“Come Chains, Come Freedom, Come Death”

Philippians 1:15-30

Mark Kolbe

Message Over Motives

15 Some, to be sure, are preaching Christ even from (because of) envy and strife, but some also from goodwill; 16 the latter do it out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel; 17 the former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition rather than from pure motives, thinking that they are causing me distress in my imprisonment. 18 What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in this I rejoice.

· Neither Paul’s imprisonment, nor the wrong m__________ of people could hinder the gospel.

· God’s work was still being a_________________, and that was cause for rejoicing.

Christ in Life, Christ in Death

But not only that, I also will rejoice, 19 for I know that this will turn out for my deliverance (salvation) through your prayers and the provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, 20 according to my eager 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.

· Paul rejoiced because he knew he would either be released from p___________ or enter h____________.

· Paul considered the p___________ of his friends effective.

· While Paul was in prison, the Holy Spirit worked in Paul’s life in many ways. He:

- used Paul to speak the t________ about Jesus, even while chained to guards.

- provided p________ to Paul (Romans 8:9-11).

- was in c___________ of Paul’s imprisonment (Acts 16:7).

- reminded Paul he was loved as a s_______ (Galatians 4:6).

- enabled Paul to bear f_________ (Galatians 5:22-25)

- g_______________ his salvation (Ephesians 1:13-14).

A Definite “Win-Win” Scenario

21 For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22 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. 23 But I am hard-pressed from both directions, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better; 24 yet to remain on in the flesh is more necessary for your sakes. 25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that your pride in Christ Jesus may be abundant because of me by my coming to you again.

· Paul’s had an eager e_______________ of a future life with Christ in heaven, and joyfulness for being able to serve Christ on e__________.

· While alive Paul lived for Christ and bore f________.

Suffer without Fear

27 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 about you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; 28 and in no way alarmed by your opponents—which is a sign of destruction for them, but of salvation for you, and this too, from God. 29 For to you it has been granted for Christ’s sake, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer on His behalf, 30 experiencing the same conflict which you saw in me, and now hear to be in me.

· Believers in Christ should have a sense of g____________ that is evident in what they say and do.

· Evidence for the truthfulness of the gospel can be found in:

- Non-believers p________________ Christians.

- Christians standing f__________ during persecution.

· Believers should e___________ difficulty to arise because of their faith, but should remain Christlike in all circumstances.

So What

1. God can use you. If He can work through someone who even has selfish motives, he can work through those who lack skills and personal resources. The only qualifications are being available to be used wherever you are and speaking words that are consistent with what God’s word says. Paul teaches us that if all we have is breath and Christ, we have enough resources to bear fruit.

2. Learn to trust in God in the little things, because you are going to need it when the big things occur.

3. Don’t fear bad circumstances. When bad things occur in the world or in your life personally, don’t think that God has lost control. God is just as much involved when you face bad circumstances as He is when we pray to get out of them. Be strong and courageous in all things, knowing that it will turn out for our good in the end.

4. Don’t attempt to navigate life on your own. Have close enough relationships with other believers that includes praying for each other. Rely on the many resources provided to us by the Holy Spirit.