Dare to Proclaim the Gospel

Philippians 1:12–26 NIV

12 Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has 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 because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel 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 out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17 The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. 18 But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, 19 for I know that through your prayers and God’s provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. 20 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. 21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. 22 If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! 23 I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; 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 I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me.

Introduction

Introduction

Louis Zamperini overcoming obstacles illustration

In our life we all have to overcome obstacles

Those who overcome obstacles often state that they have a overwhelming reason to continue during the obstacleIn our text for today Paul shows us some obstacles that do not prevent the spread of the Gospel.

Thesis: Obstacles that do not prevent the spread of the Gospel.

Persecution (vv. 12-14)

Focus on advancing the Gospel (v. 12)

Non-believers will see Christ in you (v. 13)

Fellow believers will be emboldened (v. 14)

Rivalry (vv. 15-18a)

Two motives for preaching (v. 15)

Envy & rivalry (v. 15a)

Goodwill (v. 15b)

Goodwill preaching comes from love (v. 16)

Rivalry preaching comes from selfishness (v. 17)

Preaching matters more than motives (v. 18a)

Circumstances (vv. 18b-26)

Assurance of deliverance (vv.18b-19)

Expectation of Christ being exalted (vv. 20-21)

Continuing for the Church (vv. 22-26)

Conclusion- When we think about all the obstacles that Christ had to overcome for us it gives us the desire to overcome these obstacles of persecution, rivalry, and circumstances to make His Gospel known. This morning if some of these obstacles scare you, know that Christ overcame these obstacles so that you could dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear.