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Philippians 1:12-30
Posted by Derrick
on
08:01
Philippians 1:12-30
Paul's Chains Advance the Gospel
Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear.
It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.
Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and God's provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two:I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me.
Life Worthy of the Gospel
Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God. For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him, since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.
The biggest passage so far. I've read it twice and I think it is a wonderful passage.
Interestingly, it's one of the few parts of Philippians that I don't have covered in scribbles in my bible. I wonder why? I shall add a couple later.
What's it saying to me? I would have thought verse 27 was the main verse but it doesn't seem to be. Don't get me wrong, I most definitely don't conduct myself in a manner worthy of the gospel but I can't seem to let this book get me down.
This whole passage is about spreading the gospel no matter what. Paul's in prison! Tough. Even there there are witnesses to what he is doing.
Even at such a low point Paul is encouraging and cajoling. Such a great man. It reminds me of several Christian men I've known in the past. Men for whom rejoicing in the sad times is, whilst not easy, something they do and enjoy.
Favourite verse today must be verse 18.
The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.
It doesn't matter about anything other than that the gospel of Christ is preached. Put aside petty squabbles. Don't bother trying to cause trouble. Preach Christ and the truth of his gospel.
A fine message.
Amen
Paul's Chains Advance the Gospel
Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear.
It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.
Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and God's provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two:I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me.
Life Worthy of the Gospel
Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God. For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him, since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.
The biggest passage so far. I've read it twice and I think it is a wonderful passage.
Interestingly, it's one of the few parts of Philippians that I don't have covered in scribbles in my bible. I wonder why? I shall add a couple later.
What's it saying to me? I would have thought verse 27 was the main verse but it doesn't seem to be. Don't get me wrong, I most definitely don't conduct myself in a manner worthy of the gospel but I can't seem to let this book get me down.
This whole passage is about spreading the gospel no matter what. Paul's in prison! Tough. Even there there are witnesses to what he is doing.
Even at such a low point Paul is encouraging and cajoling. Such a great man. It reminds me of several Christian men I've known in the past. Men for whom rejoicing in the sad times is, whilst not easy, something they do and enjoy.
Favourite verse today must be verse 18.
The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.
It doesn't matter about anything other than that the gospel of Christ is preached. Put aside petty squabbles. Don't bother trying to cause trouble. Preach Christ and the truth of his gospel.
A fine message.
Amen
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