God works not merely “in spite of” but through adverse circumstances.
Sermon Title: JOY IN ADVERSITY
Sermon Text: PHILIPPIANS 1:12-18 (ESV)
Sermon Series: PHILIPPIANS: FINDING JOY IN THE JOURNEY
By: PTR NESTOR SY
Sermon Notes:
PHILIPPIANS 1:12-18 ESV
12 I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, 13 so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ. 14 And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. 15 Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will. 16 The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17 The former proclaim Christ out of rivalry, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment. 18 What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice. Yes, and I will rejoice
How do you keep your soul healthy when you find yourself stuck?
carpe diem
“seize the day”
Opportunity instead of Oppression
God makes no mistakes when he puts us in a tight spot.
Opportunity also knocks when we are in chains. Thus, we must train ourselves to see a divine opportunity.
PHILIPPIANS 1:14 ESV
14 And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.
PHILIPPIANS 4:21-22 ESV
21 Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me greet you. 22 All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar’s household.
Sometimes our suffering is observed.
Rejoicing instead of Rivalry
PHILIPPIANS 1:15-17 ESV
15 Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will. 16 The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17 The former proclaim Christ out of rivalry, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment. 18 What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice. Yes, and I will rejoice
God works not merely “in spite of” but through adverse circumstances.
Of what good is Christianity if you do not have joy?
partnership | Greek: koinónia
“fellowship.”