Philippians 1:12-21 “No Matter What”

Resound

July 3, 2011

Bryne Palmer

“No Matter What”

Philippians 1:12-21

-Acts 28:16- Paul wrote this letter while chained to another human being. This is suspected to be the last letter he wrote before he was beheaded. He didn’t die a free man.

1.       Progress VS 12-14

Vs 12 – more than seeing the silver lining, than seeing the glass as half full. He’s been put in prison specifically to reach a people who wouldn’t normally hear the gospel. Those hours when he’s chained to each guard he was probably talking their ear off about Christ. His imprisonment was an encouragement to other believers. If Paul’s in prison and still effectively preaching why can’t I do it in freedom? Paul is seeing his imprisonment as doing nothing but good. He’s seeing the glass as overflowing. Like the story of Joseph, his imprisonment lead to good, saving his family’s life and providing food to the surrounding countries (story in Genesis). Paul is saying it doesn’t matter what’s happening to me, God is being glorified. Sometimes we focus on our circumstances rather than Him and His glory. Focus on the progress that God is making.

2.       Purity VS 15-19

There are people who are preaching Christ but they’re not doing it with the right mentality, they’re doing it to one-up others. It’s their selfish ambition, their motives are not pure. Are yours?

3.       Power VS 18-21

But then he follows up with I don’t care how or why it’s done but that it’s done. (either way Paul wins J). Good motives or bad motives rejoice because His name is being proclaimed. God does good despite us. There is a power to that. Our God is moving! That might be what drives Paul, knowing that ultimately it’s not up to him it’s up to God.

VS 21 – whether in life or death Christ will stand to gain. Sometimes we care more about our social standings and that holds us back from proclaiming Him and we miss an opportunity. But Paul was willing to die for it. Continually pray for this, continually participate. Why not give our #1 and our very best to the Lord? This power that Paul is talking about is yours also.