Apr. 21, 2024

“OVERJOYED”

“WHAT A WAY TO LIVE!”

PHILIPPIANS 1:12-20

The apostle Paul was no stranger to adversity, or prisons.

2 Corinthians 11:23 “Are they ministers of Christ?—I speak as a fool—I am more: in labors more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequently, in deaths often.”

I am convinced that joy does not come from without, but from within. A life of calm, peaceful satisfaction, a positive attitude, a contented spirit, these aren’t dependent on circumstances but on our mind-set.

Holocaust survivor, Viktor Frankl observed, “Everything can be taken from a man but one thing; the last of the human freedoms, to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances.”

Will we have a negative mind-set or a positive mind-set?

Romans 12:2 “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”

1. Despite Hardship- Philippians 1:12-14

Philippians 1:12-14 “But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel, 13so that it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ; 14and most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.”

The same God who used Moses’ rod, Gideon’s pitchers, and David’s sling, used Paul’s chains.

2 Timothy 2:9 “for which I suffer trouble as an evildoer, even to the point of chains; but the word of God is not chained.”

In light of the chain of events leading to his imprisonment, Paul was convinced that his circumstances had turned out “for the furtherance of the gospel” vs.12.

*Paul’s hardship or his chains gave him contact with the lost.

“…so that it has become evident to the whole palace guard” vs.13

*Paul’s hardship or his chains also encouraged other believers. 

vs.14 “and most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.”

The word “speak” means “everyday conversation.” 

I wonder if the words from Joseph entered Paul’s mind:

Genesis 50:20 “But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.”

2.   Paul Was Joyful In Spite Of Others ill Will- Philippians 1:15-18

Philippians 1:15-18 “Some indeed preach Christ even from envy and strife, and some also from goodwill: 16The former preach Christ from selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my chains; 17but the latter out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel. 18What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is preached; and in this I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice.”

Paul didn’t care just as long as Christ is being preached.

There was no envy in Paul’s heart. It mattered not that some were for him and some were against him. All that mattered was the preaching of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

3.   Paul Was Hopeful, Regardless of Uncertainties- Philippians 1:19-20

Paul was confident that the Philippians’ prayers and the Lord’s provision would ultimately result in his deliverance, likely referring to a literal release from prison.

Philippians 1:19-20 “For I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayer and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, 20according to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death.”

Paul possessed a single mind, he expected things to turn out victoriously, “that this will turn out for my deliverance,” vs.19.

But what if Paul wasn’t set free? What if his opponents somehow rigged the system, like they had done in the case of Jesus Christ? What if Paul faced the same path as His Lord? Despite these uncertainties, his hope remained. He was unafraid and unashamed. Whether he lived or died, “Christ will be magnified in my body.” vs.20

True happiness is the cultivation of a Christ-empowered life.

*First, When Christ is the Center, He Changes Our Attitudes Toward Our Circumstances.

*Second, When Christ Is the Center, He Delivers Us From Our Preoccupation With How Others View Us.

*Third, When Christ Is The Center, He Calms Our Fears About Ourselves And Our Futures.