12 But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me (Break 1) have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel, 13 so that it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ; (Break 2) 14 and most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. (Break 3)
15 Some indeed preach Christ even from envy and strife, and some also from goodwill: 16 The former preach Christ from selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my chains; 17 but the latter out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel. (Break 4) 18 What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is preached; and in this I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice. (Break 5)
Break 1:
Who was Paul talking to? Brethren (the saints at Philippi, overseers and deacons)
What has happened to Paul? He’s imprisoned. Acts 21-28 give account of all that Paul had went through: imprisonment, harassment, threats against his life, shipwreck and false accusations.
Our own trials fail in comparison to Paul’s but we do face trials, most of which are inward. We struggle within ourselves of importance, adequateness, and fear. These are not marks of ones who are empowered by the Spirit but are led by the Devil. The Holy Spirit is powerful and not fearful. If we have Christ, we are powerful and can overcome trials through the power of Christ in us.
Break 2:
The Furtherance of the gospel? What does that mean?
How can trials further the gospel?
When the gospel progresses through trials to who is this revealed and to what does it reveal? It is revealed to the Palace Guard and everyone else. To what does it reveal? It reveals that the chains that Paul bears are those of being in Christ.
Reference: Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things have passed away and behold, all things are new. 2 Corinthians 5:17
When people hear your speech or see your life, do they see someone whose “chains are in Christ?”
Break 3
Why is it that most and not all of these brethren, are more bold to speak?
Where do you fall? Are you of the most? Or the others?
Many things give us boldness to speak.
Let’s look at a few examples:
1. 2009 Alabama wins National Championship…Alabama fans become extremely bold
2. 2010 Auburn wins National Championship… Auburn fans become extremely bold
Now, most of us in here can say that we did become bolder in speaking up about our teams after such impressive seasons and victories. Now, Think of Jesus!! Jesus didn’t win a game for a season but defeated death, hell and the grave for an eternity!! Where is our boldness?!? We Must Preach the Word!!
Break 4
2 Types of Preachers: 1. Selfish Preacher 2. Selfless Preacher
1. Selfish Preachers: Preach out of…
a. Envy – 5355 – phtonos (fthon’-os) – jealousy.
Ref: Romans 1:29; 1 Tim. 6:4; Titus 3:3; James 4:5
b. Strife – 2054 – eris – quarrels
Ref: Romans 13:13; 1 Corinthians 3:3; 1 Timothy 6:4
c. Selfish Ambition
2. Selfless Preachers: Preach out of…
a. Good will – 2107 – eudokia (yoo-dok-ee-ah) – purpose
Ref: Luke 2:14
b. Love – 26 – agape – affection
Ref: John 5:42; John 13:35; Romans 5:5
Break 5
So, what do you do about these two types of Preachers? Rejoice!!
Why would you rejoice? What should keep someone from stopping them?
Are they theologically preaching something wrong? Are they teaching against the apostles teachings or Christ’s teachings?
Paul recognizes their hearts intent but God’s Word is God’s Word regardless of the tool being used to distribute it or the motive in which that tool is distributing it. It is the Word of God.
Now, if it were being twisted and abused; yes, stop it but if it is an inward problem with the speaker and not the outward proclamation, let them continue.
Preach Christ! Do not preach you, or anything else; Preach Christ!
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