Bullet-Proof Joy - Philippians 1:12-26

Philippians 1 v 12-26 “Bullet-Proof Joy”

Intro: “What has Paul got to laugh about?”

 

              1) Joy because severe trials lead to gospel progress (v12-14)

 

“Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel.”

 

• Chains are on but the gospel has broken out!

 

• Jesus and his glory are at the very centre of Paul’s life

 

• Other believers filled with courage and zeal

 

How does this joy actually come?

 

• Prayer in the trial and the Holy Spirit’s work? Yes.

 

• Gospel mindset change where gospel progress is more valuable than anything else? Yes.

 

Are we ready to be put in chains and joy be the result?

 

           2) Joy because malicious opposition leads to gospel progress (v15-18a)

  

Opponents using Paul’s imprisonment to advance their own agendas – How will Paul respond?

• Will he go silent in despair?
• Will he go on the offensive and crush his enemies?
• Will he focus on his friends being on his side?

 

“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.”

 

Does this not inspire you? We should want a network of churches where this joy is more and more obvious.

 

            3) Joy because if the worst happens the best happens (v18b-26)

 

What does a wasted life look like?

“For me to live is Christ and to die is gain.”

 

• An unwasted life does not need to include a house, a spouse, promotions, little feet, a big bank account, foreign holidays, a lovely retirement

 

• It must include complete devotion to Jesus and hard gospel labour for his people.

 

Is this not a bit ….. Fanatical? Do you want to be happy???

 

Bullet-proof joy means going from a life of seeing the gospel of Jesus advance to an eternity of seeing Jesus!

 

Conclusion: How do I shape normal life so it is about the progress of the gospel?

 

“Only one life, twill soon be past, only what’s done for Christ will last”

 

 

Questions for discussion:

1) What are your most severe trials? Why do we so often respond with grumbling and resentment rather than joy in Jesus?

2) How does putting gospel progress at the centre of his ambitions help Paul to persevere through trials and even under opposition? What would this look like for you? What first steps might you take tonight to pursue this gospel mindset change? 

3) Why does Paul's attitude inspire other believers to be more bold in their witness? How does this help motivate you to create the right gospel culture in church/student group/Life group etc?

4) How does putting Jesus at the very centre of our life and ambitions change our attiude to death? Do you know any believers who are more excited about seeing Jesus when they die than they are about any other blessings?

 

• How can I shape my life as a parent in the home bringing up kids so that it is fruitful gospel labour? What fruit might I see over time?
• How might doing a good day’s work for my employer be part of the advance of the gospel of Jesus Christ? What fruit might I see over time?
• How can my finances be used well so they are about gospel progress? What fruit might I see over time?
• How can my friendships and time socialising be part of the advance of the gospel? What fruit might I see over time?
• How can retirement be use well so that the gospel advances? What fruit might I see over time?
• Is God asking me to change my life dramatically so that it is all about gospel advance?
• What do I need to repent of right now so that my life is not wasted?