Philippians 1:12-26 Outline of These Verses: Paul’s Bonds contributed to “the Furtherance of the Gospel,” Philippians 1:12-14! The All-Important Proclamation, 1: The Happy Results, Philippians 1:19,20. In Life, or in Death, Philippians 1:21-26.

Paul’s Bonds Contributed to “the Furtherance of the Gospel,” 1:12-14! V. 12: “…I would ye should understand… that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel,” 1:12. V. 13. “So that my bonds in Christ are mani- fest in all the palace, and in all other places. V. 14. “And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.”

The All-Important Proclamation, Philippians 1:15-18 Christ was being preached, even though some were improperly motivated, 1:15,16. Regardless of the motives of some, Paul was “set for the defense of the gospel,” 1:17. – Preachers like Paul are too few and too far in between! Paul rejoiced that Christ was being preached, v. 18; cf. Acts 8:5,34,35. – The validity of the gospel is determined by the message; not the motives of the preacher!

The Happy Results! Philippians 1:19,20 V. 19. “…I know that this shall turn to my salvation (deliverance, NKJV) through your prayer, and the supply of the spirit of…Christ -- Paul expected to be released. Cf. 2:24. V. 20. Paul’s “earnest expectation.” - “In nothing I shall be ashamed.” - “With all boldness…Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.”

In Life or in Death, Philippians 1:21-23 V. 21. “For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” V. 22. Paul did not know what he should choose – whether life or death. V. 23. He was “hard pressed” (NKJV); he recognized that to “depart” would be “far better.” – “Depart “ (from analuo, Gk), is said to be a nautical term, referring to a ship pulling up its anchor and sailing the high seas. For Paul, “departure” meant a glorious promotion! 2 Timothy 4:6-8.

In Life or In Death, Con’t Philippians 1:24-26 V. 24. It would be “more needful for” the brethren if he remained. V. 25. Paul’s confidence– that he would “remain and continue with” his brethren, resulting in their “progress and joy of faith.” V. 26. If he survived, the “rejoicing” of the Philippians saints would “be more abundant in Christ Jesus” by his “coming” again to them.

Practical Application— How to Look at Reverses Observation: The Way of Christ is the Way of the Cross, Matthew 10:34-38; 16:24. Following the way of the Cross is not an escape from great challenges, regardless of where one is in life. It is not easy for: – Teenagers, I Timothy 4:12. – Newlyweds, Titus 2:4-7. – The Middle Aged, I Timothy 6:6-8. – The Elderly, 2 Corinthians 12:8,9

Practical Application – How to Look at Reverses (continued) Consider Paul’s Situation, Philippians 1: – He could have complained about the heavy weight of the cross he was having to bear. – Instead, He expressed joy at what had happened; it had fallen out to “the furtherance of the gospel!”

Using Paul As an Example, Consider How We Should Look at Reverses: As a Difficult time which can have positive Benefits, Philippians 1:12. As a time to Sing and to Pray, Acts 16:25. As a Time to “magnify” Christ in one’s body, Philippians 1:20. – Illustrate with a magnifying glass. The magnifying glass does not change the nature of the object; it influences our view of the object magnified. – By magnifying Christ, we do not change His nature, but the view people have of Christ.

How We Should Look at Reverses (continued) As a time to learn the true meaning of life, Philippians 1:21. – Pause, ponder “why do I live; what is the ultimate drive of my life?” As a time to realize there is more to life than life itself! Philippians 1: As a time to look to the future with optimism, Philippians 1:26.

Conclusion: Why did Paul have such a positive attitude, regardless of his earthly situation – which often was very difficult? He had committed his all to the Lord; he knew Whom He believed, and was fully “persuaded” that He was able to “keep that” which he had “committed unto” Him, 2 Timothy 2:11,12. If we make the same commitment, we can have the same assurance!