Rejoicing in Chains

Series: Philippians

Rejoicing in Chains

Philippians 1:12-30

Recap

Paul writes to thank the Philippians for their financial support, tell them how he is doing, and address issues facing the church.  

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!

Philippians 4:4

Context 

Paul is writing from a Roman jail.

Before his imprisonment, he had faced multiple hardships: 

He had been falsely accused, faced death threats, encountered starvation, was shipwrecked, was bitten by a poisonous snake, and was imprisoned by a madman.  

Regardless of his circumstances, he refuses to complain, he thinks about others, and he rejoices in Jesus. 

Rejoicing in chains

Live to advance the Gospel.                                   1:12-19

            Paul believed his chains gave him opportunity.

            Know that though you may be chained, 

                                                the Gospel can never be chained!

            Faithfulness in adversity builds faithfulness in others. 

            Making Paul famous was not His goal. 

                                                            Making Jesus famous was!

Understand your life is your testimony.                        1:20

            Gospel fidelity – Christian community = hypocrisy

            Christian community – Gospel fidelity = fragility
             

            Gospel fidelity + Christian community = power

Paul wanted to honor Jesus with his life because he loved Jesus.

Trust God’s providential care and sovereign    

     oversight of your life.                                                        1:21-23

Invest your life in making genuine disciples.         1:24-30

            Marks of Discipleship

§  Consistency

§  Steadfastness

§  Unity  

§  Fearlessness

§  Preparedness

Today’s Takeaways

1.        Choose to rejoice in Jesus rather than complaining about your circumstances.

2.        Take the gospel with you wherever you go. 

3.         Remember to live is Christ and to die is gain.