Suffering for the Advance of the Gospel

Philippians Series with Young Adults at ECBC  •  Sermon  •  Submitted   •  51:54
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In this teaching, we look at how Paul's imprisonment was actually for the good and the advancement of the Gospel in his letter to the church at Phillipi.

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Suffering for the Advance of the Gospel

Tell story of the author of the text being on the front row as you teach. Afterwards, they can come up and tell you whether you nailed it or completely missed the point
“Christians are, in themselves, no wiser than other men. What they have, they have by grace.” - Cornelius Van Til
Background Information on Philippians
Paul is writing from prison
Security detail for Caesar was in rotations
Usually 6, 12, 18 month cycles
Symbol for Roman power was the praetorian guard
There were 2 designations of religion in Roman
legal religion
illegal superstition
Rome was polytheistic
When the consumed other people, they just absorbed their religion
Judaism was approved due to the lack of proselytizing
But from the very beginning, Christianity was illegal
They taught an ethic that far surpassed their neighbors
They were hated and found guilty immediately
This is Roman culture in which the church was born
The
An epistle of joy and encouragement to the Church at Philippi
Written before Paul’s impending Death
Occurred on his second missionary journey between AD 49-52

This eleventh book of the New Testament is the most personal of Paul’s letters and has been valued for its exuberant teachings on joy, which occurs sixteen times in this short letter. One scholar has summarized the content of this letter as follows: “I rejoice; do you rejoice?” (Bengel; Hawthorne, xlviii).

The beginning of Paul’s involvement with the church at Philippi is recorded in Acts 16. Prompted by a vision (Acts 16:6–10), Paul and his colleagues traveled to Philippi (Acts 16:12). During their brief visit, God did mighty works and a church was established (Acts 16:40)

Conflict arose when Paul cast an “evil spirit” from a slave girl, which had previously enabled her to predict the future, while also earning a profit for her masters (Acts 16:16–24). For this Paul and Silas were beaten and imprisoned. An earthquake shook the prison and its prisoners were freed (Acts 16:25–27), to which the overseeing jailer responded, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” (Acts 16:30). Upon the jailer’s famous conversion, he and his household were baptized (Acts 16:32). Paul subsequently complained to the chief magistrate about their mistreatment as Roman citizens, for which they seemed to receive an apology and were entreated to leave Philippi (Acts 16:39). After visiting the new church at Lydia’s home and encouraging them, they did depart (Acts 16:40).

Philippians is unique in that it reveals the apostle’s general satisfaction with the congregation’s progress in the faith. Though he does address some false teaching, the thrust of the letter lies elsewhere. In particular, the “hymn” in 2:6–11 perhaps depicts some of the most ancient of Christian creeds while serving to illustrate the need for believers to remain humble. The letter resonates with joy, with the noun “joy” occurring five times and “to rejoice” nine.

Recap of 1:1-11

Recap of

Addresses the church of Philippi as servants of Christ
Thanksgiving and Prayer
v. 6 “Perserverance of the Saints”
v. 7 both are “partakers with me of grace”
v. 8 “yearn for you...” - reiterates Paul’s joy for his church
v. 9 “… your love may abound … with knowledge and discernment”
v. 10 Why v. 9? “you may approve what is excellent”
v. 11 What’s the reason for all this? “filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ”
A letter of endearment for his fellow believers

Suffering Has a Purpose

What people groups did the Gospel penetrate through Paul’s imprisonment?
Philippians 1:12–14 ESV
I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ. And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.

13 Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? 14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, 15 but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, 16 having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. 17 For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil.

13 Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? 14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, 15 but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, 16 having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. 17 For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil.
1 Peter 3:13–17 ESV
Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil.
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

v.12 Analysis

What is Paul not saying in v.12?
Why does Paul feel the need to “comfort” the Philippians in v. 12?

It may have happened to the Philippians, that they were in some degree discouraged in consequence of the persecution of their Apostle.

The design, accordingly, of this detail is, to encourage the Philippians, that they may not feel deterred by the persecution endured by him.

What is Paul NOT saying in v.12?

It may have happened to the Philippians, that they were in some degree discouraged in consequence of the persecution of their Apostle.

v. 13-14 Analysis

What groups of people did the Gospel penetrate through Paul’s imprisonment?

Immediate Company

The Roman symbol of power and strength was penetrated by the Gospel
Through the Praetorian rotations, the Gospel spread
DO NOT make a comparison between our sufferings as Christians and that of what Paul experienced
We have the Apostle Paul in prison because of the stance he took for Christ. While their intentions were to stifle the Gospel going forward, the EXACT opposite happened.
In Mount Pleasant, SC you’re not gonna be thrown into prison because of your Faith. Do not make that parallel. The greatest “persecution” that you will 90% of the time just be an awkward conversation to someone who disagrees.
This immediate company involves coworkers, family, friends, classmates, etc. Don’t take this interactions lightly. Each connection is a soul that needs to hear the Gospel.
Do you run away from any “persecution” in day-to-day life due to your Faith?
Talk about Leland’s Sermon regarding an awkward conversation. There are two outcomes; (1) Either they listen and the Gospel is heard or (2) they reject you and you have obeyed the will of God.
Don’t treat your immediate company like a project to be completed
Do it out of love and grace for them
We have the Apostle Paul in prison because of the stance he took for Christ. While their intentions were to stifle the Gospel going forward, the EXACT opposite happened.
Is your love for your neighbor so radical that it stands out?
Talk about Don and Lynne King and how the witness to the Syrian refugees in Jordan. Their muslim family and friends aren’t helping them but we are. Why do you do this?
Talk about Thailand trip and how
In Mount Pleasant, SC you’re not gonna be thrown into prison because of your Faith. Do not make that parallel. The greatest “persecution” that you will 90% of the time just be an awkward conversation to someone who disagrees.
You have the “keys to the Kingdom”
This immediate company involves coworkers, family, friends, classmates, etc. Don’t take this interactions lightly. Each connection is a soul that needs to hear the Gospel.

The phrase “the keys of the kingdom” occurs only once in the Bible, in Matthew 16:19, where Jesus is speaking to Peter: “I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatever you shall bind on earth shall have been bound in heaven and whatever you shall loose on earth shall have been loosed in heaven” (NASB).

The “keys of the kingdom of heaven” therefore represent at least the authority to preach the gospel of Christ (cf. Matt. 16:16) and thus to open the door of the kingdom of heaven and allow people to enter.

What I love about this is that he is taking the fight to the enemy. This is a paradoxical act of offensive love
THIS is what courage and boldness looks like. This is what Paul shows us here. This is him following our ultimate example, which is Christ on the cross.
Luke 23:34 ESV
And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments.

Separation of Church and State

SIDE NOTE
In this text we do not see the Gospel being spread by Paul being elected as a senator
Laws do not spread the Gospel, the Church of Christ is responsible for that
It’s OK to advocate for the protection of morality with laws and religious freedom, but sharing the Gospel, that’s on you
Think of the person of shared the Gospel with you
pastor
friend
family member
college ministry
Some are afraid of religious freedom because that means other religions come into effect
Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Bible Doctrine C. The Power of the Church and the Power of the State

The Christian faith can stand on its own two feet and compete very well in the market-place of ideas in any society and in any culture, provided it has the freedom to do so.

Think of the person of shared the Gospel with you
pastor
friend
family member
college ministry

“all the rest” - Greater Influence Area

but God has frustrated both the attempts of the former and the expectations of the latter, and that in two ways, for while the gospel was previously obscure and unknown, it has come to be well known, and not only so, but has even been rendered honourable in the Praetorium, no less than in the rest of the city.”

The praetorium was meant to be known the Palace of Cesar.

All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar’s household.

22 All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar’s household.

We do not know the eternal ripples that occur based on our decision making. Be faithful to God’s revealed will and let the secret things of God take place within his providence.
Talk about conversation with Derek Walden regarding “eternal ripples”
I don’t know what’s more radical, going to prison for proclaiming Christ or going to prison for refusing to stop proclaiming Christ
Talk about conversation with Derek Walden regarding “eternal ripples”
Are you living a life so radical to the culture around you that your “greater influence area” can see the living God dwelling in you?
Talk about how your Thailand trip has opened the door for the Gospel to be talked about openly with coworkers.
3. Brothers and Sisters in Christ

Salt and Light.... AND on a Hill

Philippians 4:22 ESV
All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar’s household.
Matthew 5:13–16 ESV
“You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet. “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
Salt

The primary value of salt is not as a flavoring but as a preservative. Disciples are to hinder the world’s corruption. The salt deposits along the Dead Sea contain not just sodium chloride but a variety of other minerals as well. This salt can become useless when the rain washes out its saltiness over the years. Likewise, Christians whose value and conduct do not remain distinct from the culture around them fail in their mission.

Salt -
The primary value of salt is not as a flavoring but as a preservative. Disciples are to hinder the world’s corruption. The salt deposits along the Dead Sea contain not just sodium chloride but a variety of other minerals as well. This salt can become useless when the rain washes out its saltiness over the years. Likewise, Christians whose value and conduct do not remain distinct from the culture around them fail in their mission.
Light - your nature should be attractive
Light -
On a hill - Set a part. Not only be tasteful with your speech, or be attractive
Sproul, R. C. (Ed.). (2015). The Reformation Study Bible: English Standard Version (2015 Edition) (pp. 1678–1679). Orlando, FL: Reformation Trust.

The Jailer at the Church at Philippi

SIDE NOTE
Background
Stays here for a couple of days
On the Sabbath, Paul went outside the city to find a place of prayer
There were women gathered beside the river outside the city
He speaks to Lydia
The Lord opens the heart of Lydia
She comprehends the Gospel and is saved
After this, Paul encounters a slave girl with a demonic spirit
She could foretell the future through this demonic spirit
Earned her masters a great deal of money
Paul is annoyed by the spirit and rebukes it
She loses her ability to foretell the future and her masters are now angry at Paul and Silas
Bring them to the magistrate
They are causing problems and throw them in prison
Acts 16:25–40 ESV
About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them, and suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken. And immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone’s bonds were unfastened. When the jailer woke and saw that the prison doors were open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, supposing that the prisoners had escaped. But Paul cried with a loud voice, “Do not harm yourself, for we are all here.” And the jailer called for lights and rushed in, and trembling with fear he fell down before Paul and Silas. Then he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.” And they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their wounds; and he was baptized at once, he and all his family. Then he brought them up into his house and set food before them. And he rejoiced along with his entire household that he had believed in God. But when it was day, the magistrates sent the police, saying, “Let those men go.” And the jailer reported these words to Paul, saying, “The magistrates have sent to let you go. Therefore come out now and go in peace.” But Paul said to them, “They have beaten us publicly, uncondemned, men who are Roman citizens, and have thrown us into prison; and do they now throw us out secretly? No! Let them come themselves and take us out.” The police reported these words to the magistrates, and they were afraid when they heard that they were Roman citizens. So they came and apologized to them. And they took them out and asked them to leave the city. So they went out of the prison and visited Lydia. And when they had seen the brothers, they encouraged them and departed.
Acts 16:25–34 ESV
About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them, and suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken. And immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone’s bonds were unfastened. When the jailer woke and saw that the prison doors were open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, supposing that the prisoners had escaped. But Paul cried with a loud voice, “Do not harm yourself, for we are all here.” And the jailer called for lights and rushed in, and trembling with fear he fell down before Paul and Silas. Then he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.” And they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their wounds; and he was baptized at once, he and all his family. Then he brought them up into his house and set food before them. And he rejoiced along with his entire household that he had believed in God.
Imagine the Philippian jailer sitting in the congregation
I TOLD YOU SO!

Brothers and Sisters in Christ

3. Brothers and Sisters in Christ

By means of Paul’s imprisonment, the Lord strengthens and encourages the Christians to proclaim the gospel fearlessly.

By this instance we are taught that the tortures of the saints, endured by them in behalf of the gospel, are a ground of confidence to us.

we ought to venture farther than we had been accustomed, having now a pledge of our victory in the persons of our brethren. The knowledge of this ought to overcome our fears, that we may speak boldly in the midst of dangers.

Do we make a distinction between discipleship and evangelism?
Why is this important?
Proclaim Christ, and both will happen. DO NOT BOAST IN YOUR OWN STRENGTH
1 Peter 3:13–17 ESV
Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil.
Discuss how the boldness of Dwight Stone has affected your walk with Christ. Talk about his home in
Why is this important?
Previous Saints who were martyr’d for their Faith, give us encouragement for the truth and validity of the Gospel
Martyr quote two below

2For he lingered that he might be delivered up, even as the Lord did, to the end that we too might be imitators of him, not looking only to that which concerneth ourselves, but also to that which concerneth our neighbours. For it is the office of true and stedfast love, not only to desire that oneself be saved, but all the brethren also.

2For who could fail to admire their nobleness and patient endurance and loyalty to the Master? seeing that when they were so torn by lashes that the mechanism of their flesh was visible even as far as the inward veins and arteries, they endured patiently, so that the very bystanders had pity and wept; while they themselves reached such a pitch of bravery that none of them uttered a cry or a groan, thus showing to us all that at that hour the martyrs of Christ being tortured were absent from the flesh, or rather that the Lord was standing by and conversing with them.

The Gospel will Prevail

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

From Good Will

Envy and Rivalry (v. 17)

Sees something that they want in Paul. They see the blessings and the love that God has shown Paul out of his faithfulness to the Gospel.
They preach the Gospel out of selfish gain of this blessing from God

The apostle seems to have at least two groups of opposition in the Philippian church. Their identity, however, is among the most disputed subjects in modern scholarship on this epistle (O’Brien, 27). The first group is comprised of Christians (called “brothers”) who are preaching Christ with the intent of compounding Paul’s difficulties (1:14–15).

Application Point
He addresses the second group in ch. 3:18-19 which pose a much greater threat to the Gospel rather than the first group
Two types of attack at Paul:

Rabbis were quite concerned with mixed motives for serving God, which for them primarily involved study and practice of the Scriptures. Such was not to be done out of selfish motives (m. Abot 6.1). One rabbi said, “Do not say, I will work in the Torah with the purpose of being called Sage or Rabbi, or to acquire fortune, or even to be rewarded for it in the world to come. But do it for the sake of your love for God, though the glory will come in the end”

Direct attack at pious pastors to hurt their ministry
Why would someone use the Gospel, of all things, to inflict more persecution on a follower of Christ?

“Since the gospel cannot be preached but by those that understand it, what motive induced those persons to persecute the doctrine of which they approved?” I answer, that ambition is blind, nay, it is a furious beast. Hence it is not to be wondered if false brethren snatch a weapon from the gospel for harassing good and pious pastors. Paul

“Since the gospel cannot be preached but by those that understand it, what motive induced those persons to persecute the doctrine of which they approved?” I answer, that ambition is blind, nay, it is a furious beast. Hence it is not to be wondered if false brethren snatch a weapon from the gospel for harassing good and pious pastors.

Calvin answers that ambition is so blind that those who understand the Gospel yet are overcome with ambition, can do more harm than good.
Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Bible Doctrine E. Brief History of Organizational Separation in the Church

“Pride or self-glorification is the cause and starting point of all controversies, when each person, claiming for himself more than he is entitled to have, is eager to have others in his power.” Moreover, he says, “Ambition has been, and still is, the mother of all errors, of all disturbances and sects.”9

We live in a culture where ambition is gloried and advocated, where the Christian Faith is the exact opposite
Discuss how preaching and studying Scripture can become a strictly academic activity. The danger of this is missing the beauty of Christ. Discuss John Piper.
Talk about Michelle and how great she is
2. Indirect attack by turning the Gospel into an academic activity, social club, etc.

1:17. The former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition. Selfish ambition (eritheias) is a rare word, used by Aristotle to describe a greedy grasp for public office by unjust means

Discuss how preaching and studying Scripture can become a strictly academic activity. The danger of this is missing the beauty of Christ. Discuss John Piper.
BRIEFLY touch on the subject of prosperity Gospel teachers

From Good Will (v. 16)

The motive of one group is goodwill and love for Christ, and Paul’s defense of the gospel explains why they love the apostle (vv. 15, 16). The

Quick point here
Just emphasize how to not be a part of the ambitious crowd

What then? Christ is proclaimed

In the Old Testament the preaching of the word of God was thought to overcome all hindrances

For God sometimes accomplishes an admirable work by means of wicked and depraved instruments.

Discuss your own temptations and thoughts
Discuss repentance in

and at this day we rejoice that the progress of the gospel is advanced by many who, nevertheless, had another design in view.

What should our response be when we hear the Gospel of Christ spread with the wrong motive?

(Paul reacted with anything but joy when others spread a message other than the gospel of grace in Christ; 3:2, 18, 19; Gal. 1:8, 9).

Be very careful with this question AND this answer
1.) Seek the Lord in prayer
2.) Seek the Word of God for clarity
3.) Approach with the same strength as your relationship with that person
Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Bible Doctrine 1. The Purpose of Church Discipline.

In fact, if church members were actively involved in giving private words of gentle admonition and in praying for one another when the first clear evidence of sinful conduct is seen, very little formal church discipline would have to be carried out, because the process would begin and end with a conversation between two people that never becomes known to anyone else.

This is worth noting, but Paul’s response here is joy and rejoicing
Challenge to build a candid community where admonition and constructive criticism is not only welcomed but joyfully embraced.
Talk about Simeon Trust conference with Danny and Leland and Dick Lucas

Wrap Up

Suffering for the Gospel is not Suffering

Suffering may not be fun in the moment, but if you embrace it with an eternal perspective, Christ gets the Glory

Proclaim Christ from a sober and Vertically Aligned Heart

Remain in prayer so that your heart may be bound to Christ
“Bind my wandering heart to the” - Come thou fount of every blessing

Admonish One Another for the Sake of the Gospel

There are greater things at stake than your pride

Preview to Next Week: “To live is Christ, to die is Gain”

Suffering to you is a win/win situation

The Word of God’s Perspective

The Bible is not a self help handbook
The Bible was not written to help you live a easy and comfortable life
The Bible is the living Word of God

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God

What is this passage communicating to us as the Word of God?
What does this passage communicate to us about the character of the living God?
There is nothing in this world worth gaining, than to proclaim the Word of God.
Harry Potter “patronus” charm to the dementors. What would your “happy thought” be? Professor Lupin teaches him how. First thought is the first time he rode a broom. Second thought is about his parents.

Suffering to you is a win/win situation
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