Joy in the Advancement of the Gospel
October 03, 2021 | David Brimmage
Passage: Philippians 1:12-26
1. There is joy in suffering for the advancement of the gospel. (v12-14) Learn to value Christ and the proclamation of the Bible as more valuable than our own comfort, safety or enjoyment. We often hold our reputation higher, either socially or politically, than the proclamation of the gospel.
2. Rejoice that Christ is preached. *Regardless of motives. (v15-18) We should not engage in rivalry with other churches. Ask yourself - is the gospel being preached? If yes, then rejoice regardless of the imperfections of the messenger. All messengers are broken people. The important thing is that the gospel of Christ is being preached.
3. Rejoice in the provision of the Spirit. (v19-20) Do not minimize the effects of the suffering. Don't pretend it is not happening, it is real, costly and painful. The Spirit will sustain us during these times of suffering. Our suffering will have an end but during hard times we can rejoice in the provisions of the Spirit.
4. Your greatest joy is found in a life fully devoted to Christ. (v21-26) John Piper quote: "God is most glorified in you when you are most satisfied in Him." Full devotion to Christ gives our lives joy and full meaning.
Share the gospel with someone today. Rejoice as they go from death to life, sorrow to joy, from hopelessness to life full of hope in Jesus!
Series Information
This ten week series provides a survey of the book of Philippians. One of the key messages of Paul’s letter to the church of Philippi focuses on discovering a true joy in the Lord, because Jesus’s kingdom surpasses the circumstances of life.
