Christ Must Be Preached And Magnified

JANUARY 24, 2021 STUDY NOTES PHILIPPIANS 1:18-20 BIBLE TEACHER: CLIFTON JONES CHRIST MUST BE PREACHED AND MAGNIFIED INTRODUCTION Paul’s words may seem to be strange, but Paul’s point is the message is more important than the man Paul was not concerned about how important he was, his concern was the salvation of the lost His interest was in others, especially those who needed to hear the gospel, Php 2:4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. There is no greater concern than concern for those who are without Christ in their life Php 1:18 What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice. “What then?” What do I think? What do I say? What are my feelings? Paul is referring back to what was said in, Php 1:15 Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will: Php 1:16 The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds: “Notwithstanding,” what they say about me or do to me does not matter as long as Christ is preached Paul was more concerned about the preaching of the word than he was the protection of his name They had the wrong attitude but the right message We know that Paul is not referring to false teachers, he says, “Christ is preached” They did not have a bad message they had a bad motive In “every way,” whatever manner they used, whatever their intentions toward me was “Whether in pretense,” referring to a false appearance, an outward show to cover one’s real intent When the real reason for what was being said was not shown Something Paul was not guilty of, 1Th 2:5 For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness: (The word “cloke” is the same word “pretense”) Paul had no hidden greed, no selfish motives, no self-seeking desire was covered up when he preached There was nothing concealed within the message of Paul No mask concealed who he really was or what he really wanted to accomplish Paul’s message and his motive was “in truth” Paul said that even the message of those who opposed him was “in truth” Their message was in truth because Christ was preached and Paul said, “I do rejoice” We are going to find several verses in Philippians referring to joy and rejoicing A message that we as Christians in our present day need to learn and live We will not find joy in the circumstances and events taking place in our world today Biblical joy is not a natural reaction to the difficulties of our life, rejoicing is a supernatural experience The joy of the Holy Spirit is second only to the love of God in the Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22) If we try to handle the circumstances we face in our flesh, depending upon our natural abilities We are going to fail, get down in the dumps, become discouraged and depressed We must be filled with the Spirit and have the mind of Christ to even watch the news today I will rejoice looks to the future, something that Paul preached and practiced, 1Th 5:16 Rejoice evermore. Php 1:19 For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, When Paul said, “for I know” he spoke with assurance, I am positive, I have no doubts Paul often spoke of the assurance he had in Christ and he based his decisions for life based upon his faith Page 1 of 5 2Ti 1:12 For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day. Rom 8:18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. Rom 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Our testimony today must be “For I know,” resulting in our decision to live for Christ Nothing that we face should turn us from our commitment to live for Christ Paul said, THAT THIS SHALL TURN TO MY SALVATION Paul was not referring to his born-again experience, he was already saved He meant that regardless of the outcome of the current circumstances he would be delivered He could be referring to the outcome for his life if he continues to live He could be referring to the outcome if he faces death He probably refers to either, which the following verses present, Php 1:21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. (He will explain what he means in the following verses) His reference to his salvation can have the meaning of “well-being,” especially mentally and spiritually Paul’s determination would not allow him to be defeated, his faith would not allow him to be discouraged Paul gives us an explanation in, 2Co 4:17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; 2Co 4:18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal. (All shall turn to our salvation) Paul presents to us two more very important points related to the well-being of a Christian The first is, THROUGH YOUR PRAYER We say we believe in prayer, we talk about the power of prayer, but are we praying? We need to realize the importance of praying for one-another, we all need it in our day, 1Th 5:25 Brethren, pray for us. (Compare yourself with Paul and then decide if you need others praying for you?) His request was, “Pray,” talk to God, and when you do, please talk to Him about me Paul was in prison because he spoke for Christ and he asked for prayer, Col 4:3 Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds: Christians should always be praying for one another, Eph 6:18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; “In the Spirit” identifies with the second point Paul makes related to the well-being of a Christian AND THE SUPPLY OF THE SPIRIT OF JESUS CHRIST We must realize how important the “supply of the Spirit” is to our daily life The word “supply” means to provide the necessary assistance, giving the help we all need The title given to the Holy Spirit identifies His willingness and ability to help, Joh 14:16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; We need the help of the Holy Spirit at all times, even when we pray, Rom 8:26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. We must depend upon the power of the Spirit that will work in us, Eph 3:20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, We must trust the promises of God’ Word, Php 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Be filled with the Spirit and pray for one-another. Are you praying for your church family? We need the effectual fervent prayers of the righteous (James 5 :16) Page 2 of 5 Php 1:20 According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. Paul speaks of two Christian characteristics that should be found in each of us Earnest expectation and hope, characteristics that will surely help us get through the current times Actually, Christian expectation and Biblical hope go together, they complement each other “Earnest expectation” pictures someone who strains their neck to see what is going to happen Regardless of what happens there is “hope” for the Christian Christian “hope” is faith believing that God is going to do something Christian “hope” is the patience of faith waiting until God does do something Christians have full assurance that God can and will do something, Heb 6:11 And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end: Notice that Paul said, “every one of you,” there is no exception based upon what you are facing Paul explains the “diligence” as “the full assurance of hope,” hope “unto the end” Regardless of what the end for us will be, Christians have the absolute certainty of future good Paul speaks of God’s love which comforts us and provides good hope, 2Th 2:16 Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, Nothing that we will ever face can overcome God’s love for us, not even death, Rom 8:38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, God’s love is an eternal love, Rom 8:39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. An eternal love resulting in “everlasting consolation” The word “consolation” speaks of the many things that we all need from time to time It has the idea of exhortation, encouragement, and comfort for the problems we face That which will strengthen and establish us in the faith, in our daily walk of life Our present relationship with God is to be a life filled with hope Hope does not mean that we know all that is ahead, but hope leaves what is ahead to God who does know We do not know what tomorrow holds, but we know who holds tomorrow Regardless of what tomorrow holds, we will experience all that God has promised through God’s grace Paul was filled with hope because Christians were praying for him and he had the presence of the Spirit His hope was based upon his previous experiences with Christ, he knew Christ would not forsake him According to Philippians 1:20, Paul’s hope resulted in two things, his boldness and Christ honored THAT IN NOTHING I SHALL BE ASHAMED Paul was in prison, but he was not ashamed, he was there because he was serving Christ Peter has a word for all who will suffer persecution for serving Christ, 1Pe 4:16 Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf. He tells us two things related to suffering for Christ’s sake: (1) Don’t be ashamed of suffering for the name of Christ (2) Glorify God by suffering for His name’s sake Today most people consider themselves to be a Christian because they are not a pagan They do not want people to think that they are someone who does not believe in God As Christians, we must show the world that a Christian is one who lives for Christ We live for Christ because we are of Christ, we belong to Christ by our spiritual birth And it is a privilege to bear the name of Christ even if we suffer persecution because of it Christians should never be ashamed of the life they live for Christ The alternative to being ashamed of Christ is to faithfully live for Christ and glorify God Paul’s hands were chained to a guard, but his head was held high and his mouth was wide open His prayer request was that he would continue to have the boldness to speak for Christ Page 3 of 5 BUT “that” WITH ALL BOLDNESS In Ephesians 6:10-18, Paul instructs us concerning our preparation for spiritual warfare It is interesting where Paul’s mind goes after he instructs us in spiritual warfare, Eph 6:19 And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, Eph 6:20 For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. One of the greatest spiritual battles we face today is the sharing of the gospel to the lost We must speak the gospel of Christ to those who are without Christ in their life We need to pray for one another to have the freedom to witness without fear or shame Notice that Paul said, “all boldness,” we must not hold back at any time or before anyone AS ALWAYS, “so” NOW ALSO Pray for Prairie Grove Baptist that we will “always” witness to the lost Pray that especially “now” we will witness to those who need Christ, why now? 2Co 6:2 (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.) “The day of salvation” is the present age of God’s grace, Rom 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. Christ will be “magnified” as we share Christ with the lost CHRIST SHALL BE MAGNIFIED IN MY BODY Christ is to be honored, respected, praised, and glorified through our life, how can we do that? Mat 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Some people think God saved them just so they could go to heaven, the saved will go to Heaven But God saved us that He might be glorified in our life and through our body until we get to Heaven It is a great deal better to live a holy life than to talk about it, to let our light shine When it does we won't need to tell anyone that we are a Christian, the light will be its own witness Lighthouses don't ring bells and fire cannons to call attention to their shining, they just shine Someone once said, the Christian life is the only Bible many people read Someone else said, if that is true, there are many Christians today who need a revised version The way we share Christ and exalt Christ is through our bodies The truth of what we think and believe is revealed through the way we live We either exalt Christ or bring shame to His name by our words and actions You can shame Christ or exalt Christ through your eyes, ears, tongue, hands, and feet Our eyes and ears must give attention to the opportunity to minister to others Our hands and feet must be active in ministering unto others Our tongues must tell the truth of Jesus to a world that has rejected Him and mocks Him Our bodies can be a powerful witness for Christ, Rom 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 1Co 6:19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 1Co 6:20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's. Paul was determined to “magnify” Jesus Christ in his body WHETHER “it be” BY LIFE OR BY DEATH If Paul lived, his live would be lived for Christ, if he died, he would die serving Christ, Rom 14:7 For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself. Rom 14:8 For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's. Page 4 of 5 We have an OT example of what Paul is telling us, the Three Hebrew Children, Dan 3:16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter. Dan 3:17 If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. Dan 3:18 But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up. What are we saying to America today as they try to destroy the truth of Christ? Our faith is on trial today, 1Pe 1:7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: Are we ready to give an answer? 1Pe 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: America needs to hear our answer, “CHRIST MUST BE PREACHED AND MAGNIFIED” The desire of our heart must be to glorify Christ in all that we do And when we do the world is going to question our way of life We must “be ready,” be prepared, ready for every opportunity to speak for Christ We must tell the world that there is a reason we live the way we do, it is hope in Christ We are to answer our persecutors in a spirit of “meekness” or gentleness “And fear” the word “fear” means respect and honor toward God and then toward others “Fear” is recognizing God, who He is, and then recognizing who we are because of God “Fear” is recognizing the importance of God’s purpose for our life “Fear” is recognizing the importance of what we are saying and doing for God It is that Godly fear within our heart that will motivate us and guide us in what we say and do It is time for Christians to speak and do in our bodies what God has called us to do CONCLUSION Satan has so saturated our world with evil that there are those who are willing to die for evil We may soon see that happen in America The question for the Christian today is not, will I die for Christ? The question we need to answer is, am I willing to live for Christ? The answer to that question is, what is my life for Christ today? I want you to leave today with the message of a song in your heart, listen to the song Page 5 of 5