Philippians 1:12-18 Overcoming Obstacles
Looking beyond circumstances (1:12-14)
Christian people can also have sorrows or difficult times. We can go through some very rough times. We are warned about trouble in this world (John 16:33) and persecution by the unrighteous (2 Tim. 3:12).
Paul wrote this letter while he was in a prison
Philippians knew Paul's circumstances and they were concerned about him.
However Paul does not focus on his circumstances
Paul was encouraged that a great progress of the Gospel was made due to his imprisonment.
Verse 14 states, "that most of the brethren, trusting in
the Lord because of my imprisonment, have far more courage to speak the word of
God without fear."
Looking beyond obstacles (1:15-17)
Christ is preached:
Some did this out of love for Christ and personal love for Paul
And others out of improper motives, v17.
Even these people did not like Paul for whatever reason, they were still allies in the cause because they were preaching Christ.
Looking beyond feelings (1:18)
Paul declares his reaction to these things in verse 18. "What then? Only
that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed; and in
this I rejoice, yes, and I will rejoice."
That is an important lesson for all of us, ministry is not about us, it is to glorify Jesus Christ.
Application:
We may not be in prison, however we may have many different types of chains
Job, health, finance, etc, how do we react during this time reflect on what we believe.
Paul took whatever was in front of him and used that opportunity to advanced the Gospel.
Audio:
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