PHILIPPIANS 1:12-26

Philippians 4:9 “The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.”

Paul’s Circumstances (12-16) Beaten by the Jews Arrested by the Romans Imprisoned for years But… – Not focused on himself, but the gospel – “my circumstances have turned out for the greater progress of the gospel…” (NASB)

Those Emboldened to Preach (15-17) Those with good motives – They love Paul and desire to encourage him in his circumstances Those with bad motives – They are envious of Paul’s successes in the Lord – They wanted to inflict him (emotionally?) during his imprisonment

Paul’s Response (18-20) Paul understood that his life was not about himself! Joy! “my body shall be, as it were, the theatre on which Christ’s glory shall be displayed.”

“to live is Christ and to die is gain.” To go and be with the Lord, or to stay and serve in the kingdom? Would our motivations to stay here be like Paul’s? Or would they be selfish? “The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.”