Honoring Christ in Difficult Situations
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Honoring Christ in Difficult Situations
Honoring Christ in Difficult Situations
Introduction
Introduction
There was a father who wanted to take his 7-year-old son to a baseball game because the father loved baseball. So, they went to the old Memorial Stadium sat under the upper deck in the shade. The seats were low, and a column was in front of the son, causing him trouble seeing the game because he was short, and the fans would jump out of their seats when something exciting happened. The father looked at the son, noticing he wasn’t happy, so he asked the son what’s wrong? The son said I do not like baseball games because I cannot see anything because of the people in front of me and this dumb pole. So, the father reaches over picks the son up, placing him on his lap allowing him to view the game from the father’s seat, which changed the son’s perspective of baseball. That is what Paul is doing for the Philippian Church, helping them improve their view of a difficult situation by placing them in his lap so that they can see Christ.
12 Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually advanced the gospel, 13 so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard, and to everyone else, that my imprisonment is because I am in Christ. 14 Most of the brothers have gained confidence in the Lord from my imprisonment and dare even more to speak the word fearlessly. 15 To be sure, some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of good will. 16 These preach out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel; 17 the others proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, thinking that they will cause me trouble in my imprisonment. 18 What does it matter? Only that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is proclaimed, and in this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice 19 because I know this will lead to my salvation through your prayers and help from the Spirit of Jesus Christ. 20 My eager expectation and hope is that I will not be ashamed about anything, but that now as always, with all courage, Christ will be highly honored in my body, whether by life or by death.
Main Point:
Main Point:
A Christ-centered perspective that fuels our passion which shapes our purpose.
Background:
Background:
Paul and Silas planted the church on the 2nd missionary trip (Acts 16:11-40).
Put in jail beaten and kicked out of town (Acts 16:23–24).
The church in Philippi was experiencing some opposition:
Opponents (1:28)
28 and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God.
Same struggle as Paul (1:30)
30 engaged in the same conflict that you saw I had and now hear that I still have.
Watch out for dogs, Evil workers, and False Teachers
2 Look out for the dogs, look out for the evildoers, look out for those who mutilate the flesh.
Prison Epistle: Mostly like in Rome (4:22 Final Greeting)
22 All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar’s household.
New Testament In NT times persons could be imprisoned for nonpayment of debt (Matt. 5:25–26; Luke 12:58–59), political insurrection and criminal acts (Luke 23:19, 25), as well as for certain religious practices (Luke 21:12; Acts 8:3).[1]
While awaiting trial in Rome, Paul remained under constant guard in a kind of house arrest (28:16–17, 30), met his own expenses, and was free to receive visitors and preach the gospel “with full boldness and without hindrance” (28:31 HCSB).[1]
22 “And now I am on my way to Jerusalem, compelled by the Spirit, not knowing what I will encounter there, 23 except that in every town the Holy Spirit warns me that chains and afflictions are waiting for me. 24 But I consider my life of no value to myself; my purpose is to finish my course and the ministry I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of God’s grace.
Key Word: Rejoice
Key Word: Rejoice
A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature, 3rd ed. χαίρω
to be in a state of happiness and well-being, rejoice, be glad
I. Perspective – “I am in Christ”
I. Perspective – “I am in Christ”
12 Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually advanced the gospel, 13 so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard, and to everyone else, that my imprisonment is because I am in Christ. 14 Most of the brothers have gained confidence in the Lord from my imprisonment and dare even more to speak the word fearlessly.
Advance the gospel (God Thing)
Advance the gospel (God Thing)
Two Types of People
a). the whole imperial guard, and to everyone else (Unbelievers) (v.13)
b). Brothers or Believers (v.14)
Gained confidence in the Lord
Speak the word fearlessly
II. Passion – Christ is Preached
II. Passion – Christ is Preached
15 To be sure, some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of good will. 16 These preach out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel; 17 the others proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, thinking that they will cause me trouble in my imprisonment. 18 What does it matter? Only that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is proclaimed, and in this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice
Two Type of Preachers
Two Type of Preachers
1) Envy and Rivalry Motivated by “selfish ambition, not sincerely, thinking that they will cause me trouble in my imprisonment.”
2) Good will and Love motivated by knowing “I am appointed for the defense of the gospel”
III.Purpose - Christ will be highly honored (v.20)
III.Purpose - Christ will be highly honored (v.20)
19 because I know this will lead to my salvation through your prayers and help from the Spirit of Jesus Christ. 20 My eager expectation and hope is that I will not be ashamed about anything, but that now as always, with all courage, Christ will be highly honored in my body, whether by life or by death.
Closing
Closing
To "Honor Christ in Difficult Situations", we must put Christ in the center of our lives, transforming our perspectives, fueling our passions, and clarifying our purpose for His glory.
Footnotes:
[1] Daniel C. Browning Jr., “Prison, Prisoners,” ed. Chad Brand et al., Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2003), 1330.
[1] Daniel C. Browning Jr., “Prison, Prisoners,” ed. Chad Brand et al., Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2003), 1330.