Sermon Tone Analysis
Overall tone of the sermon
This automated analysis scores the text on the likely presence of emotional, language, and social tones. There are no right or wrong scores; this is just an indication of tones readers or listeners may pick up from the text.
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Analytical
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Openness
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Conscientiousness
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Extraversion
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Agreeableness
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Tone of specific sentences
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Our passage today begins to get the purpose of the letter which Paul is writing to the Philippian church.
It begins we these words, “I want you to know...”
This phrase was a common way of transitioning to the letter’s crucial information.
The Philippians were concerned about Paul’d condition in prison, and would have wanted to know his circumstances.
Let’s look at what Paul wants them to know.
Philippians 1:12-18
“I want you to know...”
This is what Paul wants them to know.
“What has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel.”
Wait, what?
Notice that Paul uses the word, “really” or rather.
The Philippians, like most of us would have expected that Paul’s imprisonment would have him down, dejected, and lets face it they would probably have felt discouraged that the apostle they love and respect is in prison.
Instead Paul gives them a message once again that is positive.
What has happened to me (MY IMPRISONMENT) has really served to advance the Gospel.
really is being used emphatically here in the sense of “it’s not what you think” or rather.
That phrase “for Christ” is literally “in Christ”.
This would probably not only carry the idea that Paul has been imprisoned for Christ’s sake, but is also participating in Christ’s suffering by being in prison.
…in Christ = ...ἐν Χριστῷ
Phil 1:13
The character of his suffering has become clear to everyone - the guards and the community as to why he is there.
It’s a lot easier to speak out when someone has gone before.
If they can face it, by golly so can I.
Paul’s emphasis becomes that the Gospel would be preached:
Phil 1:15
Notice the emphasis on Christ and the Gospel.
These are not people preaching a different gospel, these preach Christ, and Paul therefore can celebrate.
Nor are these opponents false prophets - these people seem to oppose Paul for personal reasons.
The emphasis is that the Gospel of Christ is preached.
What’s the point?
Human circumstances lie in God’s hands and God uses them to advance the gospel.
Place our circumstances under the authority of God and know that God is using them to accomplish his purposes.
What’s our take away?
Three things:
There is value in finding other believers that set an example of how to deal with suffering in a Christian way.
There is value in finding other believers that set an example of how to deal with suffering in a Christian way.
God works not merely in spite of but through our circumstances, both good and bad.
When our joy is connected to the advancement of the gospel rather than other things it remains firm.
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