TO KNOW CHRIST #3
Life Lessons from Paul’s Letter to the Philippians
CHRIST IS PREACHED
Phil 1:12-18a
PAUL’S PRISON EXPERIENCE
12 Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. 13 As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for [in] Christ. 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.
Philippians 1:12-14 (NIV)
15 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. Philippians 1:15-17 (NIV)
PAUL’S RESPONSE
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.
Philippians 1:18a (NIV)
HOW CAN I BE AN AGENT OF THE ADVANCE OF THE GOSPEL?
“Unashamed of the gospel, maintaining our first love, doing more than we have at first, being patient in suffering, rejoicing in every advance of the gospel.”