger than the obvious

                 a.  Looking back, we know this is true.

                 b.  We rarely see clearly in the middle of it

           3.  He sees thru the eyes of faith

                 a.  Not just what; where is God in this?

                 b.  He sees b/c he looks & God shows him

                 c.  We don’t always see what–always Who

II.  Confident in the Gospel

     A.  The Gospel is Unstoppable

           1.  Being arrested has emboldened others! (14)

                 a.  Seeing what God was doing thru this (13)

                 b.  This purpose wasn’t for Paul but others

           2.  His arrest has brought the Gospel to Rome!

                 a.  Paul longed to do this (Rom 1)

                 b.  Now “defeat” has brought victory

           3.  Even to the palace guard!

                 a.  Soldiers were chained to Paul 24/7

                 b.  Paul had a captive audience!

                 c.  The devil’s strategy backfired!

     B.  The Gospel is Powerful

           1.  Even selfish ambition can’t stop it (15-18)

                 a.  Yes, there were detractors

                 b.  Some preached with spite on their lips

                 c.  They want to take Paul’s place

           2.  God put power to save in the Gospel

                 a.  Even that can’t stop the Gospel!

                 b.  The message > the messenger

     C.  The Gospel is the Main Thing

           1.  Paul’s comfort/reputation aren’t!

                 a.  His freedom isn’t

                 b.  The purity of the proclaimers isn’t

           2.  Paul’s focus is on the message itself!

                 a.  It’s why he’s in prison

                 b.  It’s why he’ll leave

                 c.  It’s why he rejoices! (18)

           3.  Whatever happens: let Jesus be exalted! (20)

                 a.  Let Him be exalted by my death

                 b.  Let Him be exalted by my life

                 c.  Can we say that?!

                 d.  Joy: I know, thru prayer & the Spirit’s help it will turn out for my best (19)

III. A sweet Dilemma

     A.  To live is Christ

           1.  Jesus was Paul’s life-source & purpose

                 a.  Not: to die is Christ & live is gain!

                 b.  Paul’s life was all about Jesus

                 c.  Can we say that?!

           2.  To live isn’t Paul (or Rich, Marcia, et cet.)

                 a.  We define our lives in our terms

                 b.  Paul sees himself here in terms of Jesus

                 c.  Choose this day Whom you will live for

     B.  To die is Better for me

           1.  B/c we go to be with him (immediately 23)

                 a.  We will see Him face to face
Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. (1 Co 13:12)

                 b.  Death is not the worst that can happen!

                 c.  BTW, no ambiguity re “soul sleep” here

           2.  A Sweet Dilemma – both choices are great!

                 a.  Paul is pulled in both directions

                 b.  Both are sweet choices

     C.  Together is better still

           1.  To live for Christ & help others know Him…

                 a.  Paul’s conclusion: selfless service

                 b.  Best choice what’s best for Paul

                 c.  Best choice = what’s best for them

           2.  Paul’s life purpose: their spiritual maturity

                 a.   your progress & joy in the faith (25)

                 b.  Till they overflow in praise to Jesus (26)

The Bottom Line:

.