May 15, 2014
JOY, CHAINS, AND THE GOSPEL
Philippians 1:12-30
Laura Dickinson
Central Truth
While in chains, Paul models for us what it looks like to have an eternal perspective through great trial.
Key Verse | Philippians 1:14
And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. (Philippians 1:14)
Philippians 1:12-30
The Advance of the Gospel
12 I want you to know, brothers, 1 1:12 Or brothers and sisters. In New Testament usage, depending on the context, the plural Greek word adelphoi (translated brothers) may refer either to brothers or to brothers and sisters; also verse 14 that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, 13 so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard 2 1:13 Greek in the whole praetorium and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ. 14 And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word 3 1:14 Some manuscripts add of God without fear.
15 Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will. 16 The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17 The former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment. 18 What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice.
To Live Is Christ
Yes, and I will rejoice, 19 for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance, 20 as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. 21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22 If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. 23 I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. 24 But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. 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 in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again.
27 Only let your manner of life be worthy 4 1:27 Greek Only behave as citizens worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, 28 and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God. 29 For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake, 30 engaged in the same conflict that you saw I had and now hear that I still have.
Footnotes
[1] 1:12 Or brothers and sisters. In New Testament usage, depending on the context, the plural Greek word adelphoi (translated “brothers”) may refer either to brothers or to brothers and sisters; also verse 14[2] 1:13 Greek in the whole praetorium
[3] 1:14 Some manuscripts add of God
[4] 1:27 Greek Only behave as citizens worthy
Dive Deeper | Philippians 1:12-30
Paul's life circumstances did not dictate his joy. At the time, Paul was a prisoner in chains. He wrote to the believers in Philippi to encourage them that his chains served as a means to advance the gospel. Many people came to know Christ because Paul boldly shared the gospel while in prison. Those new believers were then also bold to share Christ with even more people!
Paul never complained that his personal comforts were removed, his relationships were hindered, and his daily life activities were altered. Rather, he remained joyful and steadfast in the advancement of the gospel. He chose to glorify God instead of himself. He even acknowledged that "to live is Christ, and to die is gain" (verse 21).
Most of us cannot relate to being in physical chains, but we all have things that feel like chains -- earthly trials in which we must remain faithful. It is hard to be weighed down with hurts or unmet expectations that are out of our control. These things -- miscarriages, cancer, serving as a caretaker to an ill loved one, unemployment, financial hardship, or _________ -- put burdens on us that feel like chains on the expectations we had for our lives.
What do we do when our expectations are not met? I am challenged by Paul to continue to seek God in my chains. Having an eternal perspective demands that I acknowledge that God is in control. He cares and will use ALL circumstances ultimately to bring glory to Himself.
Paul did not see the physical chains as a negative hindrance -- through them he was able to share the gospel with more people! Paul was joyful because he gave his life to God, including all the expectations he had for himself. He was faithful and obedient in each life circumstance God gave him. Paul truly is a model to me of how to view chains as an opportunity to be obedient to God.
Discussion Questions
1. What circumstances in your life feel like chains to you?
2. What role do expectations play in whether you have joy in your life?
3. What do you do when your expectations are not met?