​Justin DuBose
GC6831
15 OCT 2012
 
Philippians 1:12-18

Prior Context: The prior context to this passage is that Paul is introducing himself and his situation to the church in Philippi.  He expresses his longing to see them and his heart’s cry for them.  (v.3 – I thank my God every time I remember you) / (v. 7 I have you in my heart) / (v.8 I long for all of you…) / (vs. 9-11 This is my prayer:…)


Immediate Context: In writing to the church in Philippi, Paul conveys his rejoicing for the advancement of the gospel, regardless of circumstances.  He encourages these believers to do the same.


12 What has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel.
            (My circumstances have been for the glory of God)
13 As a result
            (This is how the gospel has been advanced)
    it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains             for Christ.
            (My rejoicing in suffering has brought glory to Christ)
14 Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the      word of God more courageously and fearlessly.
            (When you rejoice in suffering, others will be “encouraged to speak the word of God                        more courageously and fearlessly.  It is a chain reaction which brings unity.)
15 It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill.
            (In your encouragement of others, various motivations will spring forth.)
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.
            (Some motivations are out of love and others out of selfish ambition, but…)
18 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. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice.
            (Christ is preached, and this is reason to rejoice.  Therefore, encourage others by your testimony and do not bicker over disagreements.  As long as Christ is preached, REJOICE!  This rejoicing brings unity, and brings glory to Christ.)
           
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M.O.T.: Christian Life
C.I.T.: Paul encouraged the Philippians to “continue to rejoice” because “Christ is preached”, regardless of his chains, or the false motives of others.
 Thesis: Christians should rejoice, despite their circumstances or disagreements, and be unified rather than divided over motives, circumstances, etc.
Proposition: I want my hearers to 1) use their testimony to the glory of God and 2) not quibble with others with whom they disagree.  Let’s rejoice together in the name of Christ.
Probing Question: “How can Christians remain unified in spite of differences?”
Unifying Word: Encouragements (to remember)
Title: “Unity In Spite Of Differences”
 
Sermon Points: I. Adverse Circumstances Can Encourage Others (vs. 12-14)
II. Competing Motives Both Provide Platforms for God (vs. 15-17)
                               III. Christ’s Glory Is To Be Our Uniting Focus (v. 18)
 
(Notice how these points answer the probing question)
 

Justin DuBose
GC6831
15 October 2012
Philippians 1:12-18
Introduction: There are many times when writing and receiving letters brings great joy and excitement.  I remember when I was in basic training and they had “mail call”.  Oh, to hear your name called!  Every letter was worth the push-ups it took to get it!  I have friends who have been in prison, and their story is much the same.  The emotions attached to these letters are precious and very real.  The anticipation of receiving a return letter in and of itself brings great joy in writing one.  Paul was in a similar situation when he wrote his letter to the church in Philippi.  They had a dear relationship, and Paul was now imprisoned in Rome, writing a joyous letter to them.  He had previously received a gift from them, and this was his response to the church that sent him such a precious gift.
Transitional Sentence:  As with every letter, following the introduction comes the purpose.  In this case, Paul wants to reassure the church that the advancement of the gospel is now and always will be the highest priority – even when we have a hard time seeing how it is to be accomplished.
Sermon Points:
1) Adverse Circumstances Can Encourage Others (vs. 12-14)
            I have known men who have been in prison, as Paul was.  Their testimony was powerful and        impactful.  I have known men who were addicts of different sorts.  Their testimony was          powerful and impactful.  I have known men who were liars.  Their testimony was powerful and               impactful.  This does not have to be the case, though.  Our testimonies can also be used for our           own glory.  We all go through difficult circumstances in life.  How are you using those           circumstances?  Are they bringing Christ glory – or focusing attention on yourself?  Christ can         and wants to use your testimony to glorify Himself, let Him!
2) Competing Motives Both Provide Platforms for God (vs. 15-17)
            When I see people use the name of Christ in a way that I think is inappropriate, I often let it get    me upset.  I wonder, “Do they even know the Lord?”  Paul seems to say that God can use all motivations for bringing glory to Himself.  Don’t let it fluster you and cause division in the body   of Christ when you see people do this.  As long as the gospel is preached, Paul says, we should            be rejoicing.  The name of Christ is powerful enough to stand alone.  The name of Christ can alter the course of people’s lives.  The name of Christ, regardless of where and how it manifests             itself, brings the potential for life-changing transformation.  Don’t let bad motives from others     keep you from rejoicing in His name.
3) Christ’s Glory Is To Be Our Uniting Focus (v. 18)
            Paul wraps up this portion of Scripture by saying that our uniting focus – our source of rejoicing – should be the name of Christ and His glory!  If the glory of Christ is our focus, then the body          will remain united and rejoice as one.  Paul tells us to rejoice regardless.  Christ can receive glory         in good or bad, false or true, dark and light.  Knowing this, brothers and sisters, rejoice.  Rejoice        in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  If we do this – if we keep His glory and His advancement as our uniting focus – we can remain united as one and rejoice together.
Conclusion:  All of us go through various trials in life.  Some of us come from circumstances that seemed to hinder us more than help us.  God can use you to do His work.  Remember, Paul was imprisoned when he wrote this letter – and he was also a murderer!  Use your testimony to God’s glory, for the advancement of His Kingdom.  Like our circumstances, it is easy to get caught up being frustrated and angry at others who seem to be doing things for the wrong reasons.  There are people that we see that seem to use Christ’s name for their own glory, or use His name to rationalize something they themselves wish to accomplish.  This can indeed be frustrating, but the name of Jesus is getting out there nonetheless!  Paul cites some who preach out of “selfish ambition”, of those who “stir up trouble”, of those who “preach Christ out of envy”, among other things.  It is certainly easy to get frustrated at these individuals.  However, the Lord can speak from both of these platforms – and Paul says we should rejoice because of it.  Let the name of Christ be our uniting factor.  Finally, if this is the case, we will have hearts full of rejoicing!  Every time Christ is preached, we should rejoice.  The glory of Christ is why we serve, and, since He can get glory from “false motives or true”, our hearts should be full of rejoicing.  If Christ is our uniting focus, we will be giving Him as much glory as He can possibly get from us.

​Justin DuBose
ID: GC6831
Intro. To Biblical Hermeneutics
2 October 2012
Observations on Ephesians 6:17-20

17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;

                Specific to General: Helmet and sword – these are the Word of God.
                Figures of Speech – “helmet” “sword” – these expressions convey imagery
                Verbs – the verb of “take” is active – signifying action to the reader
                Lists – “helmet”, “sword”, “word of God”
                Actions/roles of people – Readers are told to “take” these items – this is a directive from Paul.
               
18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints--

                Means – these things (salvation, word of God, prayer) are all accomplished in the Spirit.
                Verbs – “pray always”, “being watchful” – like the previous verse, these are action verbs that give the reader action to take
                Actions/roles of people – Continued from the previous verse, do these things (pray, be watchful)
                Tone – Paul’s tone is this passage is almost pleading (PLEASE do these things, YOU MUST do these things)
               
19 and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel,
                General to specific – General: pray for me – Specific: utterance, open my mouth, make known
                Shift in the Story – Paul moves from talking to his audience to talking about himself
                Tone of the passage – Same as previous verse; pleading (PLEASE pray for me)
                Purpose/Result Statement – Pray for me for the purpose of making known the mystery of the gospel
                Conjunction – “and” connects this verse to the previous verse, both about prayer


20 for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
                Conjunction – “for which” connects Paul’s role as an ambassador for Christ to his speaking boldly
                Repetition of words – In this verse and previous Paul repeats “that”, giving the church in Ephesus multiple purposes for praying for him
                Cause and effect – Cause: praying for Paul, Effect: boldly proclaiming the gospel; being an ambassador
                Emotional terms – “in chains”, “as I ought to”