Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly.

What if God’s plan for me is not my plan for me? What if the comforts I’ve planned aren’t what God’s planned for me?

 Lot’s of preaching today is that God plans for us health, wealth, comfort and peace.  What if God’s plan for me is PRISON?

 While he did not set out to go to prison, prison is where he went.  The statement is often made: If life gives you lemons, make lemonade!  How do we apply that idea to our lives in Christ?

Paul under house arrest in Rome. Not actually in prison. Not free to go where he wants.

 Were the chains literal? Or figurative?  The Greek reads: BONDS  Either way, Paul is a prisoner for the cause of Christ.

 Literally “my bonds in Christ”.  Paul saw his entire existence as being bound by Christ.  This was more than being bound because of Christ.

 Then Paul answered, "Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.“ Acts 21:13

 Romans 6:16ff  Use to be slaves of sin  Now slaves of God  We are bound to the one to whom we are a slave.  Our slavery is to righteousness and leads to eternal life.

 It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.  We are free, yet we are slaves.  Freedom from the law enslaves us to the law of grace.  We are in chains of righteousness

 Paul recognizes the benefit of his imprisonment.  The Gospel is advancing  Caesar’s household has heard the Gospel.  Paul’s guards have heard the Gospel.  The brethren in Rome are emboldened to preach the Gospel even more courageously.

 Paul neither complains nor seeks retribution or release.  He rejoices in the situation.  He gives glory to God by recognizing His guiding hand.

 Our situation may not always be to our liking.  Yet, we can use it to glorify God.  WBTC workers were beaten last week for distributing Bibles in India.  How did they react? Rejoicing!

 Poverty? Or Wealth?  Freedom or slavery?  Majority or Minority?  Happy or sad?  Whatever our situation, we can glorify God and further the Gospel.

 Philippians 1:27 -- Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel.

 Only God knows His plan for our lives.  The question is: Will we willingly submit to God’s plan?  Will we give glory to His name and serve Him faithfully whatever situation we find ourselves in?  Will we make lemonade?