Philippians 1:12-26
Paul's Attitude Toward Difficulties

Single Mind &
Circumstances
Part II

JOY LEAKS

• Making lemonade out of lemons
• Misery loves company
• Glass half empty or half full
• Courage is contagious as is fear
• Encouragement and discouragement spread

Chains
Greek "halusis": short length of chain by which the wrist of a prisoner was bound to the wrist of the soldier who was his guard so that escape was impossible

PAUL'S CIRCUMSTANCES

• Acts 9:1-28:31 Paul's ministry
• 2 Corinthians 11:23-30
• Acts 19:21--After all this had happened, Paul decided to go to Jerusalem, passing through Macedonia and Achaia. “After I have been there,” he said, “I must visit Rome also."

PAUL'S CIRCUMSTANCES

• Romans 1:14-15 -- I am obligated both to Greeks and non-Greeks, both to the wise and the foolish. That is why I am so eager to preach the gospel also to you who are in Rome.
• Acts 28:30-31 -- For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. He proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ—with all boldness and without hindrance!

PAUL'S CIRCUMSTANCES

• Wrongfully imprisoned in Jerusalem Acts 21
• 2 years held prisoner in Caesarea Acts 23:23-Acts 26
• Spoke in front of Felix, Festus, and King Agrippa
• No bitterness/pure heart
• No tragedy rather triumph

Philippians 1:12-14
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.

Seeing the Progress of God's Cause

Paul's Chains = Opportunity

Christ Known

Taking Advantage of Opportunities

Starts body of letter

Brother/brethren used 9xs

Problems vs. progress (to cut forward): pioneering, army engineers

Opportunities Lost & Found

Deuteronomy 6:7
These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.

Opportunities Lost & Found

1 Peter 3:1-2
Wives, in the same way submit yourselves to your own husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives, when they see the purity and reverence of your lives.

CONTACT WITH THE LOST V.13

• Jewish Council
• Roman governors & high ranking officials (including a king)
• Soldiers/praetorium
• Members Caesar's household
• Those who heard appeal

SOLDIERS

• Thought to have worked 6 hour shifts chained to Paul
• Would have been present as Paul wrote letters
• Heard conversations between Paul, Timothy and Epaphroditus
• Witnessed Paul's concern for fellow Christians
• Heard Paul teach
• Observed Paul in prayer and praise

2 Timothy 2:8-9
Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel, for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God’s word is not chained.

Courage to the Saved v.14

Paul's attitude encourages

Preaching included everyday conversations in the most influential city on 3 continents

Philippians 1:15-18
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.

Seeing Preaching of God's Gospel

Paul's Critics

Motives

Christ preached

Preaching from a negative perspective

Paul didn't disapprove message just motivation

Contention

Envy and strife vs. love and unity

Certainties

Defense of the gospel

Christ proclaimed

Paul rejoices

Philippians 1:19-20
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.

SEEING THE PROVISION OF GOD'S FAVOR

• Deliverance of Paul v.19
• Know/confident knowledge that God is in control
• Deliverance/salvation
• From prison
• From slander/mistreatment
• From embarrassment
• Saved eternally
• Support of the Holy Spirit

Philippians 1:21-26
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.

A Matter of Live or Death

Paul's Crisis

Christ magnified

Paul's Dilemma

Pro = life
Christ (challenge,
motivation, strength,
goal)
worthwhile labor
more opportunities

Paul's Dilemma

Cons = death
gain (relief; he's tired)
departure to be with
Christ

Paul's Decision

Responsibility
Unselfish
Convinced -- confident knowledge
Continue teaching
Confidence
Joy/rejoice

Fill in the blank

For me to live is ______
And to die is _______

Next week
Philippians 1:27-30
Single Mind and Circumstances
Part 3