Philippians 1:12-30Living for the Gospel

Presented by:Mark Stortvedt Ph.D.Christ is King Community ChurchMay 17, 2015

Phil. 1:12-14 - Now I want you to know, brethren, that my circumstances have turned out for the greater progress of the gospel, so

that my imprisonment in the cause of Christ has become well known throughout the whole

praetorian guard and to everyone else, and that most of the brethren, trusting in the Lord

because of my imprisonment, have far more courage to speak the word of God without fear.

Some, to be sure, are preaching Christ even from envy and strife, but some also from

good will; the latter do it out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel; the former proclaim Christ out

of selfish ambition rather than from pure motives, thinking to cause me distress in

my imprisonment. (15-17)

What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is

proclaimed; and in this I rejoice. Yes, and I will rejoice, for I know that this will turn out

for my deliverance through your prayers and the provision of the Spirit of Jesus

Christ, according to my earnest expectation and hope, that I will not be put to shame in anything, but that with all boldness, Christ will even now, as always, be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. (18-20)

For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. But if I am to live on in the flesh, this will mean fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which to choose. But I am hard-

pressed from both directions, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better; yet to remain on in the flesh is more necessary for your sake. (21-

24)

Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all for your progress

and joy in the faith, so that your proud confidence in me may abound in Christ Jesus through my coming to you again. Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I will hear of you that you are

standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel,

in no way alarmed by your opponents—which is a sign of destruction for them, but

of salvation for you, and that too, from God. (25-28)

For to you it has been granted for Christ’s sake, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake, experiencing the same

conflict which you saw in me, and now hear to be in me.

(29-30)

Main Point:

When you are living for the gospel, it changes your

perspective and allows you to thrive.

Paul has completed the introduction and is reporting to his dear friends how he is doing. Though experiencing the adversity of prison, his report is on the progress of the gospel, as that is the filter through which he views life.

V. 12-14 - Now I want you to know, brethren, that my circumstances have turned out for the greater progress of the gospel, so that my imprisonment in the cause of Christ has become well known throughout the whole praetorian guard and to everyone else, and that most of the brethren, trusting in the Lord because of my imprisonment, have far more courage to speak the word of God without fear.

Second adversity: people preaching Christ inaccurately and out of wrong motive (15-17)

Some, to be sure, are preaching Christ even from envy and strife,--Wrong relationship, law--Motive - selfish ambition--Relationship to Paul – to cause him distress

some also from good will; --Believe in grace--Motive – out of love--Relationship to Paul – know (have regard for, cherish, pay attention to) he is appointed for the defense of the gospel Paul’s “living for the gospel” perspective: Don’t let it bother you when other peoples’ motives are wrong or what they are saying is not totally accurate. It doesn’t matter. We rejoice in the fact that Christ is being proclaimed and thus can thrive.

V. 19-20. Paul lets the Philippians know what he is expecting from:

--their prayers--from Jesus Christ: His Spirit--for himself – not to be put to shame

because Christ will be exalted in his body, whether by life or by death.

Paul’s “living for the gospel” perspective on life and death:

--v. 21 – Summary: To live is Christ, to die is gain.--v. 22 – Paul realizes that if he lives it gives him

the opportunity to continue to bear fruit through ministering to others.

--v. 23 - Paul would personally prefer to die and be with Christ. (very much, “ginormously” better)

--v. 24 – Paul realizes for him to live is more necessary for the Philippians.

--v. 25 – Conclusion: He is convinced he will live and be reunited with those in Philippi for their progress and joy in the faith.

V. 26 – Paul comments on how the Philippians’ proud confidence in him could abound in Christ Jesus through his coming to them again.

Conclusion: The principle is that God values helping others to come to peace with Him through the gospel more than what I might consider as gain.

v. 27 – Conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Paul would know this by hearing

-- of their steadfastness and unity--that they were not alarmed by their opponents

(v.28)Their steadfastness and unity would be a sign of

their salvation, but their opponents’ destruction

v. 29-30--They were in it together with Paul--They were also suffering and being shamefully

treated (1 Thess 2:2)--They saw him suffer while with them in Philippi

and how hear of his suffering in prison.

Application How do you evaluate your day? Is it by

your circumstances or by the furtherance of the gospel?

How do you respond when you believe another person’s motive is impure or information they share is not accurate?

Why is it important for you to live rather than to go to heaven today?