Gaining a Mature Witness
Philippians 1:12-18
February 8, 2009
Evening Service
Introduction
During the days of World War II there were three pastors who led national movements in the church.
1. Dietrich Bonhoeffer, who joined a movement to overthrow Hitler, lectured in the US during a period of time in which his life was threatened in Germany. He had offers to stay in the US, but refused them in order to stand with his brothers in Germany against Naziism. He was arrested, spent his last years in prison, and was executed in April 1945, just before Germany’s defeat.
2. Martin Niemoller, who also stood against Hitler when he saw the atrocities he was committing, was arrested two different times. He spent time in concentration camps and, at one time, Hitler made him his personal prisoner. Tradition says that Hitler gave a standing order that no soldier could guard him twice because his testimony was so powerful, and Hitler feared his soldiers might become Christians. He eventually was freed when the Allies freed Germany, and became quite well known as a preacher all over the world, often facing criticism for his views.
3. Helmut Thielicke, who also opposed Hitler, but was never arrested and did not face major criticism. He preached and wrote widely on living as a Christian in the face of death.
At some time we all have to face situations that are like cookies, they’re crummy. Whether we face some form of tragedy like the death of a family member or friend. We might deal with an ongoing illness that drags down our spirit. There are times when we just have a bad day. As followers of Christ, we can face each and every situation with the power of Christ and a spirit of contagious joy.
How we face the crummy days of life speaks volumes about our character. How we approach those days, we would rather not face helps us to see the work of Christ within our lives. How we follow Jesus in days when we would rather give up speaks to our dedication.
12 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. Philippians 1:12-18
Never give up in difficult circumstances
Paul says that his imprisonment has had an effect that his captors did not expect. The Romans often imprisoned people to keep them quiet or to keep them from creating problems. Paul found new ways to share the gospel, even in his limited circumstances. Remember that Paul is currently in prison or a possible house arrest because he was chained to a guard. The imprisonment opened new opportunities for Paul to witness. These were opportunities that Paul would never had without being placed under arrest.
Paul could have easily questioned God about the purpose and plan of his imprisonment. Paul chose to embrace the situation and do all he could for the Kingdom of Christ. Paul’s work had not been slowed by the imprisonment. God had turned something bad into something He could use for the expansion of His kingdom.
Paul describes his imprisonment with the words advanced. Paul believe that the reason he was in prison was to further the work of the gospel. The word advanced is a bit unusual. Prokope was used to describe the progress of an army or an expedition. The form Paul uses gives the understanding of clearing the way. Like someone cutting a path through the wilderness. Paul believed his circumstances had cut a path for the sharing of the gospel. Paul gained new opportunities with new people and was able to spread the gospel in new ways. Christ cleared the way and opened the door. Paul made the best of a terrible situation.
Paul makes it clear that everyone around him understood that he was in prison because of his faith. Prison became another avenue for sharing the gospel. Paul say his imprisonment as an opportunity to further the work of the gospel in a new area. Paul was able to reach one of the most powerful organizations in the world.
Paul ministered to and won members of the Praetorian Guard. These were among the most elite soldiers in the world. The Praetorian Guard was somewhat like a combination of our modern Navy Seals and Presidential Secret Service. They were responsible for protecting the interests of Rome and the life of the emperor. The Praetorian Guard were scattered throughout the empire as the greatest of Roman soldiers. The Praetorians were few in number compared to the rest of the Roman army. The emperor appointed approximately 10,000 guards to help keep the peace and ensure the prosperity of the empire.
At one time the guard had become so powerful that their choice for replacing the emperor was always selected. The Praetorian Guard was feared because of their ability to enforce their will on the Roman empire. The Guard could force the population into submission due to their superior military training and fighting abilities.
Paul had a pioneering spirit that cut through the worst circumstances and allowed him to press in the midst of prison. Paul had paid a high price for his desire to share the gospel and now he was reaping great benefits from his dedication. From prison Paul reached out to the churches he had started and was reaching the most powerful people in the world. It is amazing how God works
The gospel spread through the work of Paul in the prison but others were at work as well. Paul’s experience in prison gave encouragement to others to share the gospel as well. The work of Paul was actually being multiplied through the efforts of fellow believers. Paul became an example of fearless faith and gave reason for others to stand up and share their faith. God had brought revival through the prison cell.
There are times in the church when it only takes one person to stand up and make a difference. When we stand together to do the work of Christ, we accomplish great things. Paul wanted the Philippians to know the good news and then pass on renewed passion for the gospel.
We all have troubles and trials but many times our problems are not compared to those endured by Paul.
• Failures
• Financial hardships
• Loss and sorrow
• Rejection
• Personal illnesses
The truth is that circumstances can never keep us down. No matter what we face, we can overcome through the strength and power of Jesus.
Never Respond in Anger or Jealousy
It is a point of history that two of the greatest English evangelist that ever America, John Wesley and George Whitefield, disagreed on certain doctrinal matters. While Whitefield was a Calvinist, Wesley was not. However both of them were very successful in bring many people to a saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ.
It was once reported that someone asked Wesley if he expected to see Whitefield in heaven, Wesley replied, "No, I do not."
The person then asked, "Then you do not think Whitefield is a converted man?"
"Of course he is a converted man," stated Wesley, "But I do not expect to see him in heaven- because he will be so close to the throne of God and I so far away that I will not be able to see him!"
Paul was aware of issues happening outside of the prison walls that were cause for concern. Groups of people sharing their faith were doing so out of envy or rivalry. Now we are not given the exact details of what was going on but we can assume a couple of things.
1.) Their motive was not pure
Whatever was happening here the result was negative. Churches today often get focused on having large numbers and large offerings. This seems to be motive for outreach and programs within the church.
2.) Their actions were polluted by their motive
Attempting to do the right thing with the wrong motive will always pollute the result. We would never add dirt to a brownie recipe and expect to have good results. Why do we add a poor motive to the work of Christ and expect good results?
One problem in modern churches that would seem to apply here is the concept of church competition. Some believe that we complete with other churches for people to come to church. Change our service structure, change our music, or modify our beliefs just so we can attract people. We need to offer programs that would match something another church is doing.
Our greatest source of competition is not other churches. We are in competition with sports teams, recreational activities, community organizations and other kinds of things happening on Sunday mornings. We do not need to compete with other churches because our goals are the same.
Paul does make a distinction here of those who were doing a great service to the church. Others were sharing their faith out of goodwill and with proper motives. These believers were sharing the gospel and glorifying Christ.
Ways to ensure that our motives are pure
1.) Always put the needs of others first
In positions of influence and leadership, it is easy to think that you are right most of the time. There is a temptation to push your our agenda and what you think is best. We can easily fall into a pattern of self-centered thinking that can lead to problems.
2.) Always be focused on the goals of the Kingdom
Our goals need to meet with the goals of Christ’s Kingdom. The moment that we stray from the goals of Christ, we stray in the wrong direction.
3.) Ask is this what Jesus would do?
