Philippians 1:25-30

By David Turner www.Biblestudies-online.com

Prosperity Theology

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PTc_FoELt8s

• Paul is in a Roman prison waiting for an opportunity to appeal his case before Caesar.

• The Philippians are concerned for him:

– They’ve sent him a gift

– They are worried that his imprisonment has hindered his work in sharing the gospel

• Paul encourages them to rejoice because his imprisonment is advancing the Gospel.

25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again. 27 Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, 28 and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God. 29 For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake, 30 engaged in the same conflict that you saw I had and now hear that I still have.

25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith,

• Paul is convinced that he isn’t departing to be with Christ.

• Why is he staying?

– To help believers progress in their faith in Christ.

– To add joy to the believers life in the faith.

Why are you here? Could it be,

•To help other believers progress in their faith?

•To bring about joy in others walk in the faith?

26 so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again.

• How would Paul coming to them again give them ample reason to glory in Christ Jesus?

– He was the one that brought the faith to them

– His coming would be an answer to their prayers for his deliverance.

Do we glory in Christ when God answers our

prayers to bring our loved ones home?

27 Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ,

• Live worthy of the Good News: – Walk worthy of the Good

news

– Behave or conduct yourself in a manner worthy of the Good news.

• What does it look like to live in a manner worthy of the good news of Christ?

so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel,

1. Standing firm in one spirit

2. Striving together for the faith of the gospel means:

a. Undivided

b. Single purposed

c. Living morally pure

d. Setting goals for the good news

28 and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God.

3. Don’t be afraid (intimidated) – Of Satan – Of those that

persecute you: • With words • Physically

• There actions demonstrate who they are.

• There actions prove who you are.

29 For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake,

• “it has been granted” ἐχαρίσθη - “it has been granted as a favor,” or “gift of grace.”

– Believe in him

– Suffer for his sake • Not suffering in general

• Suffering for his sake

30 engaged in the same conflict that you saw I had and now hear that I still have.

• Paul’s conflict and suffering:

– They saw him in conflict in Philippi.

– They see his present suffering and conflict.

• Do we walk worthy of the Good News of Jesus Christ?

– Does God keep me here to encourage others and help them progress in the faith?

– Do I: Stand firm in the faith, strive forward with others in the faith, and refuse to be intimidated by the opposition to the faith?

– Do I rejoice when things are good?

– Do I understand that suffering is a gift and rejoice?