The Gospel Will Advance

It’s fascinating to think about the mind of God. How he has made all of creation so precise and intentional. From our planet being in the exact location from the sun so that we neither burn up nor freeze to our bodies and how it can fight infection and ailments.

Likewise, God didn’t design the advancement of his kingdom haphazardly. See, he knew what would happen, when it would happen, and what the outcome would be. Which is why he didn’t take any chances when it came to presenting the good news to the world through Jesus Christ. Yet, he invites us into the effort of advancing his Kingdom through Jesus by proclaiming his name wherever we go and in all circumstances. God’s plan is perfect and the outcome is already in motion, and even in our failures and shortcomings, His word is infallible as is He. The good news of Jesus can permeate the very nature of our sinfulness and cleanse us so that we can be presented before God as heirs in the kingdom. And, until that day where we are presented with a new body in the new earth, we are to proclaim Christ with every fiber of our body.

By doing so, the gospel of Jesus is advancing. But, what about those times when it seems that the gospel is being silenced or when nothing seems to be pointing back to the good news of the kingdom. What about when it seems like nothing good can come out of the situation? The plan of God is still advancing. It is logical that when the right people are doing the right things in their efforts to proclaim Christ’s name that the gospel will advance. However, it seems counterintuitive that the gospel can advance in adverse circumstances. Yet, it’s often in these times when the gospel impact is the most evident. Regardless of the situation, believers must not neglect proclaiming the gospel. Adversity and selfish ambition will not inhibit the message of the gospel while personal witness and love will only advance it further.

Paul along with his associate and spiritual son, Timothy, in Philippians 1:12-18 are encouraging the readers at the church of Philippi by first sharing how the gospel continues to advance in the face of persecution and selfish ambition. He is reminding both his contemporary audience, as well as those in the future, that every time Christ is proclaimed, the gospel is advancing. Thus, the challenge for us today is this: Are we proclaiming Christ in all circumstances so that the gospel continues to advance?

If you would, please stand in honor of the reading of God’s Word.

Philippians 1:12–18 ESV

12 I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, 13 so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ. 14 And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. 15 Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will. 16 The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17 The former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment. 18 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,

“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.”

[Pray]

It’s not easy to stay the course when being faced with adversity, ridicule, or punishment. Regardless of what we are doing, when we face the slightest obstacle there’s that little itch in the back of our minds that asks the question, “Is it worth it to keep going?” Imagine for a moment, if you will, that you are an investor in a new venture. You know the risk of failure is high but, if it succeeds, the profit margin will be worth the risk. When your friends catch wind of what you’re doing, they begin to mock and question you. You openly invite them into the venture so that you have friends trudging along with you, but they immediately and vehemently refuse. The banks which carry your deposits put holds on your account to prevent their own losses should this investment turn out to be a flop. Your family questions your sanity and judgment. There are not many left that are not in doubt. Everything is on the line. This new venture approaches a deadline, then passes it. It’s too late to leave now. You have more than a vested interest in this. While the few other investors begin leaving with losses, you stay because you have faith in the theoretical end product. All it would take is to pull out and suffer your losses and try to move past the failure, but you just can’t. You are holding on to every ounce of hope left. And then it happens, what you’ve been waiting for. It starts off as just a glimmer of hope but begins manifesting faster and with greater results than anticipated. The long-awaited reward of perseverance, endurance, and faith has arrived. While others left in the process, your unwavering has produced hope for others and a story perseverance in the face of adversity.

The Apostle Paul knew what this felt like, but he had already been face-to-face with a glimpse of the reward in his transformation on the road to Damascus. He begins his letter to the Philippian church with his standard greeting and an exhortation of thanksgiving. While he doesn’t tarry about with pleasantries, he continues to encourage his audience of how the gospel is advancing through the proclamation of Christ’s name, beginning with his own experience being detained and imprisoned. While he doesn’t elaborate on the details of his confinement, he jumps right in with the product of it.

Now, because the only context most of us have for being persecuted and imprisoned is what we have been given through media, I can only assume it wasn’t a pleasant experience. We read of other accounts of Paul being imprisoned and how he was flogged, beaten, ridiculed and mocked. In 2 Corinthians 11: 23-29, we read of Paul’s recall of his sufferings as an apostle including being beaten within, what my grandpa would say, an “inch of their life.” Yet, I can see Paul writing verse 12 of Philippians so gently and affectionately, “I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel…” This focus, perseverance, and solidarity of Paul for the sake of the gospel, is producing an awakening revolution among those that are paying attention.

Others are seeing Jesus through Paul’s suffering as we continue in verse 13… “so that it has become throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ.” The faithfulness in the face of adversity has drawn attention from not just those directly in charge of him but up to the higher levels. So much so, that it is sweeping through the ranks. This has got to say something for the name of Jesus that a man that was a former persecutor of those following Jesus has not only turned 180 degrees from his former self and is not just a follower but a revolutionary that will endure suffering as a Christ follower. This man is causing a stir because he isn’t backing down from his claims of the good news.

God gives some believers opportunities to be strengthened through conflict and persecution to spark a light of those that are persecuting them. This begs the questions of each of us; How well are you enduring for the gospel and at what cost?

It’s not that we have to seek out persecution, but we can be faithful in what we do face in our personal lives from the day to day. It’s in these times when the impact of our faithfulness also has the opportunity to strengthen others. Are we not charged with being witnesses for the gospel at all times as Christ followers? Not only is the gospel advanced when Christ is proclaimed through persecution, the gospel is also advanced when Christ is proclaimed through personal witness. Those that had the opportunity to witness the divine endurance and perseverance of Paul and Timothy were able to draw upon this encounter to strengthen their own faith and boldness. It’s that truth that they were able to see firsthand.

Those early believers were tested in their faith. Much like being on a jury that is called to make a judgment on the testimony of a character witness in the court of law, they were able to draw on their witness of the actions of Paul and Timothy to be able to produce a strengthening faith that they could claim as their own. When a character witness is summoned to testify on behalf of another person’s character, they are swearing that this person has the values, actions, and personality of one that would be either capable or incapable of such offence as being charged with. This sworn testimony would be one that could be guilty of perjury if falsified. The jury, then, makes their determination of judgement, in part on the testimony of the character witness. The weight that a character witness carries can be a turning point in the life of a judgement trial.

The early believers that had the opportunity to witness the divine endurance and perseverance of Paul, were able to draw upon this encounter to strengthen their own faith, confidence, and boldness. Paul writes in verse 14 that “…most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.” Though Paul’s contemporary believers may not have endured the same kind of torment that he went through, because they were witnesses to his endurance, they were strengthened. In James 1:2-4, we read “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” I can only imagine that this is the same steadfastness that they were relishing in and drawing on from Paul.

Don’t we have the opportunity to do the same today? We have the records of the saints that have gone before us as well as personal witness to believers’ actions and steadfastness of today. While we still live in a fallen and depraved world, the gospel still advances through the personal witness of believers when Christ is proclaimed. We must not forget that there is a world that is watching us as we proclaim Christ. You were impacted by the faith of someone, right? That’s because our personal witness and testimony to the gospel can be one of the most empowering influences on others. What does your personal witness say about your faith?

Yet, unfortunately, not everyone that proclaims themselves as a personal witness of the gospel is on the up-and-up. It’s not uncommon for some to see the opportunity for self-promotion in the presence of a movement. We read of stories every day where the vulnerable are being preyed upon by someone taking advantage of a situation. Where out of envy of power, recognition, and success, one person or persons use a tactic that would place themselves in a position of being elevated over another. I think of this in my own life. It was through the vain promotion of oneself that actually drew my wife and I first to Christ. We were young in our marriage and struggling with being newlyweds, starting a family, and figuring out life together. We were not quite yet in our faith and were invited to a church by a friend. This particular church’s pastoral team was made up of a husband and wife. We found out quickly that they had a small televised show for church. It was there we experienced and heard of God’s love, unfortunately, which was used for selfish gains. This husband and wife team preyed upon those that needed to feel accepted and loved. They would guilt their congregation with stories of how the televised show would be cancelled if their “viewers” weren’t faithful enough to trust God in their needs by sacrificially giving. They would talk about the love of Christ and the need to suffer now so that abundance would be fulfilled in their future. But as my wife and I searched the few scriptures that they used and read through the context, we found that what was being preached was only partial truths. We listened critically and searched intently for what God was saying and found the gospel of Christ. We sought out spiritual mentors to help guide us with wisdom and discernment. So, while Christ was preached for self-promotion, we were able to see the good news proclaimed as the gospel advanced in spite of its misuse and abuse.

Paul pointed this out to his readers, saying “Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry…” and they “proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment.” There were those that were quite content with Paul staying off the scene and in prison so that they could reduce the competition. With Paul gone, they could continue capitalizing off the growing popularity of the “message of Jesus. But what man meant for good, God uses for the Kingdom. When there is such a movement that has gained the momentum that Christ’s message had, there are those that will ride the coat tails of success for themselves. We read of at least one account in Acts 8 about Simon the magician that wanted to purchase the power to use for his own gain but repented when rebuked by the disciples. Yet, If God can use the follies of those seeking self-promotion then he can use, and has used, skewed theology and partial truths to advance His Kingdom. When there is but a nugget of truth, God can magnify its impact. Paul goes on to say in verse 18 that “whether in pretense or truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice.” This pretense is pointing back to those that are using the message of the gospel for their own gain, and Paul is acknowledging that the gospel is being proclaimed and people are hearing it, thus advancing God’s kingdom.

Yet, regardless of who is teaching and preaching, we can, and should, always put to the test the words being spoken by rightly searching God’s Word.To show the love of God is not limited to rightly searching the word of God but also to exhibit it outwardly, under the circumstances just mentioned and in everything we do.

We love to see good news, particularly in today’s climate. Heart stories tend to make us want to do better, be better, and love better. Feel good stories aren’t so much rare as they are covered by the filth of a fallen world’s news. However, the one’s that make the headlines are typically when celebrities go out of their way to do the extraordinary. I recall one such story several years ago when Johnny Depp, not the most loveable actor, dressed as his character Jack Sparrow from Pirates of the Caribbean and visited children in the oncology unit of a hospital. His actions, whether for publicity or from actually caring, not only made the day of the child he was there to visit but made the memories for many children suffering from cancer, their families, the staff working, and many others around the world that witnessed his act of kindness and love. It’s contagious and promotes a “pay-it-forward” mentality. It’s in moments like these that the movement of love is spurred on.

Paul is disseminating to his readers that the gospel is advancing when Christ is proclaimed with love. Those that are preaching the good news of Christ are doing so out of love for the good news and for the defense of the gospel. This is, then, also showing the love of Christ. This is the love that is noticed and contagious, that produces a yearning to move beyond one’s self and toward seeing others know Christ. It’s with the same love that compelled Paul, after his transformation, to take the good news of Christ to the different cities and plant churches that should compel his audience to do the same, despite the cost, even persecution or death. When we do so, we are being diligent in our following of God and we are exhibiting the love of God. When we love others, we are showing the love of God and continually pointing back to Jesus as our foundation. When other’s see this, they are getting a glimpse of the true King. Love can triumph even in the darkest places. For Paul, that love shined brightly enough from jail to the imperial guard and out to those that continued Paul’s efforts. The love that God has for us is a love that can be shared. This love pushes back the darkness and reveals the character of God. The challenges for us, as believers, is this: Does our love proclaim Christ and advance the gospel? How can we love in a way that proclaims Christ and advances the gospel?

If you know anything about children, they pick up on a multitude of things, good and bad, from their parents and those closest to them. What they take with them in adulthood often indicates their rearing and influences. Their passions, their habits, their nuances often come from what they’ve seen their parents do. They’re sponges. They pick up the things that we want them to and don’t want them to. Having four boys, my wife and I try to best show love to them and to others. What we’ve seen is that as our boys grow up and mature, they themselves have taken on this trait. That’s not to say that we’ve done this right or even well. Working with students from varied backgrounds, we’ve seen the outcome of this also. What has impacted me the most about working with students has been seeing those that have come from broken and dysfunctional homes still find love and hold onto it through adults that have spoken life into them and taken time to show them the love of Christ. But, it has to be done consistently and proven through action that supports the words.

This is a beautiful reminder that the love of Christ shown through others can reach into the darkest place and still shine brightly. From the beginning, God has used stuttering speakers, eloquent teachers, and everything in between and the gospel still advances because Christ is being proclaimed. If you don’t proclaim the name of Christ, then how are you advancing the gospel. This should be a part of each believer’s life daily. This is advancing the gospel by proclaiming Christ, period. Moses states in Deuteronomy 4:4-9 “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.” This is what’s referred to as the Shema and it was what every good little Jewish follower would memorize and a reminder that the mission of God must be an ever-present reminder. Likewise, the message of Christ should be on our lips.

There are many excuses for reasons not to proclaim Christ. Fear is, maybe, one of the biggest ones. I get that. I don’t like failing and I don’t like rejection. This analogy won’t apply to everyone the same. Each of us will have our own “thing.” I remember the first time I went to the local swimming lake in Heber Springs, Arkansas and went cliff-diving. Now, I’m not afraid of heights but am cautiously aware of them. I remember walking up to the first cliff that was only about 10 feet high. I looked down and it seemed like it had to be about 30 feet. I remember the feeling in my legs, the butterflies madly flapping around in my stomach. As I inched my toes closer to the edge, I looked down to see if I could see any major obstacles that I would need to dodge on the way down. Then, as I was about to jump, a calmness came over me. I was reminded of the hundreds, maybe thousands that had stood in my same spot, ready to jump. No barriers were there to keep people from jumping. No lake patrol to monitor jumpers. No blood splatters anywhere. All I had to do was jump. So, I did and had a blast doing so. Sure, it may have hurt when I hit the water wrong. I may have gotten water up my nose and came up coughing. However, the first jump was finished, and I didn’t die. I told all my friends and we made many more memories at those cliffs over the years. It just took that realization that so many others had done the same thing before me and many more would go on after.

There are times when we are afraid of the outcome before we even start. Times when we mess it all up. But the gospel is advanced when Christ is proclaimed, whether it be through persecution, personal witness, nuggets of truth tested through scripture, or by love. The gospel is advanced when Christ is proclaimed, period. Our reminder today from Paul is to take that first step of proclaiming Christ and trust God with the results. Remember the promise that God gives us of the outcome. The task of all believers is to love God and love others. In doing this, you can, and will, proclaim Christ and advance the good news.

[Pray to close]