8/21/2016
How To Be Content in Every Circumstance
Philippians 1:12-30– Part 2
“WHATEVER HAPPENS, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News of Christ!” Phil. 1:27
- NO MATTER WHAT HAPPENS, I CAN BE CONTENT IF I… LOOK AT MY PROBLEMS FROM GOD’S VIEWPOINT
Philippians 1:12-13 I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ.
- Paul wrote the New Testament
- Paul witnessed to the Palace Guard
ANYTIME I FACE PROBLEMS IN FAITH…
- IT’S A WITNESS TO THOSE WHO DO NOT BELIEVE
“For everyone here, including all the soldiers in the palace guard, knows that I am in chains because of Christ.” Phil. 1:13
- IT’S AN ENCOURAGEMENT TO THOSE WHO DO BELIEVE
“And because of my imprisonment, many of the Christians here have gained confidence and become more bold in telling others about Christ.” Phil.1:14
2. I CONTROL MY ATTITUDE NOT THE Behaviors OF OTHERS
There are 4 Kinds of people in life—Vs15-18 Critics, Comrades, Competitors, & Conspirators:
“It’s true that some preach Christ because they are jealous and quarrelsome. Others preach from genuine good will. These do so out of love, and they know God’s given me the work of defending the gospel. Others preach Christ insincerely from a spirit of selfish ambition. Others just want to stir up more trouble for me, and add to my pain while I am in prison.” Phil. 1:15-17
PAUL’S ATTITUDE: Philippians 1:18 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…
Philippians 1:28 Don’t be intimidated (HAVE NO FEAR) in any way by your enemies. This will be a sign to them that they are going to be destroyed, but that you are going to be saved, even by God himself.
Phil. 1:29-30 “For you have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for him. We are in this fight together. You have seen me suffer for him in the past, and you know that I am still in the midst of a great struggle.”
3. Always Trust That God Will Work Things Out
Vs. 19-20 “I will continue to rejoice, for I know that as you pray for me and as the Spirit of Jesus Christ helps me, all that’s happened will all turn out for my deliverance.” Phil. 1:19
“It is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage, now as always, Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death!” Phil. 1:20
4. Stay Focused on your Purpose not your Problems
Vs. 21-25 “If by continuing to live I can do more worthwhile work for Christ, then I am not sure which I should choose. I’m pulled in two directions! I want very much to leave this life and be with Christ, which is a far better thing; BUT for your sake it is much more important that I remain alive. I am sure of this, so I know that I will stay on with you all, so I can add to your progress and joy in the faith.” Phil. 1:22-25
How YOU fill in this blank will determine your Level of contentment in YOUR life:
FOR ME TO LIVE IS _____________________
“For me to live is Christ and to die is gain!” Phil.1:21