Joy/Full | Not How I Planned It – Philippians 1:12-26

Not How I Planned It | Philippians 1:12-26

Philippians 1:12 “Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel.”

to advance means pioneer advance

Key Point: The truest source of joy is found in the Lord.

3 unlikely influences that helped Paul take the gospel to Rome:

1. Prison

A. Prison opened the door to have contact with prison guards.

Philippians 1:13 “As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ.”

Warren Wiersbe “Imagine yourself as one of those soldiers, chained to a man, who prayed “without ceasing,” who is constantly interviewing people about their spiritual condition, and who was repeatedly writing letters to Christians, and churches throughout the Empire!”

B. Prison gave Paul contact with Caesar’s court.

Paul’s Secret: When you have a single focus, you see your circumstances as God given opportunities to advance the gospel.

Romans 8:28 “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

C. Prison gave courage to other believers.

Philippians 1:14 “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.”

proclaim means every day conversation.

2. Conflict

Philippians 1:15–19 “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. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, 19 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.”

3. A Crisis
Philippians 1:20-24 “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. 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! 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.”

Depart means…
1. to take down your tent, and move on.

2. a prisoner being set free.

3. to unyoke the oxen.

Philippians 1:21 Test for Our Lives

“For to me to live is _______ and to die is ________.”

Philippians 1:21 “For to me to live is Christ and to die is gain.”

Make sure your source of joy is Jesus and not your circumstances.