Dig Deeper
Despite imprisonment, hardships and persecutions
Paul rejoices (Philippians 1:18) in the knowledge that the mission to which he
has pledged himself, the advancement of the Gospel, is being achieved
(Philippians 1:12, 18). Paul viewed his problems as secondary to people hearing
the good news about Jesus. Paul in prison became his platform for spreading the
gospel among the 9,000 men who comprised the imperial guard (Philippians 1:13).
The spread of the gospel resulting from what was
seemingly a bad series of events occurs elsewhere. Compare the advance of the
gospel throughout the imperial guard here in Philippians 1:12-14 with the
following occurrences in Acts.
Acts 6:7 (Note what occurred previously in Acts
5:17 and following.)--
Acts 8:1-4--
Acts 12:24 (Note what occurred previously in Acts
12:1-23.)--
In his 2nd letter to Timothy the
Apostle Paul wrote “And because I preach
this Good News, I am suffering and have been chained like a criminal. But the
word of God cannot be chained” (2:9, NLT). Read Philippians 1. In what
specific ways to you observe the Word of God unchained in Paul’s life and
ministry?
Philippians 1:1-8--
Philippians 1:9-11--
Philippians 1:12-18--
Philippians 1:19-26--
Philippians 1:27-30--
Application
Romans 8:28, “We
know that all things work together for the good of those who love God: those
who are called according to His purpose” is a great encouragement to
Christians, especially during times of hardship. How is your “clarity of
purpose” related to recognizing “the good” in your life? What “negative” things
in your life could really be “good things” because more people hear about
Jesus?
Memorize This
Philippians
1:6-I am sure of this, that He who started a good work
in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. © HCSB
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