Series: Philippians
Rejoicing in Chains
Philippians 1:12-30
Recap
Paul writes to thank the Philippians for their financial support, tell them how he is doing, and address issues facing the church.
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
Philippians 4:4
Context
Paul is writing from a Roman jail.
Before his imprisonment, he had faced multiple hardships:
He had been falsely accused, faced death threats, encountered starvation, was shipwrecked, was bitten by a poisonous snake, and was imprisoned by a madman.
Regardless of his circumstances, he refuses to complain, he thinks about others, and he rejoices in Jesus.
Rejoicing in chains
Live to advance the Gospel. 1:12-19
Paul believed his chains gave him opportunity.
Know that though you may be chained,
the Gospel can never be chained!
Faithfulness in adversity builds faithfulness in others.
Making Paul famous was not His goal.
Making Jesus famous was!
Understand your life is your testimony. 1:20
Gospel fidelity – Christian community = hypocrisy
Christian community – Gospel fidelity = fragility
Gospel fidelity + Christian community = power
Paul wanted to honor Jesus with his life because he loved Jesus.
Trust God’s providential care and sovereign
oversight of your life. 1:21-23
Invest your life in making genuine disciples. 1:24-30
Marks of Discipleship
§ Consistency
§ Steadfastness
§ Unity
§ Fearlessness
§ Preparedness
Today’s Takeaways
Choose to rejoice in Jesus rather than complaining about your circumstances.
Take the gospel with you wherever you go.
Remember to live is Christ and to die is gain.