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.”
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. Yesterday we said that 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.
SO, today we will address the second truth –
WE MUST REALIZE THAT ALL PROBLEMS ARE NOT PUNISHMENT OR BECAUSE WE ARE OUT OF GOD’S WILL
Start with this question. Was Paul in prison because he was out of God’s Will?
Or consider, Did Pharaoh refuse to listen to Moses because Moses was out of God’s Will?
Wait, think about this, Did Jesus suffer and die because He was out of God’s Will?
Jesus deals with this in John 9:1-3. It is an account of Jesus coming upon a blind man.
As he was passing by, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” Jesus answered. “This came about so that God’s works might be displayed in him.
This man’s problems were not because of sin or punishment. God was going to glorify Himself through this man.
Paul was not in prison because of sin or punishment. He was there that the gospel might be furthered.
Think about this – Paul was able to witness to Caesar’s household. Picture it –
· Chained to a guard for 4 hours.
· What do you think Paul talked about?
He made an impact!
· Look at Phil. 4:22 – “All the saints send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar's household.” (emphasis added)
· Many became bold to preach.
· In addition, during Paul’s forced time of retirement – God used him to pen the glorious messages of Galatians, Ephesians, Colossians, and Philippians.
Was this a punishment – or an advancement of the Kingdom of God?
As we consider having Joy in Tribulation, ponder over these first two facts of truth.
FIRST, WE MUST REALIZE THAT THE PROBLEM IS UNDER THE DIRECTION OF GOD.
Second, WE MUST REALIZE THAT ALL PROBLEMS ARE NOT PUNISHMENT OR BECAUSE WE ARE OUT OF GOD’S WILL.
And tomorrow we will finish with the final truth from this passage – If we know God is control, and the Problems are not punishment, we must realize the purpose behind them.
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