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Philippians 1: Should I Stay (part 4: Phil 1:12-18a)

 Verses 12-14:

12 Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually 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 And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear.

 

This is significant. Paul, as we said, is in jail. He is literally, not metaphorically, in chains and he is well aware that he is probably going to die. In this predicament he is not complaining about his situation. Rather he is thankful that it has afforded him the opportunity to share the gospel. How many of us, instead of complaining about our misfortune, seek the opportunity in our misfortune to share the comfort of Christ and encourage others who need encouragement- people who are in the same unemployment line as us, in the same funeral home, hospital or -heaven forbid- jail cell as us. Paul, while experiencing the unpleasant circumstances of life, is offering others hope. Rather than licking his own wounds or complaining about his persecutors or rivals, he is encouraging those who are worried about him.

 

About his rivals…

 

Verses 15-18a:

15 It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. 16 The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defence 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.

 

This is important! How many times is there an argument and then we have to be reminded that we are all on the same side?! How many times do we fight about things with our family or friends? How many times do we try to provoke each other? Think of the little sister – any little sister, or brother – who, knowing that their older sibling is in trouble, is all of a sudden the most helpful person in the world. “Oh mom or day. my bad brother or sister won’t help you with anything… but look, I put my book away… can I get you anything mom or dad?... me, the good child?”

 

Paul is saying that as long as the work is getting done, nothing else matters. It doesn't matter that no one is giving him credit. It doesn’t matter that people are blaming him for stuff. All that matters is that we are all sharing the gospel and working for the Kingdom. This is how it should be with us. If so and so doesn’t thank you for something, if someone else never visits or calls you, if someone else is just a big jerk, just keep your head down and keep working for the Kingdom. Verse 18 again, “…what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached…”

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