Philippians 1:12-30
Philippians 1:12 “the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel”.
Introduction: The Apostle Paul realized that the things that happened unto him, whether good or bad, actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel of Christ. One way or another, Christ turned bad situation into good situation. Romans 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”. Sometimes we wonder why certain things/bad things happen to us and what we may not realize, is that it is furthering the gospel of Christ. That may not be something we necessarily like or want, but ultimately Christ is glorified.
These things happened to Paul and furthered the Gospel:
- Paul’s Imprisonment- Vs 13-14 “So that my bonds in Christ are manifest”. Although Paul was in prison for preaching the gospel, Paul’s imprisonment turned out for good.
- Romans Soldiers got save in Caesar’s palace- Vs13 “manifest in all the palace”.. Some in Caesar’s Palace/Roman soldiers got saved- Phil 4:22 “All the saints salute you, chiefly they that are of Caesar’s household”.
- The Philippian jailor and his household got saved- Vs 13 “and in all other places”. Acts 16:25-34- because Paul was in prison, he was able to lead the Philippians jailor to the Lord “believing in God with all his house”.
- Christians were bold to speak the Word- Vs 14 “waxing confident by my bonds”. Because of Paul’s imprisonment, many other Christians were bold to speak the Word. These Christians were encouraged to speak boldly because they knew that Paul was in prison because of his boldness and stand for the Lord. I Thessalonians 2:2 “but even after that we had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated, as ye know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God with much contention”.
- Paul’s Conversion- Vs 20-26 “According to my earnest expectation and my hope”. Paul, formerly known as Saul “who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious” man. Christians were terrified of Paul but when Paul went from the loosing team to the winning team, other Christians were:
- Unashamed- vs 20 “that in nothing I shall be ashamed” – Romans 1:16 “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth”.
- Bold- vs 20- “but with all boldness”. Ephesians 6:20 “For which I am an ambassador in bonds; that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak”.
- Fully committed- vs 21- “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain”. Matthew 10:39 “He that findeth his life shall lose it; and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it”.
- Paul’s Suffering- Vs 27-30 “but also to suffer for his sake”. Paul suffered for the gospel of Christ and that has furthered the gospel of Christ, not only then but also now.
- II Corinthians 11:23-28. It is certainly good to come know the Lord Jesus Christ as our personal savior however, it is also good if we suffer for his sake. Paul suffered as a consequence of the gospel and his sufferings furthered the gospel of Christ. How good would it be if we suffered for Christ sake and others benefited of the Gospel because of it.
Conclusion: The Apostle Paul is a great Christian example to follow. Paul wanted to share the gospel with everyone, everywhere, no matter the situation. The things discussed today give us a greater appreciation for Paul’s furtherance of the gospel and are also an encouragement to us regarding our personal situations in life. If we have a close personal walk with the Lord like Paul had, we should recognize that the things that happen unto us may very well be to further the gospel.