Philippians 1:12-26

Paul’s Joy!

The Furtherance of the Gospel

Philippians 1:12–26 1NASB95

12 Now I want you to know, brethren, that my circumstances have turned out for the greater progress of the gospel, 13 so that my imprisonment in the cause of Christ has become well known throughout the whole praetorian guard and to everyone else, 14 and that most of the brethren, trusting in the Lord because of my imprisonment, have far more courage to speak the word of God without fear. 15 Some, to be sure, are preaching Christ even from envy and strife, but some also from good will; 16 the latter do it out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel; 17 the former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition rather than from pure motives, thinking to cause me distress in my imprisonment. 18 What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed; and in this I rejoice. Yes, and I will rejoice, 19 for I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayers and the provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, 20 according to my earnest expectation and hope, that I will not be put to shame in anything, but that with all boldness, Christ will even now, as always, 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 But if I am to live on in the flesh, this will mean fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which to choose. 23 But I am hard-pressed from both directions, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better; 24 yet to remain on in the flesh is more necessary for your sake. 25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that your proud confidence in me may abound in Christ Jesus through my coming to you again.

Paul Put Christ First.

Paul’s condition.

Paul has been imprisoned for four years.

Acts 24:26 1NASB95

26 At the same time too, he was hoping that money would be given him by Paul; therefore he also used to send for him quite often and converse with him.

Imprisoned by Felix

Acts 28:30 1NASB95

30 And he stayed two full years in his own rented quarters and was welcoming all who came to him,

House arrest waiting for judgement.

He was in chains.

Enemies causing him troubles.

They preached Christ to cause further troubles for Paul.

They did it out of hateful motives.

They did it out of selfish motives.

This caused Paul’s brothers and sisters to pray for him.

Praying for him gave him courage to endure the trials.

Praying for him

The Greater Progress of the Gospel.

Putting Christ first regardless of circumstances was priority one.

2tim. 4:2

The Gospel can only advance when it is preached:

Faithfully.

Consistently.

Continually.

competently.

Imprisionment produced:

Well known Gospel.

Praetorian guard heard the Gospel.

Everyone else around heard it.

Most of the brethren trusting in the Lord.

Brethren have far more courage to speak the Gospel.

Some from envy.

Some from strife.

Selfish ambition.

Wanting to cause Paul harm.

And yet, Paul rejoices.

Some for good.

Preach from a position of love (agape).

Paul is an Apostle appointed to defend the Gospel.

Conclusion:

Gospel is preached.

Pretense - OK.

Truth - even better

Christ is proclaimed.

Again Paul rejoices no matter the price he or the brethren have to pay.

The Gospel needs to be preached.

Tenabo Chenkalo.

Trouble in the countryside of Ethiopia.

Tenabo was always there.

John Ed and Demre thought he was the troublemaker.

He too had heard of the trouble and was there as a peacemaker not a troublemaker.

Made his brother press charges against him so he could preach to those in prison.

Made his brother sell him into slavery.

Brother Belay Kebede lives in a Muslim community.

Converted, Level 1 & 2 PTS training.

Translated WBS material into Aramaic.

Has converted several Muslim families.

His son was beaten at school for being a Christian.

He wanted to confront the boy.

School brought the families together.

Boy was found guilty and punishment left up to our brother.

He forgave the boy.

Family is studying to become Christians.

Paul Put Others Second

Paul Put Himself Last