Philippians 1. 12-18
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 selfish ambition, 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 …
Sermon quotes and references:
Many words can be spoken in human discourse without the slightest risk or need for courage. But speaking this particular word—a Christ-centered word—always requires courage. The message of Christ’s humble obedience unto death on a cross (2:8) strikes a blow at every proud heart. The message of Christ’s exaltation to be the universal Lord over all creation (2:9–11) requires every knee to bow before him. Anyone who dares to speak this word outside the church – outside the comfortable circle of Christian admirers – should be inspired by Paul’s courageous witness .
Walter Hansen, The Message of Philippians
Paul’s example is impressive, and it is clear: Put the advance of the gospel at the center of your aspirations. Our own comfort, our bruised feelings, our reputations, the misunderstanding of our motives … All of these are insignificant in comparison with the advance and splendor of the gospel. What are your aspirations? To make money? To get married? To travel? To see your grandchildren grow up? To find a new job? To retire early? None of these is inadmissible. None is to be despised. They’re part of the normal cycles of life. The question is not whether any of these is legitimate but whether they become so devouring the Christian’s central aspiration is squeezed to the periphery or choked out of existence entirely.
DA Carson, “Put the Gospel First”
Two friends were talking together, one older and wise, the other younger and passing through a severe testing-time. The older friend, with loving wisdom, said, ‘No moment will ever again be like this; let there be something for Jesus in it.’ It is not ‘something for Jesus’ if we dwell on our miseries; nor if we let opportunities pass without a word about our Lord; nor if we think that any hand other than His brought us to that place. It is ‘something for Jesus’ if we think and speak about Him and His glory; it is ‘something for him’ if we acknowledge and trust His all-sovereign will.
Gordon Fee, Philippians