Joy In The Journey: Advancing The Gospel
Philippians 1:12-26
12 Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. 13 As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chainsfor Christ. 14 And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear.
15 It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. 16 The latter do so out of 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. 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, 19 for I know that through your prayers and God’s provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. 20 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. 22 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.25 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 boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me.
Video for this Sunday’s service can be viewed on our Facebook page @ Sunday, October 9, 2022
Have you ever wondered why a loving God can allow bad things to happen to his people? As we continue our Bible journey through the first part of Paul's letter to the Philippians, we discover that even a spiritual rock star like Paul faced great suffering -- not for bad things he had done, but because he was doing exactly what God called him to do.
Yet in the midst of his darkest days, Paul experienced great joy. Join us this Sunday as we explore how Paul and others have been able to reframe their trials, find a laser focus to life, and say "living means living for Christ and dying is even better!" Oh, and by the way--pray about who you can invite and bring with you to NewDay worship this Sunday!
I look forward to our times together!
-- Steve Eng