Phil 1:12-18

Intro

The gospel allows us to find our complete satisfaction in Christ alone.

complaining is ruled out of the Christian life.

Because God is in control, we can always rejoice that his gospel advances.

why do we complain?

dr. Wolf illustration

Christ Glorified Is All That Matters

The Imprisonment

Philippians 1:12–13 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.

“What has happened to me”

Paul might here be talking about only the most recent event, but he could have in mind a much longer string of events.

Think for a moment about how you would discuss these events, especially being right in the midst of them.

the FCF: our tendency when faced with difficulty is to complain.

Paul had lots to complain about- but he didn’t

We have so little to complain about- yet we seem to find opporunities all the time.

the CFC: the Gospel allowed Paul to look past his own difficulties and to rejoice in the fact that the gospel was advancing.

The gospel does this for us, too. We believe that all things are working together for good, which is in line with the advancement of the gospel. Even on our worst days, the gospel goes forward.

The Envious Preachers

Another example in this passage comes when Paul has inspired lots of other people to preach the gospel as well. In fact, Paul has even inspired some people who preach simply to put Paul down.

How do we respond when there are people who seem to exist simply to outdo us or to put us down?

oftentimes, by dwelling on that person and complaining.

CFC: The gospel allows us to rejoice even when our enemies get the spotlight, because we can know that God is even using their bad intentions to glorify his own name.

The story of Joseph being left for dead.

Genesis 50:20 ESV

As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.

application: how do you evaluate your days? If someone asks you how your day is, or how you’ve been, how do you answer? Does your mind immediately think about yourself and how your own circumstances have matched up to your preferences, or do you think about how God has been working in and around you?

But why is Paul like this? And why should you emulate him here?

It is because Paul’s understanding of the gospel and of Jesus Christ led him to devote himself completely to Jesus Christ, and we should do the same.

The Why: Complete Devotion to Our Lord

Galatians 2:20 ESV

I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

Colossians 3:1–3 ESV

If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.

The Old Self has Died

its desires, plans, and hopes are all cancelled.

The New Self Lives For Christ

our new desires, plans, and hopes ought to be centered on the gospel that saves us.

we complain when our felt needs aren’t met

as Christians, every need has been met in Christ.

so, we can live in g4atitude and Joy because of what Christ has done