JOY/FULL: A GENEROUS AND CONTENT LIFE
(Joy in the Gospel - October 8, 2023)
Series Big Idea: "Because God exalted Jesus, the crucified servant, with the name above every name, knowing Jesus Christ is more joyous and vital than anything else"
Sermon Big Idea: “Paul's imprisonment two thousand years ago still inspires many today to be bolder for the Gospel"
Key Scripture (Philippians 1:12-20)
The letter to the Philippians is the Apostle Paul’s joy letter. But this epistle to the Philippians is written by the Apostle Paul during house imprisonment probably in Rome. After a brief welcome (1:1–2), Paul rejoices in thinking of the Philippians and their unity in Christ (vv. 3–8). He prays they would be filled with love and justice (vv. 9–11).
(Philippians 1:12-20)
12 Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has actually resulted in the advance of the gospel, 13 so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard, and to everyone else, that my imprisonment is in the cause of Christ. 14 Most of the brothers in the Lord have gained confidence from my imprisonment and dare even more to speak the message fearlessly. 15 To be sure, some preach Christ out of envy and strife, but others out of good will. 16 These do so out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel; 17 the others proclaim Christ out of rivalry, not sincerely, seeking to cause me anxiety in my imprisonment. 18 What does it matter? Just that in every way, whether out of false motives or true, Christ is proclaimed. And in this I rejoice. Yes, and I will rejoice 19 because I know this will lead to my deliverance through your prayers and help from the Spirit of Jesus Christ. 20 My eager expectation and hope is that I will not be ashamed about anything, but that now as always, with all boldness, Christ will be highly honored in my body, whether by life or by death.
The church members in Philippi apparently saw Paul's incarceration as a Gospel setback. In other words, they were certain this would cause the spread of the gospel to come to a screeching halt. But Paul says that his shackles have advanced the Gospel by inspiring others to be bolder (vv. 12–19). Paul wanted the Philippians to know from his own experiences that with God there are no accidents. Because of his bondage, Paul's ministry grew. In the verses we are focused on today Paul details why this is true.
His arrest and imprisonment were big news and had been heard all the way to Caesar’s palace and beyond (Philippians 1:13). The news included the reason for his incarceration; for spreading the gospel. This ignited a wildfire for the gospel. Since Paul was now unable to move freely preaching the gospel many believers were preaching the message of Christ in his place (Philippians 1:14).
Paul knew not everyone involved in this wildfire was preaching with the right attitude (Philippians 1:15- 16). Our enemy Satan is always going to do everything he can to distort the gospel. But with Christ as the main theme, the preaching of the good news of the deliverance from the condemnation of sin will be heard. It didn’t matter to Paul who was doing the preaching, he rejoiced because Christ was being preached! (Philippians 16-18).
Conclusion:
Paul could have become depressed and discouraged. He could have wallowed in self-pity and despair. Instead, he saw his situation as being appointed by God. Think about it, God used Paul’s circumstances to bring the gospel all the way to the center of the Roman empire. It also gave Paul time to write letters that would one day make up the New Testament and give us teaching and encouragement.
Do you resent where God has placed you? Education and determination may allow us to take a new role or get a new job, but God often puts us in a place to serve. Whether it is an actual prison or a place that feels like one, God wants you to serve him faithfully and joyfully.
Pastor Beaver's thoughts and ideas are inspired by:
Holman Christian Standard Bible
English Standard Version Bible
King James Version Bible
Christian Standard Bible
Walvoord, John F., and Roy B. Zuck, Dallas Theological Seminary. The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985.
Richards, Lawrence O. The Bible Reader’s Companion. Electronic ed. Wheaton: Victor Books, 1991.
Blum, Edwin A., and Trevin Wax, eds. CSB Study Bible: Notes. Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2017.
Barnes, Albert. Notes on the New Testament: Ephesians, Philippians & Colossians. Edited by Robert Frew. London: Blackie & Son, 1884–1885.
Hoehner, Harold W., Philip W. Comfort, and Peter H. Davids. Cornerstone Biblical Commentary: Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1&2 Thessalonians, Philemon. Vol. 16. Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2008.
George, Jim. The Basic Bible Pocket Guide: *book by Book Summaries *key Verses *life Applications *life Applications. Eugene, OR: Harvest House Publishers, 2016.
Merida, Tony, and Francis Chan. Exalting Jesus in Philippians. Edited by David Platt, Daniel L. Akin, and Tony Merida. Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary. Nashville, TN: Holman Reference, 2016.
Phillips, John. Exploring Ephesians & Philippians: An Expository Commentary. The John Phillips Commentary Series. Kregel Publications; WORDsearch Corp., 2009.
Butler, John G. Analytical Bible Expositor: Galatians-Philemon. Clinton, IA: LBC Publications, 2009.
Anders, Max. Galatians-Colossians. Vol. 8. Holman New Testament Commentary. Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1999.
The Holy Bible: Holman Christian Standard Version. Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers, 2009.
Easley, Kendell H. Holman QuickSource Guide to Understanding the Bible. Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2002.
Hansen, G. Walter. The Letter to the Philippians. The Pillar New Testament Commentary. Grand Rapids, MI; Nottingham, England: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2009.
Life Application Bible Notes. Tyndale, 2007.
MacArthur, John F., Jr. The MacArthur Study Bible: New American Standard Bible. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2006.
Willmington, H. L. The Outline Bible. Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 1999.
Runge, Steven E. High Definition Commentary: Philippians. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2011.
Thielman, Frank. Philippians. The NIV Application Commentary. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1995.
Melick, Richard R. Philippians, Colossians, Philemon. Vol. 32. The New American Commentary. Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1991.
AFTER THE MESSAGE
After hearing today's message there may be a decision you have made and you want a pastor to connect with you. We want to make this easy for you. Just scroll to the bottom of this page and fill out the form and our pastor will contact you in the way you prefer.