Insights of a Godly Warrior Subtitle: What Appears Bad is Good. Philippians 1:12-18 By David Turner www.Biblestudies-Online.com

Video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Dmts2OOPu4

Philippians 1:12–18 (ESV) 12 I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, 13 so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ. 14 And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.

Philippians 1:12–18 (ESV) 15 Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will. 16 The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17 The former proclaim Christ out of rivalry, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment. 18 What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice.

Why was Paul in a Roman Prison? Acts 25:10–11 (ESV) 10 But Paul said, “I am standing before Caesar’s tribunal, where I ought to be tried. To the Jews I have done no wrong, as you yourself know very well. 11 If then I am a wrongdoer and have committed anything for which I deserve to die, I do not seek to escape death. But if there is nothing to their charges against me, no one can give me up to them. I appeal to Caesar.”

A Warrior sees victory where others see defeat 12 I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel The Philippians grieved over Paul’s imprisonment. Would this hinder the gospel? How could God allow it? The warrior sees advancement.

Adversity can advance the gospel 13 so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard The Good news reaches those whom it otherwise wouldn’t. Praetorian guard are high ranking soldiers of influence. Does our affliction give us opportunity?

Those not in direct contact are influenced and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ. Everyone else knows that Paul is imprisoned for being a soldier of Christ. The message is important enough for Paul to go to prison for it. A soldier would respect one standing for his cause.

His imprisonment gave other’s courage 14 And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. Paul’s boldness influenced other believers to be more bold. Persecution can cause others to retreat. Paul’s boldness encouraged others to be bold

What’s the motive? 15 Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will. Some see the Warriors imprisonment as an opportunity. They didn’t like his presence in Rome Or, they see opportunity for self advancement Others are genuinely preaching with proper motives.

Some preach with pure motives 16 The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. Believers that supported Paul knew: He wasn’t there to cause trouble for the believers. He came to defend the gospel. His imprisonment gave them courage.

Some preach from bad motives 17 The former proclaim Christ out of rivalry, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment. Some were in competition with Paul He threatened their theology He threatened their position. Paul’s imprisonment was viewed as their opportunity.

Paul’s Attitude? 18 What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice. Does it matter? It’s not about Paul, but about Christ. Even with incorrect theology or motive Christ is proclaimed.

What about my attitude? When I’m laid aside by sickness, I’ll rejoice that others are in health, and are able to make the Savior known. I’ll proclaim Christ to those that are minister to my health.

What about my attitude? When I am unpopular and unsuccessful, I’ll rejoice that others are more popular and successful - for they can preach Christ.

What about my attitude? When I have rivals, who have better plans than me, and whose labors are crowned with success, I won’t be envious or jealous - for Christ is preached.

What about my attitude When other churches or denominations preach what I regard as error, and their preaching becomes popular, and is attended with success, I can find occasion to rejoice - for they preach Christ.

Paul’s Attitude and Ours We should never rejoice in error; but if the truth that Christ died for people is preached, we can find abundant occasion for joy. Mingled as it may be with error, it may be nevertheless the means of saving souls, and though we should rejoice more if the truth were preached without any admixture of error, yet still the very fact that Christ is made known lays the foundation for gratitude and rejoicing. Paraphrased from Albert Barnes’ Commentary