Phil. 1:12-26 The Advance of the Gospel

Keith Junior

Philippians • Sermon • Submitted 4 years ago

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Remain faithful during persecution, Be concerned with you faithfulness and not the motives of others, Always be a faithful witness.

Notes

Transcript

Opening Introduction

Everyone has issues. Everyone has problems. This is a fact of life. You have heard that the only constant is death, taxes, and now severe weather. But God, has a purpose in every situation, in every circumstance, and this includes your circumstances and your personal and private situations. God has a plan and his plans don’t fail because in his plan for your life there are his intended purposes! Paul proclaimed the gospel and he was thrown in to house arrest, then prison for being obedient to the call of God on his life. All in all just like in your life as it was in Paul’s life God had a plan. In today's text, Paul is awaiting trial and his impending death. But God had a plan and the plan was the promotion of the gospel, the spread of the gospel, and making known the good news to all people. Paul’s imprisonment meant one thing: the advancement and the spread of the Gospel. turn to Phil. 1: 12.

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Philippians 1:12-19

12 But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel, 13 so that it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ; 14 and most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.

15 Some indeed preach Christ even from envy and strife, and some also from goodwill: 16 The former preach Christ from selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my chains; 17 but the latter out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel. 18 What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is preached; and in this I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice. 19 For I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayer and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, 20 according to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death. 21 For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22 But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I cannot tell. 23 For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. 24 Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you. 25 And being confident of this, I know that I shall remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy of faith, 26 that your rejoicing for me may be more abundant in Jesus Christ by my coming to you again.

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12 But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel

Paul says, I want the church to “Know.” Paul wants his audience to understand that his situation, his circumstance, his present state are for a purpose (Turn to Romans 8:28). Paul is aware that the Philippians are grieved over his imprisonment.

They are grieved because they know Paul’s integrity and character: which is to be a positive witness for Christ and the spreading of the good news, the Gospel. Since Paul knows them, his purpose is to encourage them.

1. Paul encourages them by pointing out that his circumstances are for the furtherance and the advancement of the Gospel. The gospel is the subject of this passage. And the church must pay attention to this detail.

On top of all of this Paul wants to make some important things known to them:

2. Know-Paul wants them to know that there is a purpose for his imprisonment. That purpose is the advancement of the Gospel.

Paul says this because the Philippians probably had feared that his imprisonment would hinder the spread of the Gospel; he therefore removes this fear.

Illustration: People need encouragement. (situational football) Cowboys vs. Falcons miracle comeback. At halftime, the score was 29-10 in favor of the visiting team. So, at halftime, the coach had to encourage his team to stay focused and that they were not out of the game. The only way for them to have a chance at a comeback. Although they were down, they could still will the game. They needed the coach to be the coach to encourage them and to inspire them. This team responded to their coach and they paid attention to detail. The end result is that they came back and won the game because they paid attention to detail.

This is what Paul is doing (situational football/intended encouragement) he is encouraging the church to listen to his encouragement and pay attention to detail so they can run the race that is set before them. Paul begins to talk of the things concerning him that gives him joy in this circumstance as the Gospel touches hearts and minds of those who are over them.

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Paul rejoices

13 so that it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ; 14 and most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.

The things-the things concerning Paul that gives him joy says are two things:

The first thing: is preaching of the Gospel to the Palace guard (this is the 1st thing he rejoices over)

The palace guard included the Imperial household and the staff.

Palace: literally, “Praetorium,” that is, the barrack of the Praetorian guards attached to the palace of Nero, on the Palatine hill at Rome; not the general Praetorian camp outside of the city; for this was not connected with “Caesar’s household,” which Php 4:22 shows the Praetorium here meant was.

Why is this important? It is important because God “placed”Paul there to minister the Gospel.

These soldiers are the people who are hired to watch Paul and be chained to a guard as they keep watch over him. They are people who constantly watched Paul as an officer watches those who are punished for their "crimes” against property and others in society.

Paul rejoices because God saw fit to place him there (God’s sovereignty, God’s plan) to minister the Gospel to them. For if he had not been confined, if he had not been accused, and if he had not been cast into jail (these chains) these people would have never heard the Gospel. (We can be assured that God knows exactly what He is doing!)

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Paul’s chains which were ordained by God was manifested to all the rest.

that is, “manifest to all the other” Praetorian soldiers stationed elsewhere, through the instrumentality of the Praetorian household guards who might for the time be attached to the emperor’s palace, and who relieved one another in succession. Paul had been now upwards of two years a prisoner, so that there was time for his cause and the Gospel having become widely known at Rome.

Paul, in practicality preached the gospel to everyone in whom he was chained to. Paul was on mission in jail and in out of jail. But when was in jail he did what God had called him to do no matter what circumstances confronted him.

Illustration: The things that you go through in life are not just for your benefit, they are for your benefit and the benefit of others. Michelle’s testimony! She was raped, kidnapped, and threatened by her assailant. But God protected her, God rescued her, God saved her and her testimony is that of God in her life for the benefit of sharing the love and power of God to other women both young and old the purposes of God. For we do not know why God has called us to endure certain things, but God’s plans will not be stopped and others will benefit as we point them to God. This leads me to the second things concerning Paul rejoicing.

The second thing: is Paul’s imprisonment has spurred others to a greater boldness. (this is the second reason for Paul’s rejoicing)

Paul’s ministry had a second result because of his chains, it embolden God’s people to advance the Gospel.

In succession Paul notes and observes:

The people of God preached without fear and with purpose.

They preached the totality of the Gospel!

“And that (Php 1:14) most of the brethren in the Lord,” &c. “In the Lord,” distinguishes them from “brethren after the flesh,” Jewish fellow countrymen. ELLICOTT translates, “Trusting in the Lord.”

All this happened because of Paul’s situation:

by my bonds—encouraged by my patience in bearing my bonds.

much more bold—Translate as Greek, “are more abundantly bold.”

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Paul’s Rivals

Whoever is treating Paul insincerely and whatever their motives is , Paul looks for the good. The good is that the “Gospel is being Preached.”

Paul in succession uses 3 verbs to states this point:

The Brothers “speak” the word without fear in v.14

Some Brothers “preach the word” in v.15

Some Brothers “proclaim the Gospel” in vv. 17-18

These brothers are speaking, preaching, and proclaiming the Gospel. They are speaking Christ himself, preaching the message of Christ, and proclaiming his death, burial, and resurrection to those who will listen!

The content of their message was sound, God was working!

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The text does disclose that one group of brothers preached the from a place of “good intentions.” And some from a place of “envy and strife.”

Both are descriptive of the heart and attitudes of those as they are directed towards someone. Here the object is Paul, not Christ!

Some preached to promote the Gospel because they had feeling of endearment towards Paul.

They did this because no matter Paul's’ situation, they knew that this is what should be done because they knew Paul would want them to promote the Gospel.

Also, they knew that Paul was called by God, commissioned by God, and appointed by God as an Apostle as one who defends the Gospel!

In contrast to “good intentions,” Is “envy and strife.”

“Some indeed are preaching Christ even for envy, that is, to carry out the envy which they felt towards Paul, on account of the success of the Gospel in the capital of the world, owing to his steadfastness in his imprisonment; they wished through envy to transfer the credit of its progress from him to themselves. Probably Judaizing teachers (Ro 14:1–23; 1 Co 3:10–15; 9:1, &c. 2 Co 11:1–4).

Their thought was, that taking the opportunity of my being laid aside, they would exalt themselves by their Judaizing preaching, and depreciate me and my preaching, and so cause me trouble of spirit in my bonds; they thought that I, like themselves, sought my own glory, and so would be mortified at their success over mine. But they are utterly mistaken; “I rejoice” at it (Php 1:18), so far am I from being troubled at it. (Jamieson)

Paul is stating that he is not bothered by it nor upset at the thought of it. Paul’s goal all-along and the mission of God from the beginning of time is to spread the good news.

Paul in verse 17 says some do it for the right reasons “out of love.” “These (brothers) out of love (for Jesus Christ and me), knowing that I am set (that is, appointed by God, 1 Th 3:3) for the defense of the Gospel (Php 1:7, not on my own account).

Paul in verse 18 proclaims that he is joyful that the Word is being preached. Paul never saw their actions (insincere motives for the cause of Christ) as a betrayal. But Paul just like his savior, “our Savior” was concerned for the interests of others. Paul rejoices because the Gospel is preached!

The proclamation of Christ however implemented, garnered attention, fostered attention, and so was sure to be of service. Paul could thus rejoice at the good result of their bad intentions (Ps 76:10; Is 10:5, 7).

This leads me to point 1.

Don’t worry about the motives of others. Be concerned about serving God instead! God will judge every work and the motives of people. Make the will of God in service to him your primary concern. Paul was restricted in confinement and as it relates to the Gospel, he didn’t want credit, Get gets that! And although his situation was not comfortable, he main concern was God’s concern, which is spreading the Gospel!

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Living hope in Jesus Christ!

Philippians 1:12-26

19 For I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayer and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, 20 according to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death. 21 For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22 But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I cannot tell. 23 For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. 24 Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you. 25 And being confident of this, I know that I shall remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy of faith, 26 that your rejoicing for me may be more abundant in Jesus Christ by my coming to you again.

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“turn out to me for, (or unto) salvation.” This proclamation of Christ every way will turn out to my spiritual good. Christ, whose interests are my interests, being glorified thereby; and so the coming of His kingdom being furthered, which, when it does come, will bring completed “SALVATION” (Heb 9:28)

By your prayer and the supply— “Through your prayer and (the consequent) supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ (obtained for me through your prayer).”

20 according to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death.

to me and all whose “earnest expectation” (Php 1:20) is that Christ may be magnified in them.

According to my earnest expectation—The Greek expresses, “expectation with uplifted head (Lu 21:28) and outstretched neck.” Ro 8:19 is the only other place in the New Testament that the word occurs. TITTMANN says, in both places it implies not mere expectation, but the anxious desire of an anticipated prosperous issue in afflictive circumstances. The subject of his earnest expectation which follows, answers to “my salvation” (Php 1:19).

in nothing I shall be ashamed—in nothing have reason to be ashamed of “my work for God, or His work in me” [ALFORD]. Or, “in nothing be disappointed in my hope, but that I may fully obtain it” [ESTIUS].

These truths are noted in Paul’s calling to be faithful to God in :

all boldness—“all” is opposed to “in nothing,” as “boldness” is the opposite to “ashamed.”

so now also—when “my body” is “in bonds” (Php 1:17).

Christ—not Paul, “shall be magnified.”

life, or by death—Whatever be the issue, Paul cannot lose; he gains either way. Paul was not omniscient; He doesn't know what will happen to him. His all is to remain faithful in Christ and a faithful witness to Christ!

This is point two: Remain faithful!

Paul didn’t know what was going to happen, and didn’t know where he would end up. All he was concerned about was being faithful to His God, His Lord and Savior. Because in the end, these things are the ‘Only thing” that matters!

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To Live is Christ!

21 For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22 But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I cannot tell. 23 For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. 24 Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you.

Paul’s goal and comfort in life is not to seek personal advancement, but the advancement for the kingdom of God! Irrespective of what others speak about him. His powerful statement is life is summed up in Christ!

Life is occupied with Christ and notes everything that Paul does: as he trusts, loves, hopes, obeys, preaches, and service is is inspired by Christ!

But to die to die is gain—not the act of dying, but as the Greek (“to have died”) expresses, the state after death.

Besides the glorification of Christ by my death, which is my primary object (Php 1:20), the change of state caused by death, so far from being a matter of shame (Php 1:20) or loss, as my enemies suppose, will be a positive “gain” to me.

22 But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I cannot tell. 23 For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. 24 Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you.

Here Paul is hard-pressed between two thoughts:

Remaining alive (in the flesh) would further help the Philippians further their own spiritual journey. For Paul as their pastor can equip them in Christ

Paul knows that a “good life” is a life of service to the One who gives Abundant life!

In contrast:

having the desire for departing (literally, ‘to loose anchor,’ 2 Ti 4:6) and being with Christ; leaving the present world for the home promised it is by far better”; or as the Greek, more forcibly, “by far the more preferable.

To depart is better than to remain in the flesh; to be with Christ is far, far better; (Heb 12:24),.

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Paul’s confidence

25 And being confident of this, I know that I shall remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy of faith, 26 that your rejoicing for me may be more abundant in Jesus Christ by my coming to you again.

Paul states-And being confident of this (Paul was never uncertain about his fate, however, he was uncertain about which choice to make, had he had the choice to make it!

Paul continued to to have joy in the faith that hey have recieved in Christ!

the possession of the Gospel, received from Paul, which would abound, be assured and increased, by his presence among them; thus, “in me,” implies that Paul is the worker of the material of abounding in Christ Jesus. But “my rejoicing over you” (Php 2:16), answers plainly to “your rejoicing in respect to me” here.

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Recap the points-

Point 1. Don’t worry about the motives of others. Be concerned about serving God instead!

God will judge every work and the motives of people. Make the will of God in service to him your primary concern. Paul was restricted in confinement and as it relates to the Gospel, he didn’t want credit, God gets that! And although his situation was not comfortable, the main concern was God’s concern, which is spreading the Gospel!

Point 2. Remain faithful!

Prayer focus: Keeping your eyes on God, not on others! When you do, you are concerned with serving him. This is all that matters.