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Philippians 1:12-26 Outline of These Verses :. Paul’s Bonds contributed to “ the Furtherance of the Gospel ,” Philippians 1:12-14! The All-Important Proclamation, 1:15-18 . The Happy Results, Philippians 1:19,20. In Life, or in Death, Philippians 1:21-26.
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Philippians 1:12-26Outline of These Verses: • Paul’s Bonds contributed to “the Furtherance of the Gospel,” Philippians 1:12-14! • The All-Important Proclamation, 1:15-18. • The Happy Results, Philippians 1:19,20. • In Life, or in Death, Philippians 1:21-26.
Paul’s Bonds Contributed to “the Furtherance of the Gospel,” 1:12-14! • V. 12: “…I would ye should understand… that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel,”1:12. • V. 13. “So that my bonds in Christ are mani-fest in all the palace, and in all other places. • V. 14. “And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.”
The All-Important Proclamation, Philippians 1:15-18 • Christ was being preached, even though some were improperly motivated, 1:15,16. • Regardless of the motives of some, Paul was “set for the defense of the gospel,” 1:17. • Preachers like Paul are too few and too far in between! • Paul rejoiced that Christ was being preached, v. 18; cf. Acts 8:5,34,35. • The validity of the gospel is determined by the message; not the motives of the preacher!
The Happy Results! Philippians 1:19,20 • V. 19. “…I know that this shall turn to my salvation (deliverance, NKJV) through your prayer, and the supply of the spirit of…Christ -- Paul expected to be released. Cf. 2:24. V. 20. Paul’s “earnest expectation.” - “In nothing I shall be ashamed.” - “With all boldness…Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.”
In Life or in Death,Philippians 1:21-23 • V. 21. “For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” • V. 22. Paul did not know what he should choose – whether life or death. • V. 23. He was “hard pressed” (NKJV); he recognized that to “depart” would be “far better.” • “Depart “ (from analuo, Gk), is said to be a nautical term, referring to a ship pulling up its anchor and sailing the high seas. For Paul, “departure” meant a glorious promotion! 2 Timothy 4:6-8.
In Life or In Death, Con’tPhilippians 1:24-26 • V. 24. It would be “more needful for” the brethren if he remained. • V. 25. Paul’s confidence– that he would “remain and continue with” his brethren, resulting in their “progress and joy of faith.” • V. 26. If he survived, the “rejoicing” of the Philippians saints would “be more abundant in Christ Jesus” by his “coming” again to them.
Practical Application—How to Look at Reverses • Observation: The Way of Christ is the Way of the Cross, Matthew 10:34-38; 16:24. • Following the way of the Cross is not an escape from great challenges, regardless of where one is in life. It is not easy for: • Teenagers, I Timothy 4:12. • Newlyweds, Titus 2:4-7. • The Middle Aged, I Timothy 6:6-8. • The Elderly, 2 Corinthians 12:8,9
Practical Application – How to Look at Reverses (continued) • Consider Paul’s Situation, Philippians 1:12-14. • He could have complained about the heavy weight of the cross he was having to bear. • Instead, He expressed joy at what had happened; it had fallen out to “the furtherance of the gospel!”
Using Paul As an Example, Consider How We Should Look at Reverses: • As a Difficult time which can have positive Benefits, Philippians 1:12. • As a time to Sing and to Pray, Acts 16:25. • As a Time to “magnify” Christ in one’s body, Philippians 1:20. • Illustrate with a magnifying glass. The magnifying glass does not change the nature of the object; it influences our view of the object magnified. • By magnifying Christ, we do not change His nature, but the view people have of Christ.
How We Should Look at Reverses (continued) • As a time to learn the true meaning of life, Philippians 1:21. • Pause, ponder “why do I live; what is the ultimate drive of my life?” • As a time to realize there is more to life than life itself! Philippians 1:21-23. • As a time to look to the future with optimism, Philippians 1:26.
Conclusion: • Why did Paul have such a positive attitude, regardless of his earthly situation – which often was very difficult? He had committed his all to the Lord; he knew Whom He believed, and was fully “persuaded” that He was able to “keep that” which he had “committed unto” Him, 2 Timothy 2:11,12. • If we make the same commitment, we can have the same assurance!