Why the Gospel Triumphs
Notes
Transcript
⊛ Once Paul Prays for the Saints in Philippi, he then informs them of his own state of affairs and his state of mind.
↳ He wants the church he planted and that Supports him to know his current state.
↳ It would be normal for them to be discouraged and lose sight of what God is doing to advance the gospel. To save sinners/ to adopt rebels into His family. To supply power in the Holy Spirit to make them more like Christ.
I want you to know that I rejoice in Christ being proclaimed
⊛ Paul gives the church 3 main reasons that He rejoices despite being imprisoned.
⊛ In this passage there are 3 reasons for the Triumph of the gospel that should make you confident, & give you comfort & rejoice despite current Circumstances.
The Gospel Triumphs because it is:
Prison Proof
Fear Proof
Scheme Proof
⊛ First, he tells the believers that what has happened to him (i. e. his imprisonment) had an opposite effect on the gospel than what it was intended to serve. (Acts 25: 14-15)
* What happens to Paul in a natural Sense is unjust and yet he says it had a purpose that it served.
⊛ Paul's imprisonment was a Servant of God's eternal Purpose of advancing the gospel.
⊛ The gospel doesn't stop advancing when the messenger becomes imprisoned. The Prison becomes taken over by the gospel.
⊛ This would have brought back memories of Acts 16:31-37 in the mind of the Philippians. (The jailer being saved)
⊛ Contrary to what happens to other causes when in Prison the cause of Christ (the gospel) becomes known to even those who would try to confine it/Shut it up. 2 Timothy 2:8–9 “Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, the offspring of David, as preached in my gospel, for which I am suffering, bound with chains as a criminal. But the word of God is not bound!”
⊛ To the point they themselves are defeated and held Captive by Christ. 4:22
⊛ Even when you're held up in a tough Circumstance the gospel will triumph because the gospel is the Power of God revealed in the Person of Jesus Christ
⊛ That's what you have working in you/through you/ for you. and:
⊛ The Power of God will always triumph/Christ will always triumph
⊛ And you will be joyful despite your current circumstances.
⊛ Second, Paul adds to what he wants the church to be aware of So that they wouldn't lose heart. based on his imprisonment
⊛ He tells them not only Christ has been known to those who imprisoned him
⊛ A great number of believers have drawn a great deal of trust in the Lord.
⊛ They are persuaded that the Lord is faithful and trust worthy
⊛ Their conviction in Christ/in the gospel has been reaffirmed/strengthened Not because they saw Paul's condition in Prison but because they saw what the Lord has done by Paul's imprisonment
⊛ Their confidence in the Lord grew to an extent that it resulted an active visible courage
⊛ Their courage was such that they were bold enough to carry the message of the gospel.
⊛ Paul's circumstances was a means by which the gospel triumphed over fear.
⊛ Through Paul's imprisonment the fear of the brothers was turned into courage/boldness/the willingness to obey.
⊛ The gospel triumphs over fear b/c God doesn't give us a spirit of fear (2 Tim 1: 7) instead perfect love casts out fear (1 In 4:18)
⊛ Fear of prison had no effect on the brothers b/c they saw the gospel advancing even in Prison
⊛ They were convinced that the gospel was more Powerful than their fear of Prison
⊛ What are you afraid of?
⊛ What's holding you back from confidently/ Willingly confessing Christ in word & deed?
⊛ The gospel triumphs over any of your fears. because it is the expression of God's power and the demonstration of His Love
⊛ Lastly, Paul lets the church know that he is aware of 2 groups of people who preach the gospel.
⊛ He lets them know there are 2 competing motivations in the hearts of people that confess Christ.
⊛ Both groups preach (v15) both proclaim Christ (V. 17)
⊛ In this way it's simple to see how the gospel triumphs.
⊛ However, it's despite the intent of people the gospel Progresses. Not because of.
⊛ Look at paul's argument
↳ The first set of people he stresses (indeed) who publicaly/actively announce the name of Christ/the gospel do this because of Spite out of resentment towards the success that Paul and others are having.
↳ Even though Some people's reason for preaching the gospel stems from their spiteful desire to achieve a certain level of "success" to be seen more "successful" than others at whatever cost
↳ While others do it from a heart filled with Contentment, Pleasure to see people really come to know Christ and be saved.
⊛ Paul in essence describes whatever the scheme/ source from which people are proclaiming the gospel ultimately the pure/unadulterated/uncontested Power of God to salvation will prevail/triumph.
⊛ Whether you use the biblical scheme that flows out of love/affection to those who hear it and to those that are suffering for the Sake of the gospel
⊛ Or you do it as a means to Show your importance your superiority to those who don't yet know the truth and those who are suffering.
⊛ The name of Christ will prevail. The gospel will triumph because it is not dependent on your schemes.
⊛ The treasure of the gospel's scheme proof. It doesn't ultimately matter what container you place it in. (2 Corinthians 4:7 “But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us.”
Implications (Not exhaustive)
⊛ So if you're in Christ you can rejoice like Paul knowing that your difficult circumstances even Prison can't stop the power of God that saved you to work in you while you're going through it. ⊛ You can rejoice because your fears are being overcome and will be overcome and you can boldly live out your Christianity.
⊛ You can rejoice in knowing that despite intention of fallen man God will accomplish His eternal purpose in saving you/bringing you into story
⊛ Not only you but all who would turn to Christ in faith.
⊛ If you have not done so & you are here this is your opportunity.