Philippians - Part 2 (1:12-30)

1. Philippians - Part 2 (1:12-30) • Background • Philippians was a Roman colony • Many of the Philippians were ex-soldiers • Paul writes very informally, there is an obvious warmth of affection • Paul is in prison. Where? Adrian Todd - www.gatewaychurch.org.uk

2. 200 miles Adrian Todd - www.gatewaychurch.org.uk

3. Philippians - Part 2 (1:12-30) • The centre of gravity of this passage is… • v21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. • 3 questions to think about • What are the circumstances in which Paul wrote this? • What does he mean by this statement? • How does this apply to us? Adrian Todd - www.gatewaychurch.org.uk

4. Paul’s circumstances (1:12-20) • He was in prison for preaching the Gospel • His life was at risk • Some people were causing trouble for him • v12 circumstances (see Romans 8:28) • v13 imprisonment (Where?); Praetorian Guard Adrian Todd - www.gatewaychurch.org.uk

5. Rival Preachers • v15 2 groups are “preaching Christ” • those from envy (v15) and selfish ambition (v17), to cause distress (v17) • Pagan Gossips (N.T. Wright), or Party Spirit (1 Cor 1) • those out of love (v16) and pure motives (v17) and goodwill (v15) • loyal followers of Paul • have more courage (v14) • v18 What matters most is that Christ is proclaimed Adrian Todd - www.gatewaychurch.org.uk

6. Life or Death • v19 turn out for my salvation (deliverance), a quote from Job • note the hint of partnership in prayer • v20 earnest expectation and hope (straining the neck forward to glimpse what lies ahead) • trying to see what comes after death • or an allusion to the expectation of being beheaded • Paul appears to welcome death • being with Christ is very much better (v23) • desires to break camp/let slip Adrian Todd - www.gatewaychurch.org.uk

7. Unable to choose v22 • v22 I do not know which to choose • the language here is less elegant, almost as if Paul is overwhelmed by the decision • he appears to toss the argument back and forth • v25 there is a new confidence in style, the choice is made • The verdict has not been passed • Is it rational need (pastoral responsibility) over personal preference? (v24) • In the writing did God speak? Adrian Todd - www.gatewaychurch.org.uk

8. Living as good citizens v27 • the good citizen word not be wasted on the “Roman citizens” the Philippians • But of which city? • a life worthy of Christ • citizens of the Kingdom of God, the heavenly city (see Heb 13:14 - seeking a city which is to come) • FNT let your lives speak for you • your life and words must match (vv10-11) • standing firm together; unity (military term) • striving together; partnership (athletics/team spirit) Adrian Todd - www.gatewaychurch.org.uk

9. Don’t be wimps v28 • in no way be alarmed • a term to describe easily startled horses • v29 suffer for His sake • believing in Jesus and suffering go hand in hand • Acts 5 they considered it a privilege • Evangelical Alliance Survey • Wherever there is persecution the church thrives • v30 experiencing the same conflict • even in suffering there is fellowship/partnership Adrian Todd - www.gatewaychurch.org.uk

10. To me to live is Christ, to die is gain • This is about living out the life of Christ • Paul considers himself to be in a “Win, Win” situation • So are we !!!! • Living out the life of Christ involves • working in partnership • the advance of the gospel • Christ receiving glory • living in a manner worthy • being servant hearted • rejoicing in all things Adrian Todd - www.gatewaychurch.org.uk

11. To die is gain • Paul considered it very much better to be with Christ • this life is the trial period • we go to a more intimate relationship with Jesus • What’s your relationship like now? • How we live now builds for the future? • There is never a convenient time. • Life is simply to be Christ Adrian Todd - www.gatewaychurch.org.uk