Rejoice as the Gospel Advances

1 - Title

Introduction

Paul’s occupation with Jesus Christ also stands out. In a total of 104 verses, there are 51 references to the Lord Jesus by name

Personal Rejoicing

Philippians 1:12–14 ESV

I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ. And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.

2-8 Phil

Philippians 1:12–18 ESV

I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ. And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will. The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment. What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice. Yes, and I will rejoice,

Philippians 1:12–18 ESV

I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ. And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will. The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment. What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice. Yes, and I will rejoice,

Philippians 1:

9 - Title

God will use every opportunity - good and bad - to spread the message of Jesus.

What happens to Paul (us) SERVES to spread the Gospel.

Circumstance: !!!

1. “Everyone here - whole palace guard - knows I’m here for Christ.

Pastor Yang Hua, a house church pastor in China, was imprisoned for his faith for 2-1/2 years.

In the letter he sent earlier this month, Yang reminded his wife, Wang Hongwu, to focus more on God than on the difficulties they are going through.

"Our wonderful God, our Lord forever," he said. "Who can guess His wisdom and mystery? Our faith is built on His words (He never changes and never does wrong; this is the unchangeable maxim)," Yang wrote.

"We listen more to God and less to human beings," he said.

The pastor told his wife not to worry about his health, including his liver disease and scabies, which cropped up since his arrest.

"The fatty liver disease was diagnosed in prison," Yang wrote. "The suffering is bearable. The Lord has grace. The canker sore has not returned since May of this year. Thank God."

Yang finished the letter by trying to lift his wife's spirit.

"Never be dejected and despondent, always look up at our Lord, and always keep the spiritual life above the chaos of the real environment," he wrote. "Rest in God's arms. 'Some rely on chariots, some on horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord.' Be upright and take care. Be prepared for the rest of the road. I will go with you. If the Lord doesn't allow it, not a single hair (from your head) will drop to the floor."

Both Paul and Pastor Yang have a bigger perspective of who God is in their circumstances and what God is doing in the big picture: spreading his kingdom and reaching people with his Good News.

2. Most believers are bolder, more confident, less fearful.

Church Rejoicing

Philippians 1:15–18 ESV

Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will. The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment. What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice. Yes, and I will rejoice,

Spirit of rivalry vs love

The identity of those here who preach Christ from envy and rivalry is difficult to determine.

They are clearly antagonistic to Paul.

It seems more likely that these were other Christians who preached a generally sound gospel but were personally at odds with Paul.

They may have dismissed him because of his poor speaking abilities (see ) or his constant suffering and weakness (see 2 Corinthians); whatever their rationale, they were not motivated by love but only by a desire to harm Paul in some way.

But Paul, like Jesus, is not concerned for his own interests (cf. ), and he will “rejoice” as long as the gospel is progressing.

If Christ is preached I rejoice!

Is there a spirit of competition?

Prayer for churches and pastors by name.

FCOG Greg, FUMC Paul, Crosstown Clint, Alliance Don, Assembly Devin, Scotland Kyle, Chestnut Joe, First English Russ, Salv Army Shane/Dawn, TCC Chris

Prayer time: Ask God to show you what he is doing in and around you and us.

Listen to hear what God is doing and get on board for the ride. He always wins and always changes the world.