Christian Confidence

Intro

Paul and Timothy, probably as stenographer, wrote to help the saints in Philippi to find confidence and joy in the midst of persecution. It was an established church, mature enough to have the oversight of a team of elders. In those days the terms bishop or overseer, pastor or shepherd, and elder or older male were synonymous. Philippi also had a team of deacons to serve in physical functions.

Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons (Philippians 1:1 ESV)

Do Paul and Timothy wish them well?

May the grace and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ be with you. (Philippians 1:2 CEB)

Does Paul thank God and pray for them?

Every time I think of you, I thank my God. And whenever I mention you in my prayers, it makes me happy. (Philippians 1:3-4 CEV)

Why?

because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. (Philippians 1:5 HCSB)

Christian Confidence

Did Paul discuss confidence in God while suffering? What was he confident about?

Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace. (Philippians 1:6-7 KJV)

Did Paul have affection for this church?

For God is my witness, how I long for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus. (Philippians 1:8 NASB)

And what was Paul's prayer?

And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God. (Philippians 1:9-11 NIV)

Was Paul’s suffering a blessing in disguise?

But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel, so that it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ; and most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. (Philippians 1:12-14 NKJV)

Was there a mix of motives among preachers then?

It’s true that some are preaching out of jealousy and rivalry. But others preach about Christ with pure motives. They preach because they love me, for they know I have been appointed to defend the Good News. Those others do not have pure motives as they preach about Christ. They preach with selfish ambition, not sincerely, intending to make my chains more painful to me. (Philippians 1:15-17 NLT)

What if some preachers have wrong motives?

What does it matter? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed. I rejoice in this, yes, and will rejoice. (Philippians 1:18 WEB)

Why was Paul confident?

For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. (Philippians 1:19-20 KJV)

What was his attitude to life and death?

If I live, it will be for Christ, and if I die, I will gain even more. (Philippians 1:21 CEV)

Was Paul torn between two desires?

But if I live, I can do more fruitful work for Christ. So I really don’t know which is better. I’m torn between two desires: I long to go and be with Christ, which would be far better for me. (Philippians 1:22-23 NLT)

Why would he want to live?

However, it’s more important for me to stay in this world for your sake. (Philippians 1:24 CEB)

Was Paul confident of visiting them again? History seems to show that he did.

Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again. (Philippians 1:25-26 ESV)

We can be confident that God will finish what He began in us, no matter the motives of those who shared the Gospel with us. Do you trust that God can still work even through very imperfect preachers? You decide!