What will you do with suffering? (Phil 1.12-14)
Notes
Transcript
What Will You Do With Suffering?
Philippians 1:12-14
GBCCR DATE \@ "M/d/yy" 2/24/24
Introduction
Introduction
Comments-
Thank you all for continuing to listen to God’s preaching
Prayers- Lord, allow us to praise you in the midst of suffering
Catch- Role Models, heroes, examples are a blessing
Catch- Role Models, heroes, examples are a blessing
I love church history, hearing stories of men and women of faith who remind me what it means to follow Christ… especially in hard times.
Hugh Latimer
Hugh Latimer
was a well known preacher in 16th century English
There at the beginning of the English reformation when Henry the 8th broke from the Pope
Latimer supported this break and tried to encourage people to read their bibles, return to the true teachings than just what the church had wrongfully said.
The King was not fond with that preaching one day (Henry flip flopped on theology often) and called Latimer saying“Hugh Latimer, dost thou know before whom thou art this day to speak? To the high and mighty monarch, the king’s most excellent majesty, who can take away thy life if thou
“Hugh Latimer, dost thou know before whom thou art this day to speak? To the high and mighty monarch, the king’s most excellent majesty, who can take away thy life if thou offendest: therefore, take heed that thou speakest not a word that may displease.”He was bold and simply preached the same message
He was bold and simply preached the same message again
While the king did nothing, his daughter Mary came to the thrown. Mary a catholic began killing all the protestants who refused to deny their teaching.
Hugh and his friend Nick Ridley were taken to be burned at the stake.As the fire was lit Latimer said to Ridley, “Be of good comfort, Mr. Ridley, and play the man! We shall this day light such a candle, by God’s grace, in England, as I trust never shall be put out.”
As the fire was lit Latimer said to Ridley, “Be of good comfort, Mr. Ridley, and play the man! We shall this day light such a candle, by God’s grace, in England, as I trust never shall be put out.”
And they both died.
How can a man be bold and feel successful in his being burnt at the stake?
It depends on if you have God-centered goal or a me centered life.
Paul here calls us to a gospel centered life
Review- If you will recall the letter to the Philippians
Review- If you will recall the letter to the Philippians
Paul based his comments on the relationship they had with God, each other, and their leaders
Expressed his thanks for them, showing us how to be thankful no matter the situation
So let’s see him finally get to this teaching
What should be your goal in suffering?
What should be your goal in suffering?
*note that verses 12-14 is one long sentence as there are no periods until verse 14.
The gospel-focused goal of your suffering. (v12)
The gospel-focused goal of your suffering. (v12)
Explanation
In reading this letter they would expect now for Paul to get to the meat
He begins Now I want you to know
It means he has a great desire for them to be aquinated with something
Paul’s comment here would have only built the tension*Even addressing them as brethren,
*Even addressing them as brethren, =
=an intimate title referring to the fact they are all sons and daughters of God together with Paul
Think like the Philippians who first read this. -you haven’t seen your friend for years (no status updates on
-you haven’t seen your friend for years (no status updates on facebook or twitter, long time for letters)-your friend is unjustly imprisoned
-your friend is unjustly imprisoned-You sent
-You sent Epharoditus to help Paul in his imprisonment-You heard
-You heard Epharoditus was deadly sick and almost diedWhat do you want to hear about?
What do you want to hear about?
They would want to know how Paul is, what is going on out there.
But Paul doesn’t speak about himself hereHe has a bigger view…. My circumstances have turned out for the greater progress of the
He has a bigger view…. My circumstances have turned out for the greater progress of the gospel
“The Philippians would have to ask Epaphroditus whether Paul was sick or well, cold at night or comfortable, and alone or with other prisoners, and whether he was being treated with kindness by his guards. Instead of reporting how he was doing, Paul talks about how the gospel is doing.”
Illus- Family in the military…away on deployment?
-You want to hear how he is doing
But he wants to share about the reason he is there
-Yet writes about the how the war is going and the great victories they are achieving.
=Re directing their gaze
So where is Paul?
He is most likely in Rome… it is debated because Paul doesn’t say, but his comment of the praetorian, the Emperor’s elite guard, seems to fit this into the two years or so mentioned at the end of Acts.
Acts 28:16–30- When we entered Rome, Paul was allowed to stay by himself, with the soldier who was guarding him. ….. When he had spoken these words, the Jews departed, having a great dispute among themselves. And he stayed two full years in his own rented quarters and was welcoming all who came to him,
Remember how he got here*Paul went to Jerusalem after being warned imprisonment waited him there
*Paul went to Jerusalem after being warned imprisonment waited him there*When
*When paul got to Jeruslaem he went out of his way to not upset the jews
*But he still faced a mob who wanted to kill him
*he ended up in a Roman prison and while he was innocent could not even get a hearing.
*he was kept imprisoned 2 years as the Felix was waiting for a bribe
*he then traveled by sea through storms and shipwrecks
*Finally arrived in Rome in chains and was placed under house arrest.
*Awaiting trial before Cesear.
But Paul says all of these difficulties didn’t matter because the good news of what Jesus had done is moving forward towards a goal
Verse 13 says Imprisonment in the cause of Christ* literally- my chains have become manifest in Christ.”
* literally- my chains have become manifest in Christ.”=
=like a UV light reveals what is invisible.
Most likely, it was clear to everyone that he was suffering not because of any sin or wrong he had done, but he only followed Christ to this point.
As Agrippa said:
Acts 26:32- And Agrippa said to Festus, “This man might have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.”
Illustration point-
Paul cared about the goal of His suffering so he didn’t complain about his suffering
He was Like a runner blinded from the pain by the finish line ahead…
When you’re far away from the end of race, the pain can take over causing someone to give up
But when you can see the end insight, the goal overtakes all the pain.
Paul is applying what he talked about before
2 cor 12:9- my grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakenss.
“In the same way that Paul was saved by grace, he was also lifted up in the midst of suffering by grace. He would never lack what he needed to be more than a conqueror, as Paul himself had written in Romans 8.”
When you are suffering you too need to see
The gospel focused goal of our suffering
Application
Not really as much persecution around hereNo one is in prison for their faith (though that may change)
No one is in prison for their faith (though that may change)
But do you ever feel chained to something or somewhere you don’t want to be?
Paul wanted to be released or to die and go with Christ (verse 23)
There are many pains we feel chained to
A difficult marriage
A rebellious child
A aging body full or aches and pains
A workplace where being a Christian gets awkward comments
A skillset you cannot seem to attain
A ____whatever
You must be like Paul, believe that the your difficulty can advance the gospel
So often, if I am honest…when there is suffering in my life my only goal is for it to end!
when there is suffering in my life my only goal is for it to end!
Instead, our goal must be gospel goes forward
And you make ask, How does my suffering advance the gospel?
The gospel message is that we are weak and unable to do anything about the fact that we are dead in sin=utter weakness to change our hearts so that we would love God and others
=utter weakness to change our hearts so that we would love God and others
Because of our continued sin we deserved nothing but hell and God’s wrath
Yet, God worked in the midst of weakness
Ephesians 2:4–5- But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—
So, God’ giving grace in the midst of your weakness and trials shows how great His Gospel is!
Any ability you have to follow God in the midst of difficulty shows how great Jesus Christ is
As Paul makes clear elsewhere:
2 Corinthians 4:7–11- But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh.
Unbelievers among us… this news changes our lives and turns our sorrows into hope because we know that a loving God has taken care of our biggest problem and thus is worthy of our trust.
If you wonder how that works, talk to those around you.
Those of you who are older
Derek Prime in his wonderful book called a good old age states that in that stage of life when you are in most need of encouragement you are also best able to give it to others through long experience of God’s goodness
Even your sufferings can be an opportunity to express what you have learned to those who are watching
Trans: We’ve seen Paul’s attitude, so let’s see where he is look for sucess
The others guided impact of your suffering. (vv13-14)
The others guided impact of your suffering. (vv13-14)
Instead of seeing our suffering as just about us… it exists for others
2 groups you should impact:
Bring unbelievers to hear the gospel. (v13)
Paul turns to explain how the progress of the gospel has been achieved
This message has gone to whole imperial guard
A large number of guards existed in Rome who, much like our marines, were tasked with protecting the emperor, providing security, and guarding prisoners.
Paul at this point is on house arrest and has a guard around the clock watching him, allowing visitors to see him, passing along his mail and other issues of care.
They would usually rotate on 4 hours shifts.
So Paul had access to many men, who while he was the one arrested, they were his captive audience.
He explained to them who He was in prison for… he talked about Jesus and the good news of what He did on that cross.
And this was not an easy mission field because they were servants of Nero and Nero was not a friend to christians
This is probably in the early 60’s and Rome is burned in 64 AD, so Nero blames Christians starting a persecution leading to Paul’s beheading in 68 AD
But this obscure prisoner who has planted the gospel in Caesar’s household has won more eternal fame and power than all the Caesars combined. Nero will commit suicide shortly after Paul has been executed. Nero’s star went down and Paul’s rose and rises still.
Some may ask, Do we all have to be evangelists like this, or is that just the Apostles or Pastors’ job?
Turn to 1 Peter 2:9- But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.
Notice the grammar… the reason you have been made a chosen race is that you may proclaim Him!
I wouldn’t try to guilt you Christian to share your faith anymore than I would try to guilt a mailman to deliver the mail…. But it is our duty to speak(and I say that as one who does not share the gospel nearly as much as I should)
(and I say that as one who does not share the gospel nearly as much as I should)
There are difficulties and great pains in this life brothers and sisters
Paul would not deny his savior even when he seemed to not be saving at the moment
And that proclaims his greatness
Trans: but one person speaking the truth is not enough to fulfill the great commission
So the second group that should be impacted by your suffering
Bring believers to speak the gospel. (v14)
Paul turns his encouragement to see how the Christians in Rome have been affected by his imprisonment.
They are trusting in the lord, meaning they have been persuaded to rely upon God more now
Courage is The quality of being able to act bravely under difficulties or in the face of opposition; being prepared to do dangerous or risky things in obedience to God, in the belief that he will strengthen, guard and protect his people
They are confident and courageous endurance.=Long lasting
=Long lastingIt is the idea of being willing to jump on top of a grenade and hold there to absorb the blast for your friend
It is the idea of being willing to jump on top of a grenade and hold there to absorb the blast for your friend
In the mist of increasing tension as Nero came closer to persecuting believers, they needed more courage!
But Why in the world did Paul’s situation encourage them?
Remember, What was their goal?
If they wanted to be comfortable or accepted would their friend in prison help?
NO! They would have been more terrified
But if they wanted the truth about Jesus to be proclaimed
Then they would be encouraged.
Not even imprisonment for preaching the gospel could stop the message
John Calvin wrote “we see at the same time the hand of the Lord, which makes his people unconquerable, under the infirmity of the Cross, and causes them to triumph, relying upon this,6 we ought to venture farther than we had been accustomed, having now a pledge of our victory in the persons of our brethren”.
suffering is not just about us, but creates a focus on others
Bluey is brilliant Australian kid show, that is really made for parents
In one scene the little girl doggies Bluey and Bingo are fighting one another to make sure they each get their fair share of the icecream and it melts.
They want dad to just give them more, but dad says no.
So Bluey responds
Bluey: "So we get... nothing?"
Bandit: "Well, you get a valuable life lesson."
Bluey: "I don't want a valuable life lesson. I just want an ice cream."
But when their dad gives them his ice-cream, they share it with each other
The lesson is often not about us, but allows us to bless others better
It will be worth it to see your suffering encourage others
Application
Tim Challies writes in his book season of sorrow
God calls some to a ministry of sorrow . For just as he calls some to proclaim his gospel in far - off lands , he calls some to bear witness to his goodness in grief . Just as he calls some to bravely face the fire of persecution , he calls some to courageously face the pain of bereavement .
Just as he calls some to give generously and some to act mercifully , he calls some to suffer faithfully .
How about you? Do you realize your stance may be an encouragement to another?
Paul encourages us to follow his example and those who walk according to that godly pattern
Might I suggest we all must look for those examples of someone who has gone through similar struggles and come out alive.
And allow your suffering to be that encouragement for someone else.
May someone look at your endurance in the midst of pain go wow… Jesus cannot be stopped
May they look at your hope in the midst of sorrow and say wow, Jesus cannot be stopped
May they look at your consistent love of your enemies even in persecution and say wow, nothing can stop the gospel.
Look in bible again: Where do you see Paul rejoicing that people got saved?
Where do you see Paul rejoicing that people got saved?
He doesn’t say that here.-He is so excited about the Philippians following God
-He is so excited about the Philippians following God-but nothing about Romans.
-but nothing about Romans.
The goal is speaking the gospel, telling people about Him.Allow God to do the salvation.
Allow God to do the salvation.
But look at how Paul ends the book, 4:22
Some were saved by the efforts of the Christians in Rome, some in the very house of the Caesar.
Take heart, our goal is not convincing people, but God will save his own.
So what does it mean to speak the word of the gospel?
Telling people about Christ
Not just the benefits of salvation, but about the savior
We live in a world that does not see suffering as a gift from God or as a part of the process of deeper Christian walk
Brother and sisters… your suffering is hard, your chains are hard
But how you act in the midst of difficulty is an encouragement to us all
Not just with a painted smile either
Paul had some sorrow
But show us the joy in the midst of pain that only faith in a all powerful and all good God can give.
Therefore
Therefore
Since we have seen (Cohesion)- The goals of suffering
Since we have seen (Cohesion)- The goals of suffering
The gospel will go forward
And the others will be blessed
We know we must (Resolution)-
We know we must (Resolution)-
Learn from a wise women as well
Ann Bradstreet was America’s First Bard, a women who lived as an immigrant to New England the 17th century and was the first published American Poet
She was the type of person who felt triumphs and tragedies in life very acutely
As she said in a letter to her children, "I have often been perplexed that I have not found that constant joy in my pilgrimage" and though having experienced "tastes of sweetness... yet have I many times sinkings and droopings, and not enjoyed that felicity that sometimes I have done."
But what was most helpful to her family was not being perfect, but by how focused on the Lord in his darkness
The way she dealt with these emotional ups and downs especially the down was by reminding herself to go to God.
She continued, "But when I have been in darkness and seen no light, yet have I desired to stay myself upon the Lord."
She famously wrote a poem after the destruction of all her earthly possessions in the house fire
Then, coming out, beheld a space
The flame consume my dwelling place.
And when I could no longer look, I blest His name that gave and took, That laid my goods now in the dust.
Yea, so it was, and so 'twas just.
It was His own, it was not mine, Far be it that I should repine;
He might of all justly bereft But yet sufficient for us left."
You may not die for your faith, but as things in your are taken away, your others focused view of suffering can be a blessing to those around you
Closing prayer
Closing prayer
Lord, allow us to view our lives in light of your eternal plan, may we trust it to the glory of your name