Philippians, Letter of Joy — 1:12–30 — Joy in Suffering « Leader information »
A. Prison as a Plus Philippians 1:12–14 (NAS)
12 Now I want you to know, brethren, that my circumstances have turned out for the greater progress of the gospel, 13 so that my imprisonment in the cause of Christ has become well known throughout the whole praetorian guard and to everyone else, 14 and that most of the brethren, trusting in the Lord because of my imprisonment, have far more courage to speak the word of God without fear.
1. What cause for Joy does Paul find in his suffering?
a. « his imprisonment resulted in the gospel being made known »
2. In what two ways did this take place?
a. « Paul was able to witness to his guards and those around them »
b. « Paul’s example emboldened others to witness also »
3. What scriptural promises did this prove?
a. « Romans 8:28 »
b. « Matthew 10:19, Mark 13:11, Luke 12:11 »
B. Purposes for Preaching Philippians 1:15–17
15 Some, to be sure, are preaching Christ even from envy and strife, but some also from good will; 16 the latter do it out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defence of the gospel; 17 the former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, rather than from pure motives, thinking to cause me distress in my imprisonment.
1. What are wrong reasons for proclaiming Christ; for “full-time service”?
a. « for money; 1 Timothy 3:3, Titus 1:7, 1 Peter 5:2 »
b. « for an easy life; Romans 12:8, 2 Corinthians 8:7 »
c. « for show, fame, mastery; 3 John 1:9, 1 Peter 5:3 »
2. What are right reasons for proclaiming Christ; for “full-time service”?
a. « the love of Christ constraining us; 2 Corinthians 5:14 »
b. « in obedience to God; Matthew 28:19-20, Acts 1:8 »
c. « God’s appointment, Christ’s sending, the Spirit’s gifting; John 15:16, 1 Corinthians 12:27-30, Ephesians 4:11-16 »
C. Rejoicing Response Philippians 1:18–20
18 What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed; and in this I rejoice, yes, and I will rejoice. 19 For I know that this shall turn out for my deliverance through your prayers and the provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, 20 according to my earnest expectation and hope, that I shall not be put to shame in anything, but that with all boldness, Christ shall even now, as always, be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.
1. what kind of deliverance or salvation (verse 19) did Paul expect? « See 2 Corinthians 1:10-11, 4:14-15, Romans 8:28 — in him Christ and His Gospel will be advanced. – “Release from imprisonment” (Chrysostom). “Preservation of his life” (Oecumenius). “Victory over his enemies” (Michaelis). “His own salvation in a spiritual sense” (Reinwaldt, Lightfoot) »
a. « from shame: — for example, from failing in his ministry »
b. « that Christ be exalted, God glorified »
2. by what agency does he expect this to come about
a. « their prayers »
b. « the working of the Spirit of Christ »
D. Living to Labour Philippians 1:21–26
21 For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22 But if I am to live on in the flesh, this will mean fruitful labour for me; and I do not know which to choose. 23 But I am hard-pressed from both directions, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better; 24 yet to remain on in the flesh is more necessary for your sake. 25 And convinced of this, I know that I shall remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that your proud confidence in me may abound in Christ Jesus through my coming to you again.
1. How do the following verses illuminate verse 21?
a. Galatians 2:20
b. Col 3:3–4
2. Death would be a gain for it would take him from suffering; but what is listed as advantages for his remaining alive:
a. « the opportunity for fruitful service »
b. « for the sake of his spiritual children »
c. « for their growth and progress »
d. « for enjoying their faith »
e. « that he may possibly come again »
E. Support in Suffering Philippians 1:27–30
27 Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ; so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; 28 in no way alarmed by your opponents — which is a sign of destruction for them, but of salvation for you, and that too, from God. 29 For to you it has been granted for Christ’s sake, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake, 30 experiencing the same conflict which you saw in me, and now hear to be in me.
1. What will give Paul joy in hearing of it in his spiritual children?
a. « worthy conduct »
b. « steadfast »
c. « united in spirit and labours for the gospel »
d. « unfazed by opposition »
2. how can the same thing be both destruction and salvation
a. « see 2 Corinthians 2:14–16 for another instance »
3. what are the favours that God gives to His children
a. « to believe »
b. « to suffer … why … see Acts 5:41 »