Choosing Joy – Week 2
Preaching Text:
Philippians 1:12-18 - Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually advanced the gospel, 13 so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard, and to everyone else, that my imprisonment is because I am in Christ. 14 Most of the brothers have gained confidence in the Lord from my imprisonment and dare even more to speak the word fearlessly. 15 To be sure, some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of good will. 16 These preach out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel; 17 the others proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, thinking that they will cause me trouble in my imprisonment. 18 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
5 Ways God Answers Prayers – Tim Dilena
1. “Yes, I never thought you’d ask.”
2. “No. I love you too much.”
3. “Yes, but not yet. The timing is not right.”
4. “Yes. And here’s more.”
5. “Yes. But differently than you thought.”
Big Idea:
God often answers our prayers in ways we would never have
prayed for.
• Acts 1:8 - But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth (Rome).
• Acts 19:21 - After these events, Paul resolved by the Spirit to pass through Macedonia and Achaia and go to Jerusalem. “After I’ve been there,” he said, “It is necessary for me to see Rome as well.”
• Acts 28:30-31 - Paul stayed two whole years in his own rented house. And he welcomed all who visited him, 31 proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance.
“God often uses “Challenges” to accomplish His plan.”
vv. 12-13 - 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.
“God often uses “Constraints” to accomplish His plan.”
Warren Wiersbe – “Paul did not find his joy in ideal circumstances; he found his joy in winning others to Christ.”
v. 14 - Most of the brothers have gained confidence in the Lord from my imprisonment and dare even more to speak the word fearlessly.
“God even uses “Critics” to accomplish His plans.”
vv. 15-18 - To be sure, some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of good will. 16 These preach out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel; 17 the others proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, thinking that they will cause me trouble in my imprisonment. 18 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