Confidence And Indecision

Title: “Confidence and Indecision” Script: Phil. 1:19-26

Type: Expos. Series Where: GNBC 5-25-25

Intro: “Confidence and Indecision” go together about as well as “cats and dogs”. If the apostle was a fan of 1980’s rock music he probably would have said that strangely, “The Clash” most succinctly summarized his thoughts in this passage with the refrain of their 1982 hit single: “Should I Stay or Should I Go Now?” Should I stay or should I go now? Should I stay or should I go now? If I go there will be trouble. And if I stay it will be double. So you gotta let me know. Should I cool it or should I blow? Should I stay or should I go now? Well, Paul probably wouldn’t have been a fan of early British Punk, but he certainly was at odds when considering if he should “stay or go now” when it came to his writing in Phil.1.

Prop: In Phil. 1:19-26 we will see that Paul displayed both Godly Confidence and Indecision.

BG: 1. Paul wrote Phil, Col, Eph, and Philemon, most likely from Rome, terms such as Praetorian Guard (1:13) and “Caesar’s household” (4:22) are best understood in the context of Rome. 2. There was a deep affection between the apostle and the Philippian Church. In spite of their impoverishment, they alone financially supported him during a specific stage of his ministry (4:15). 3. 4 purposes in writing: a. Thank them for gift (4:10-19). b. explain why sending Epaphroditus back to them (2:25 ff). c. Inform them of his situation (1:12ff). d. Warn them against false teachers (3:2).

Prop: By exam. Phil 1:19-26 we’ll see that Paul displayed both goldy confidence as well as indecision.

I. The Christian’s Confidence – vv. 19-21

A. Paul had Confidence in the Plan of God. V. 19a

1. Paul begins to share the basis of his confidence.

a. Despite the trials, hardships, sufferings and setbacks the apostle had experienced throughout his ministry, the total sum of the experience had been one of joy. We know that there were false preachers who had maligned and misrepresented Paul. We know that he had been imprisoned and was now under house arrest and that he was facing possible execution for his proclamation of the Gospel. However, Paul was fully confident that the cause of Christ would be triumphant and that he could face the future, be it life or death, with equal hope and assurance.

b. Paul states that he “knows” (oida) that his present sufferings at the hands of both believers and unbelievers “would turn out for his deliverance”. That word for “know” means to know something with certainty. You know that you know that you know! Friend, we live in a word with a lot of uncertainty. May I ask you what you are building your life on that you can completely trust with all certainty? (Christ alone!)

2. God has a plan for your and my life that we can confidently trust in.

a. Illust: Was it not the same apostle who had written but a few years earlier to the church at Rome: “God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purposes.” (Rom. 8:28) Paul not only wrote that marvelous truth, he lived it!

b. “deliverance” – from the GK word “soterio” – You theologians might recognize that word. The division in theology which is concerned with things pertaining to salvation is called “soteriology”. Literally Paul was saying “this shall turn out for my salvation”. Commentators are unnecessarily divided on what they believe the apostle is saying here. One camp thinks Paul is referring to his eternal security by faith in the finished work of Christ and accompanying hope for eternity. Other commentators believe that Paul was referring to what he believed would be his vindication before Caesar and his accompanying release from prison. Paul realized his present circumstance were temporary. Illust: All too often individuals get very caught up and discouraged about their “present circumstances”. Sometimes become so wrought with discouragement that make an eternal decision about that temporary problem. Rather, let’s remember that we have an Eternal God who has an eternal plan for our lives. Like Paul we can trust Him.

B. Paul had Confidence in the Prayers of Other Believers. V. 19b

1. Prayers of believers work in complete harmony with the Sovereign plan of God.

a. God’s sovereign plan incorporates the prayers of His people. Illust: Augustine said that nothing happens in this universe apart from the will of God and that, in a certain sense, God ordains everything that happens. Augustine was not attempting to absolve men of responsibility for their actions, but his teaching raises a question: If God is sovereign over the actions and intents of men, why pray at all? A secondary concern revolves around the question, ”Does prayer really change anything?” Answering the first question, the sovereign God commands by His holy Word that we pray. Prayer is not optional for the Christian; it is required.