Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Ode to Joy

A Study in Paul's Letter to the Philippians

Part 3 – Phil. 1:12-30

By Samuel E. Ward

December 16, 2012

View PowerPoint presentation at http://www.slideshare.net/samward1/philippians-pt-3

 

Introduction:  Review

I. This Letter Is an Expression of Paul's Joy in the Philippians, Phil 1:1-11.

(Phil 1:1-11 NIV)  Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons:

{2} Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. {3} I thank my God every time I remember you. {4} In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy {5} because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, {6} being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

A. Paul's Joy Is the By-product of Thanksgiving for the Philippians, Phil 1:3.

B. Paul's Thanksgiving Brings Joy from Two Precious Realizations, Phil 1:4-6.

1. The Philippians have been his partners in the gospel since "day one," Phil 1:4-5.

2. God will complete His ongoing work in them until Jesus Christ comes back, Phil 1:6.

C. Paul's Prayers for Them Springs from the Joy of Because of the Bond of God's Grace Between Them, Phil 1:7-11.

While there is much joy on Paul's part due to the fellowship he had with this church in Philippi, there is also the issue of his present imprisonment, which one would think would be the last place one would find joy.  Yet, Paul did. 

Continuing the study in Philippians we note that . . .

II. This Letter Is an Explanation of Paul's Joy in Suffering, Phil 1:12-30.

It was another "Paul" (Paul Sailhamer) who wrote:

"Joy is that deep settled confidence that God is in control of every area of my life."[1]

A. Paul's Suffering Had a Positive Impact on Motivating Others to Preach, Phil 1:12-19.

(Phil 1:12 NIV)  Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel.

1. Paul's imprisonment had become a powerful testimony to those around him, Phil 1:13.

(Phil 1:13 NIV)  As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ.

2. Paul's imprisonment had emboldened others to preach, Phil 1:14.

(Phil 1:14 NIV)  Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly.

Others have been encouraged to speak from one of two motives:

a. Envy and rivalry toward Paul

b. Good will and support for Paul

(Phil 1:15-17 NIV)  It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. {16} The latter do so in love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. {17} The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains.

3. Paul's imprisonment (whether by false or true motives) had resulted in the expansion of the gospel—and this is cause to rejoice, Phil 1:18a.

(Phil 1:18a NIV)  But 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.

4. Paul's imprisonment was a temporary experience, he was confident that he would be delivered, Phil 1:18b-19.

a. His deliverance would be the result of the Philippians prayers on his behalf.

b. His deliverance would be the result of the help of Jesus Christ.

(Phil 1:18b-19 NIV)  Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, {19} for I know that through your prayers and the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance.

B. Paul's Suffering Had No Down-Side in Terms of Outcomes for Him, Phil 1:20-26.

1. Christ could be exalted by his life or his death, Phil 1:20-21.

(Phil 1:20-21 NIV)  I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. {21} For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.

These are the words of a man waiting for the decision of the courts concerning his case.  How often we can only see victory when the outcome means we remain in the temporal realm.  Paul could see victory also in being called into the presence of Christ in the eternal kingdom.

The Expositors Bible Commentary comment on this passage describes Paul's outlook well.

Christ had become for him the motive of his actions, the goal of his life and ministry, the source of his strength. "To die" after such a life could only mean "gain." Not only would Paul's state after death bring gain, inasmuch as he would be with Christ (1:23), but the act itself of dying at the hands of Rome was no tragedy in Paul's eyes. Such a death would bear added witness to the gospel; it would confirm that Paul's faith was steadfast to the end and it would serve as the gateway to Christ's presence.[2]

2. The Philippians could benefit by his ministry with continued progress and joy in the faith, Phil 1:22-24.

(Phil 1:22-24 NIV)  If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! {23} I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; {24} but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body.

If the choice of outcomes were left to Paul, he says he would not know which to choose.  The better choice would be to be with Christ if it were only a matter personal benefit.  But there are others to consider, like the Philippians.  It would be better for them if he remained and could continue to help them grow in the faith.  In the end, he is willing and expecting God to be spare him from death so that he might continue his ministry.  Paul is content to do that for the glory of Christ.

3. Paul is convinced of God's will that he remains for the Philippians' sake, Phil 1:25-26.

(Phil 1:25-26 NIV)  Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, {26} so that through my being with you again your joy in Christ Jesus will overflow on account of me.

C. The Philippians Had an Opportunity to Contend for the Faith and Prove the Value of Their Faith to the End, Phil 1:27-30.

1. The proof of the value of our faith is that Christians are willing to defend the faith against those who oppose it, Phil 1:27-28a.

(Phil 1:27-28a NIV)  Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel {28a} without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you.

2. The proof of the justice in God's destruction of those who oppose the gospel is the suffering they bring upon God's people, Phil 1:28b.

(Phil 1:28b NIV)  This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved--and that by God.

3. The proof of God's confidence in the Philippians is in His choice of them to suffer for His sake, Phil 1:29-30. 

(Phil 1:29-30 NIV)  For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him, {30} since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.

Applications

1. Not everyone is willing endure such a calling to suffer for Christ's sake.  Yet, it is perhaps the most convincing testimony of the preciousness of one's faith and loyalty to God's sovereignty.  It is not easy to trust God with our suffering.  To be able to accept our suffering for Christ's sake from the standpoint that He would not allow it disallowing it would serve a higher purpose.   To accept suffering for Christ for the greater glory is faith and commitment of the highest order.  It was to this degree that Christ committed Himself to the will of God in His suffering that we might be saved.

a. Christ's  suffering was deemed necessary by the Father.

(Luke 24:26 NIV)  Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?"

(Isa 53:10-11 NIV)  Yet it was the Lord's will to crush him and cause him to suffer, and though the LORD makes his life a guilt offering, he will see his offspring and prolong his days, and the will of the LORD will prosper in his hand. {11} After the suffering of his soul, he will see the light of life and be satisfied ; by his knowledge my righteous servant will justify many, and he will bear their iniquities.

b. Christ's suffering was accepted by Him because it was God's will for Him.

(Luke 22:42 NIV)  "Father, if you are willing, take this cup [of suffering] from me; yet not my will, but yours be done."

2. Allow me to lead you through some important passages which connect the will of God to the suffering of some of His saints.

a. Our suffering is sometimes used as a means of refining our faith which will produce fruit that will bring praise, glory, and honor to Christ when He returns.

(1 Pet 1:6-7 NIV)  In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. {7} These have come so that your faith--of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire--may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.

b. Our suffering is the result of Satan's testing so that if we fail, God would be dishonored.  (This is exactly the same tactic Satan employed against Job.)  If we prevail, the result will be the awarding of the crown of life to us to the glory of God.

(Rev 2:10 NIV)  [To the church at Smyrna] -- Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life.

c. Our suffering produces the case history God will use to justify His judgment against those who persecute His people.

(2 Th 1:4-8 NIV)  Among God's churches we boast about your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring. {5} All this is evidence that God's judgment is right, and as a result you will be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are suffering. {6} God is just: He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you {7} and give relief to you who are troubled, and to us as well. This will happen when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven in blazing fire with his powerful angels. {8} He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus.

When you wonder about the purpose of suffering, consider the following story.

 

A famous evangelist told the following incident: I have a friend who in a time of business recession lost his job, a sizable fortune, and his beautiful home. To add to his sorrow, his precious wife died; yet he tenaciously held to his faith -- the only thing he had left. One day when he was out walking in search of employment, he stopped to watch some men who were doing stonework on a large church. One of them was chiseling a triangular piece of rock. 'Where are you going to put that?' he asked. The workman said, 'Do you see that little opening up there near the spire? Well, I'm shaping this stone down here so that it will fit in up there.' Tears filled my friend's eyes as he walked away, for the Lord had spoken to him through that laborer whose words gave new meaning to his troubled situation.[3]


[2] The Expositors Bible Commentary, "Philippians."

[3] Our Daily Bread

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