Joy despite ……Philippians 1:12-26

Difficulty (12-14)

Detractors (15-18)

Death (19-21)

De Flesh (22-26)

As long as Christ’s-• Cause progressed

• Name proclaimed

• Glorified

• Church benefits

Joy despite …. Part 1

Difficulty (12-14)“Progress of the Gospel”

Circumstances added to - 2 Cor. 12:9,10 Paul lived passionately - Acts 20:24 Resistance is inherent to - 1 Thess. 2:18 ;

1 John 2:15,16 ; Acts 24:27 ; 1 Cor. 16:9 ; 1 Thess. 2:2 ; 2 Tim. 2:8-10

Most willing to pay because trials further -

Joy despite …. Part 1 Difficulty (continued)

Bonds of Paul Chains were divinely planned Chains were distinctly productive Palace guard (10,000) Many others Tacitus tells of many converts

Joy despite …. Part 1

Difficulty (continued) Boldness of the Brothers

Increase in # of converts Increase in # of witnesses Increase in their boldness (courage) Decrease in fear

Joy despite …. Part 1

Detractors (15-18) Contrast Discernment of the difference

Some from envy and strife Some from good will

Discussion of the difference Contention, insincerity, affliction Love & support for defense of Gospel

Joy despite …. Part 1

Detractors (continued) Discussion of the difference

Contention, insincerity, affliction Selfish ambition / pretense Love and support for defense of the

Gospel Pure motives / truth

Joy despite …. Part 1

Detractors (continued) Summary :

– As long as Christ is preached – I will rejoice! – I will say it again, I will rejoice!

Joy despite …. Part 1

Application 1 In your difficulties are you

seeing the big picture … from God’s point of view?

Joy despite …. Part 1

Application 2 Are your difficulties in life

being used to further the Gospel?