Embedded Files
Chains
Despite what you may have heard, no matter how genuine your walk with God may be, life is not always easy. In fact, it can at times be quite challenging, difficult, painful and even messy, even if you are faithfully following Jesus. But it does not have to be without joy. At least, that'w what Paul is telling us - and believe me, he knows!
For one thing, Paul is writing his letter from prison, where he is literally chained to a guard, so he knows something about chains and the impact they can have. But it is not only the physical chains that he carries with him in his cell. As verses 15-17 point out, he also lives in the awareness of those who, at least outwardly, are identified with the very cause that has landed him in prison, but out of motivations that are somewhat different than his own, which in its own way, undermines the very things he has staked his life on. Those too are chains that could also weigh on him in their own way.
Amazingly, however, Paul refuses to allow those things to be what defines him, and because of that, not only can he continue live with joy, but his life can have an amazing and unexpected impact as well. It would seem that there are some things that chains cannot change.
That's what Pastor Ken explores with us in the sermon this week. If you would like to listen to the sermon again, or perhaps for the first time, you can find it in our sermon library by clicking here. Or, if you prefer to watch the whole service, you can access our livestream version here.
Philippians 1
NIV
12 Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters,[a] 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[b] 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.
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 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.
Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, 19 for I know that through your prayers and God’s provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance.[c] 20 I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.
Footnotes:
Philippians 1:12 The Greek word for brothers and sisters (adelphoi) refers here to believers, both men and women, as part of God’s family; also in verse 14; and in 3:1, 13, 17; 4:1, 8, 21.
Philippians 1:13 Or whole palace
Philippians 1:19 Or vindication; or salvation
New International Version (NIV)
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.®Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
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