Rational Study of Faith: Class Notes, Phil 1:12-26

Phil 1:12-18a (NIV) Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really 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 chains for 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.

15 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. 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.

As you read verse 12, what insight do we get into the possible purpose for the letter?

It appears to be a progress report or update on Paul's situation

Why would Paul feel it necessary to give an update?

Because they were partners in ministry through their giving

What is Paul's situation?

He is in chains

He is a prisoner because of his belief in Christ

He faces opposition from those in the area

What are some positive aspects of his situation?

The whole praetorian guard knew of his situation (he got to witness to quite a few of the soldiers)

The praetorian guard were a handpicked group of soldiers originally started by Tiberius. They had double pay and special privileges. The became so powerful that later emperors had to court their favor

Who else beside the guard, i.e., "everyone else" had heard Paul's story?

Doesn't say, be we can speculate or use other passages

Jewish community (Acts 28:17-29)
Gentiles (Phile 10)

Fellow believers in Rome

Other positive aspects?

Believers were more bold for Christ

Two kinds of believers apparently and they were differentiated how?

Motivation

Love, good will
Selfish ambition, stirring up trouble

The second group may very well be the Judaizers, Phil 3:2-3

Paul's view of the situation?

"What does it matter?"

"Christ is preached"

Paul found reason to rejoice where someone might have been bitter

APPLICATION: Our attitude toward life and how we view the events can make the difference whether we live joyfully or not. Do we see God in control, not matter what happens? Or do we allow the world to make us angry and bitter?

Phil 1:18b-26 (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. 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 joy in Christ Jesus will overflow on account of me.

No Paul focuses on the future. What is going to happen?

Trial before Caesar

Probably deliverance

Early church fathers wrote than Nero released Paul in 62 AD, he was later re-arrested and executed in 68 AD

What is Paul counting on?

Their prayers. APPLICATION: Partnership in the gospel includes the fact we are praying for the individuals that we are also supporting. Which is another reason why it is good to support people you know individually as opposed through the church, because we rarely pray for people we do not really know

He won't be ashamed

He will probably live instead of die

Why is concerned about being ashamed?

I remember in some AF training, and also from people who have gone through SERE, the everyone can be broken through torture. It is not possible to withstand torture

I don't think Paul fear dying or even torture, but he feared responding to pain in such a way as to disgrace Christ

APPLICATION: When people are suffering, we need to be especially lenient. They will say things that are not true. They will fly off the handle. They will even deny their own faith. But sometimes, it is just emotion that is bubbling to the surface. Don't be quick to rebuke or correct. Give them time

Paul was pretty sure (he says confident) that he was going to live, although his reasoning could always be true

How did he consider heaven as compared to living on earth? Better by far. Why?

I think Paul's glimpses of heaven had made him realize that there was nothing on earth that he would miss in comparison to heaven

I don't think most people believe this

Phil 1:27-30 (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 28 without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved — and that by God. 29 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.

When he says "whatever happens," what does he mean?

He really doesn't know what the future holds

What does it mean conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel?

Note the Greek word is politeueste literally means to behave as a citizen
The Philippians took great pride in their unique position in the Roman empire. As a Roman colony, most were probably Roman citizens

What does Paul expect?

Stand firm in one spirit (unity)

Contend, as one man, for the gospel (unity)

Not being frightened (courage)

What does Paul promise them?

They word for granted is echaristhe (to grant as a favor), and comes from charis (gift or grace, divine influence on your heart)

In other words, the blessing for believers is to suffer for Christ

Verses on Christian blessings

Acts 5:41 (NIV) The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name.

Rom 5:3-4 (NIV) Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope.

James 1:2 (NIV) Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds,

1 Peter 4:13-17 (NIV) But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 15 If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. 16 However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. 17 For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?