Philippians 1:12-18 (New International Version)

Paul's Chains Advance the Gospel

12Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel. 13As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard[ a ] and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. 14Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly.

15It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. 16The latter do so in love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains.[ b ] 18But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.

If you listen to Christian radio stations, you may know that October is Clergy Appreciation month. I mention that not because I’m soliciting warm and fuzzy comments but because the text deals with gospel proclamation as Paul shares his experiences. Some of what we see is not good, as is true when you get to know us well. Or maybe it’s obvious even if you don’t know me very well. The message of this text carries meaning for each person here as all of us have roles in spreading God’s kingdom. As you carry out your task

SERVE WITH JOYFUL CONFIDENCE

I. God will bring good v12-14

II. As you preach Christ v15-18a

God will bring good from your joyful service, even from times of trouble. Four years earlier the Apostle Paul had been arrested because some who resented the fact that He preached the name of Jesus stirred up trouble. In the ensuing months he had bounced from prison to prison. Some government officials could see he was not guilty of crime but they did not want to risk more agitation from his enemies, so they didn’t release him. There were plots against his life. Finally Paul went to the top. He appealed to Caesar, the Roman emperor, to hear his case. So he was transferred to Rome. Although suffering shipwreck along the way, he was now there in the empire’s capitol city. He wrote this letter to the Philippians from prison. Although he was under guard, he was able to receive visitors and carry on correspondence.

As a traveling missionary Paul had started several congregations. The members of those congregations cared about him. That was especially true of the Philippians. They had supported him as he conducted work elsewhere. They had also recently sent something to him in prison. They wondered how he was doing personally and were fearful of the effects of his imprisonment on the spread of the gospel. Obviously he was not starting any more new congregations. What do people say when a church leader is jailed? It has a negative impact on the whole church: certainly where the person has served, but it also gives a black eye to all Christians.

However, that’s not what happened here. “Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel.” It was true in several ways. Paul had appeared for an initial hearing which had gone well. The Lord fulfilled the promise He once made when He sent His followers on a preaching mission: “On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles. But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the spirit of your Father speaking through you.” People who had never heard the name of Jesus or would never set foot in a synagogue or Christian assembly now learned about Jesus. The news spread. Paul was the talk of the town. It was clear his life was on the line for the cause he served. His willingness to give all for the gospel caused people to take notice of the message that he found so worthwhile.

Among those who heard him personally were members of the palace guard. The guard consisted of select soldiers. Some served as bodyguards for the emperor. Others must have been guards for prisoners like Paul. During his confinement or while awaiting a hearing, Paul came into contact with other prisoners and more who had appealed their case to Caesar. All of these people likely told their families and acquaintances what they observed. So the message of the Savior spread.

Paul’s experiences also impacted his fellow Christians. “Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly.” A congregation of mostly Gentiles had existed in Rome before Paul arrived. There were several Jewish synagogues in the city. Many of the leaders and members had converted to Christianity as they heard Paul’s message, for they did not share the negative opinions of him that were prevalent closer to Jerusalem. Rather than hide their beliefs they were moved to follow Paul in giving bold testimony. Outreach with the gospel increased.

There is a general truth we see at work in these developments. God promises that everything works for good for those who love Him. You may have memorized the Bible passage that teaches this truth. Do you believe it? Our faith is put to the test when troubles come. Not always at the time they are occurring do we recognize what good is being accomplished, but as you reflect on life you see it is true. You may recall a few instances. Sometimes it’s evident in little things. You had a hectic schedule and were wondering how you would get everything accomplished. Then something was canceled or a task went extra well and it all fit together. Or you had what seemed like a chance encounter (of course, nothing is, for God is in charge) so you were in the right place at the right time to give or receive help or encouragement.

It is especially true as you carry out the work of the Lord. God gives you opportunities to share His love. People and occasions come across your path where you can express your faith and trust in Jesus. You can share the comfort of the gospel and your joy in the Lord. Pray for such openings and the words to speak. He will surely answer those prayers.

There’s another circumstance in which God uses troubles for good. It’s when you encounter difficulties. As you handle them with calmness based on the assurance that the Lord is in charge and directs everything for good, it sends a powerful message to the observing world. Bring the same care to others who are experiencing trouble. God will bring good from it. So use every day of your life to serve with joyful confidence.

II.

The greatest joy comes as you preach Christ. The insight this text offers into the life of St. Paul shows that sometimes it happens despite wrong motives. “It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry.” Put yourself there. You have been a long time resident of Rome, laboring diligently in the church. Here comes a prisoner from miles away and he grabs all the attention. His name is on everybody’s lips. You feel suddenly left out. Jealous thoughts creep into your heart.

Some individuals so affected set out to discredit Paul. They also worked harder to maintain their own following or to increase it. They expected him to retaliate in similar fashion. It was a low blow to someone who was already in prison. But Paul didn’t defend himself. He spent no time in a pity party. He was saddened to see strife in the church but he knew it was not about himself. It was about Jesus. “What does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached,” he wrote. The message of the Savior was getting out.

His attitude was not approving false teaching. Error wasn’t the issue here. There was no doctrinal indifference occurring. We know Paul as a man who opposed error. The other men were preaching Christ. It was their motive that was wrong (that is, false ambition), not their message.

Service in love is better, however, and what we seek. We would not recommend preaching Christ for the wrong reasons. If someone is seeking his own glory and a personal following, God will use his preaching for good but there are dangers. A personality cult can result, which detracts from Jesus. The individual will bask in glory when successful, but what about the times when you can’t see results or you experience failure? Then you really feel down and are filled with doubts and not just about yourself but also about the Lord.

As Paul noted, others served in goodwill and love alongside Paul. They appreciated him and his gifts and did not feel threatened. Such harmony among the Lord’s servants brings joy to all. Pray for such unity as we walk together in the work of the Lord.

As we do, we can look forward to blessings. Souls will be reached and won for Christ by the power of the Spirit. There will be shared joy as we join in a chorus of praise for what He accomplishes.

The key issue is that Christ is preached. The message rings out regarding who He is and what He has done. Jesus came into our world as the God-man, God from all eternity with the Father and the Spirit and man born miraculously of the virgin Mary. He carried out His mission of saving the world as He lived a sinless life in perfect obedience to God’s law. The credit for that He has placed on our records. He died on the cross in payment for all our wrongs, but then rose again in victory. He rescued us lost sinners from endless agony in hell. Jesus gave the greatest sacrifice of love: Himself for our sins.

As a result of His work we are at peace with God, for we have forgiveness for our many sins. The burden is lifted. Instead, we live under God’s blessings and care. We look forward to endless joy in heaven. Jesus won those benefits for the entire world. Make sure they know it. Preach Christ.

As you preach Christ in your home and to your family and in your daily calling, whether you are a church worker or a lay person, in our congregation and in the community, that message is proclaimed. God will bring good. He promises to do so. Serve with joyful confidence each day of your life.