SF570 - Surprised By Joy - JOY IN PERSECUTION (Philippians 1 12-30)
SF570
Surprised By Joy..
JOY IN PERSECUTION
Philippians 1:12-30
INTRODUCTION
Often Life Doesn’t Go As We Plan...
Paul was a missionary and preacher.
He desired and planned to take the gospel to Rome...
(Romans 1:15) That is why I am so eager to preach the gospel also to you who are at Rome.
Paul did go to Rome...
Not as a preacher but as a prisoner!
Acts 21:17-28:31 details the events that brought Paul to Rome
Paul refused to allow his circumstances to discourage him...
Because he had one purpose - winning others to Christ!!!
Paul saw his imprisonment not as a defeat or detour but as God’s direction.
He not only made the best out of a bad situation, he made the most out of it.
He was able to find Joy in Persecution ...
1A. PAUL’S CHAINS (12-14)
1B. Resulted in Evangelism (12-13)
The palace guard
Four guards per day
The Roman officials
Reviewed his case.. (i.e. Agrippa)
2B. Resulted in Encouragement (14)
“Speak” = not preach but daily conversation
“Paul.. Rejoiced at what God was going to do instead of complaining about what God did not do.” Weirsbe
2A. PAUL’S CRITICS (15-19)
1B. Why They Attacked Paul (15-17)
“envy and rivalry” = they thought they had to “beat” Paul
“Selfish ambition” = they wanted to be somebody
“Stir up trouble” = they wanted to defeat Paul
2B. How Paul Responded (18-19)
Paul focused on the gospel being preached (18)
Paul recognized that his victory was not dependant on his foes but on his friends. (19)
3A. PAUL’S CRISES (20-26)
Because of Paul’s chains Christ was known. Because of Paul’s critics, Christ was preached. Because of Paul’s crises, Christ was exalted!
1B. Paul’s Determination (20)
“Christ will be exalted...”
2B. Paul’s dilemma (21-24)
“Depart” = To break camp, set sail, set free!
3B. Paul’s Decision (25-26)
Paul would rather stay on earth an help others than to go to heaven and help himself!!!
4A. PAUL’S CONCERN (27-30)
1B. About Their Consistency (27a)
“A manner worthy” = live like citizens of heaven!
(Ephesians 4:1) As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.
(Colossians 1:10) And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God,
You are writing a Gospel,
A chapter each day,
By the deeds that you do
And by the words that you say.
Men read what you write,
Whether faithful or true:
Just what is the Gospel
According to you?
2B. About Their Cooperation (27b)
“Contending as one...” (Striving together) = working together as a team!
3B. About Their Confidence (28-30)
In their ultimate salvation (28)
In their union with the Savior (29)
In their unity with other believers (30)
APPLICATION
1. Hard times can and should be times of great growth and witness.
2. The right attitude can transform trials into triumph and apparent defeat into victory!
3. An indication of a right attitude is a desire to glorify God and serve others!
4. Never under-estimate your impact as a living witness for Christ!
5. When we get down we need to seek out someone to help!
6. Now matter how rough it gets - do not quit!
7. The only way we can win is to be on the right team!