TEXT: Philippians 1:12-18 (CSB) – “Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually advanced the gospel, so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard, and to everyone else, that my imprisonment is because I am in Christ. Most of the brothers have gained confidence in the Lord from my imprisonment and dare even more to speak the word fearlessly. To be sure, some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of good will. These preach out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel; the others proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, thinking that they will cause me trouble in my imprisonment. What does it matter? Only that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is proclaimed, and in this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice.”
As we continue in our study of this great Letter by the Apostle Paul, we saw that after his usual salutation, Paul writes his thanksgiving, warm regards, and prayer on behalf of the Philippians.
Now, Paul shares the circumstances of his imprisonment AND rejoices in it.
Paul, in the account of his circumstances, is challenging us to have joy in our times of trouble, to know joy in spite of the adversity or tribulation in our life.
In fact, we need to give thanks for the problems in our lives. Say what????
Paul uses the word in the Greek -PROBALEIN- which can be translated as to throw, to drive, or to thrust forward. Someone has said that there is no such thing as a problem that didn’t have a gift in it. Thomas Merton, an American monk is quoted as saying – “A life without problems is hopeless.”
We have been trained in 3 false assumptions:
1. We believe that there is something inherently bad about problems because they often involve us in unpleasant pressures, conflict, or inconvenient interruptions of our plans for a smooth life.
2. We think that a lack of problems should be our reward for hard work, careful planning, and clear thinking. We are owed a life free of problems.
3. And, we think that if we love God, commit our lives to Him and diligently serve Him, He will work things out for us so that everything will run smoothly and be free from problems.
Let’s see what Paul can share with us from this passage that can help us have Joy in Tribulation. Today and the next two days we will consider three important facts.
FIRST, WE MUST REALIZE THAT THE PROBLEM IS UNDER THE DIRECTION OF GOD
Remember that I said that we assume that problems are bad. They hurt, they create stress, and they interrupt our lives.
We must realize that God ultimately is in control. Paul doesn’t come right out here and say it here – but his other writings confirm his belief in the sovereignty of God. In the life of a believer, nothing happens by chance, by fate, or by luck. Everything that happens comes directly or indirectly from the hand of Almighty God and works for the believer’s ultimate good.
The Philippians apparently thought that Paul’s imprisonment was a tragedy. Paul corrects them in verse 12 – “Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually advanced the gospel….” His arrest, beatings, Jerusalem trial are what he is speaking about here.
Now he was in prison in Rome – possibly awaiting execution. God’s great preacher, missionary, church-planter – locked away.
Nevertheless, Paul says God is in control – and even progressing the Gospel. I love Chuck Swindoll’s reminder – “Nothing touches me that has not passed through the hands of my heavenly Father. NOTHING. Everything I endure is designed to prepare me for serving others more effectively. EVERYTHING.”
Therefore, to joy in tribulation, we must first believe that God is in control. We will address the next truth tomorrow, we must realize that all problems are not punishment or because we are out of God’s Will. Reread what is said today, and pause to consider how your thought pattern is when it comes to problems in life.
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