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Sometimes the very thing you think is stopping your story…
is actually the thing God is using to move it forward.

 

  1. God can use what feels like a setback   Philippians 1:12-14

 

Philippians 1:12-14 (NASB) 12 Now I want you to know, brethren, that my circumstances have turned out for the greater progress of the gospel, 13 so that my imprisonment in the cause of Christ has become well known throughout the whole praetorian guard and to everyone else, 14 and that most of the brethren, trusting in the Lord because of my imprisonment, have far more courage to speak the word of God without fear.

 

What  feels like a setback to you may actually be a setup for the gospel.

 

  1. Not everybody around you will have pure motives Philippians 1:15-17

 

Philippians 1:15-17 (NASB) 15 Some, to be sure, are preaching Christ even from envy and strife, but some also from good will; 16 the latter do it out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel; 17 the former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition rather than from pure motives, thinking to cause me distress in my imprisonment.

 

You lose peace when you spend your life trying to manage everybody else’s heart.

 

  1. Real joy happens when Jesus stays the focus Philippians 1:18

 

Philippians 1:18 (NASB) 18 What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed; and in this I rejoice.

 

You find joy again when Jesus becomes bigger than your circumstances.

 

Takin’ It Home…

  1. Stop asking only “Why is this happening?”
  2. Refuse to let someone else’s motives steal your peace
  3. Look for one way God may already be working through your hard season 
  4. Keep Jesus at the center of your week

DIGGING DEEPER

  • “Greater progress” (v.12) was used of pioneers cutting a path through difficult terrain. God was advancing the gospel through hardship.
  • The “praetorian guard” was the elite Roman guard assigned to imperial service. Paul’s imprisonment gave him access to people he otherwise may never have reached.
  • Paul distinguishes between true preaching and pure motives. God can still use imperfect people while still caring deeply about integrity.
  • “Selfish ambition” refers to rivalry and self-promotion.
  • V. 18 reveals Paul’s spiritual maturity: his ultimate concern was Christ being proclaimed.
  • Cross references: Romans 8:28 Genesis 50:20 John 3:30