Joy despite …… Philippians 1:12-26

Difficulty (12-14) Detractors (15-18) Death (19-21) De Flesh (22-26) As long as Christ’s- Cause progressed Name proclaimed Glorified Church benefits Joy despite …… Philippians 1:12-26

Joy despite …. Part 1 • Difficulty (12-14) • “Progress of the Gospel” • Circumstances added to - 2 Cor. 12:9,10 • Paul lived passionately - Acts 20:24 • Resistance is inherent to - 1 Thess. 2:18 ; 1 John 2:15,16 ; Acts 24:27 ; 1 Cor. 16:9 ; 1 Thess. 2:2 ; 2 Tim. 2:8-10 • Most willing to pay because trials further -

Joy despite …. Part 1 • Difficulty (continued) • Bonds of Paul • Chains were divinely planned • Chains were distinctly productive • Palace guard (10,000) • Many others • Tacitus tells of many converts

Joy despite …. Part 1 • Difficulty (continued) • Boldness of the Brothers • Increase in # of converts • Increase in # of witnesses • Increase in their boldness (courage) • Decrease in fear

Joy despite …. Part 1 • Detractors (15-18) Contrast • Discernment of the difference • Some from envy and strife • Some from good will Discussion of the difference • Contention, insincerity, affliction • Love & support for defense of Gospel

Joy despite …. Part 1 • Detractors (continued) Discussion of the difference • Contention, insincerity, affliction • Selfish ambition / pretense • Love and support for defense of the Gospel • Pure motives / truth

Joy despite …. Part 1 • Detractors (continued) • Summary : • As long as Christ is preached • I will rejoice! • I will say it again, I will rejoice!

Joy despite …. Part 1 • Application 1 • In your difficulties are you seeing the big picture … from God’s point of view?

Joy despite …. Part 1 • Application 2 • Are your difficulties in life being used to further the Gospel?

Joy despite …… Philippians 1:12-26