“Against All Odds”                         Philippians 1:12-26


 

PAUL’S ADVERSITIES ADVANCED THE GOSPEL! 

12 Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. 13 As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. 14 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. 

CHRIST IS PREACHED OUT OF LOVE!

15 It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. 16 The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17 The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains.18 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.

REJOICING BECAUSE OF PRAYERS AND THE HOLY SPIRIT!

AGAJesus Christ what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. 20 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.

PAUL’S PARADOX OF LIFE AND DEATH

LIFE To live is Christ (v. 21a)
DEATH To die is gain  (v. 21b)
LIFE To live in the body is fruitful labor (v. 22)
DEATH To depart and be with Christ is far better (v. 23)
LIFE To remain in the body is more necessary (v. 24)

21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. 22 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! 23 I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; 24 but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body.

PAUL CONTINUES WITH THEM IN PROGESS AND JOY IN THE FAITH!

25 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, 26 so that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me.

AGAINST ALL ODDS, WE CAN STILL ADVANCE THE GOOD NEWS OF CHRIST!