[Scripture Introduction] The words before us today were penned by the Apostle Paul while sitting in a Roman prison around 61 or 62 A.D. The audience to whom he was writing had been visited by Paul on his second missionary journey. While he was there, several Philippians trusted Christ as their Savior and a local church was established.

Paul’s primary purpose for this letter was to thank the Philippians for a gift they had sent to him. However, it was much more than a thank you note. Paul also desired to use these inspired words to strengthen the Philippians’ faith and love.[i]

One of the reoccurring themes in Philippians is joy. Even though Paul was writing from prison, and had few friends near the end of his life, the fact that Christ was being preached, enabled Paul to be filled with overwhelming peace and joy.[ii]

Notice with me the words Paul penned in Philippians 1:12-18… [read text]

[Prayer for illumination] Pray with me…

[Introduction] Job said, [FCF] “Man that is born of woman is of few days, and full of trouble.” All of us experience trouble in one form or another in our lifetime and many of us experience trouble each day. We live in a fallen world, in deteriorating bodies and live among imperfect people. Trouble, in one form or another is a part of our life. How do we respond to trouble? How should we respond to trouble?

Paul’s writings shed much light on this issue. Paul was certainly not exempt from many troubles during his life and ministry. He suffered shipwreck, stoning and snakebite. Much more could be said about his thorn in the flesh, imprisonment and death threats. However, Paul was a man who knew God’s grace was sufficient and that a crown of righteousness was waiting for him. Therefore, he could face each day, regardless of the circumstances, with joy. Today, Paul’s inspired words teach us several truths concerning how difficult situations can be used for God’s glory.

In the passage before us today [Philippians 1:12-18] we see…

[Proposition] Because of Paul’s example, that difficult situations can be used for God’s glory.

Through Paul’s example we find that God’s glory can be revealed in difficulty if we respond as Paul did. Paul had the right perspective, he proclaimed the Gospel, his example prompted others and his pleasure was not derived from circumstances, but rather from God being glorified.

[Main Point 1] First, notice that because of Paul’s example, we find that difficult situations can be used for God’s glory if we have the right perspective.

[Sub-point 1] In verses 12 & 13 of our text, Paul reveals the reality of difficulty in his life.

Paul mentions the word “bonds” three times in this brief passage. Bonds are a reference to the chains that bind him in the prison. Paul does not cover up his difficulty. Paul does not

ignore his difficulty. He clearly and pointedly reveals to the Philippians that not only is he in captivity, but he is literally chained, most likely to a Roman guard.

[Sub-point 2] However, Paul also reveals his perspective on the reason for this difficulty.

Rather than moan, groan and complain about his difficulty, his perspective enables him to see God’s greater purpose. He wants to make sure his readers understand this purpose. Verse 12 reveals that Paul wants them to “understand” or “to know” why these things had happened to him. He realizes that this present difficulty has given him an opportunity to further the Gospel.

This difficulty was allowed to be used for God’s glory because of Paul’s unique and spiritual perspective concerning this event in his life!

[Illustration] This was not the only time in Paul’s life that he used the proper perspective to enable him to face the difficulties of life. Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Paul wrote these words in Romans 8:28-And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. In II Corinthians Paul once again mentions the reality of his troubles by saying that “we are troubled on every side…we are perplexed…persecuted…cast down…”, yet at the end of that great discourse he proclaims in the 18^th verse of the 4^th chapter of II Corinthians, “While we look not at things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.”

[Application] Paul demonstrates to us repeatedly that difficult situations can be used for the glory of God, if we will have the right perspective. Just like Paul, we must not focus on the problem, but rather the purpose of the problem! We must not focus on solutions to make the problem go away, but rather focus on the Savior and His plan! We must trust the One who has promised to work all things together for our good and His glory! We must take our attention off of the temporary circumstances and place our attention upon the eternal cause of Christ!

[Main Point 2] Secondly, notice that because of Paul’s example, we find that difficult situations can be used for God’s glory if we use them to proclaim the Gospel.

[Analytical Question] How was Paul’s difficulty used to proclaim the Gospel?

[Sub-point 1] Paul’s difficulty was used to proclaim the Gospel because he had a clear testimony!

Paul shares with us in the 13^th verse of our text that his “…bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places”. The Greek word that Paul uses for manifest here means to shine, and carries with it, in this context, the idea of being made known.[iii] The fact that Paul is imprisoned for the cause of Christ is “shining” throughout the palace! Paul’s testimony is clear! It is clear to the Palace Guard as well as to everyone else acquainted with the situation!

[Analytical Question] How else was Paul’s difficulty used to proclaim the Gospel?

[Sub-point 2] Paul’s difficulty was used to proclaim the Gospel because he had a consistent testimony!

Why was this news spreading? How were so many aware of his testimony? It is obvious from this passage and others like it, that Paul’s witness for Christ was not something that came and went with the circumstances. His testimony was consistent.

[Illustration] Paul’s clear and consistent testimony is seen throughout his life. However, this testimony seems to shine even brighter when the days seem the darkest. The book of Acts is filled with examples of this truth. Immediately after his conversion in Acts 9, Paul, then known as “Saul” had undergone severe difficulty with blindness, yet immediately after his healing he was baptized and began preaching Christ!

In the latter part of Acts 13, the Jewish people turn against him, yet he is a willing vessel in the hands of God to be a “light of the Gentiles”. In Acts 14 he is stoned at Iconium, yet moves on to another city to preach the Gospel.

In Acts 16, we find Paul in another prison situation, yet we find him there with the same clear and consistent testimony. He and Silas sing praises to God after suffering a severe beating and have the privilege to lead the Philippian jailor and his family to Christ.

The testimony of Paul’s life continues throughout the book of Acts, and each time we see him he has a clear and consistent testimony that can be seen and heard!

[Application] If God is to use difficult situations in our lives for His glory to spread the Gospel, we need to make sure that our testimony is clear and consistent! Is your testimony at work clear? Do people know that you are an ambassador for Christ? Do they see you living a clear and consistent Christian life? Do they hear from your lips a clear and consistent message of the Gospel? I saw a bumper sticker once that asked this question, “If you were put on trial for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?” The answer for the Apostle Paul would be a resounding yes—make sure it is for you as well! Have a clear and consistent testimony so that when difficult times come, God’s glory will be revealed through your life and your lips!

[Main Point 3] Thirdly we find that because of Paul’s example difficult situations can be used for God’s glory when our godly response prompts others.

[Sub-point 1] Unfortunately some were prompted to preach Christ the wrong way for the wrong reasons.

We see in verses 15 and 16, while some were prompted to preach Christ with noble motives; other’s motives were not so noble. Their motives were filled with envy, strife and contention. Concerning these motives one commentator says, “The attitude of Paul’s detractors, who really did preach the gospel but were jealous of his apostolic power and authority, his success and immense giftedness…This describes those who were interested only in self-advancement, or who ruthlessly sought to get ahead at any cost. Paul’s detractors used his incarceration as an opportunity to promote their own prestige by accusing Paul of being so sinful

the Lord had chastened him by imprisonment.”[iv] Though these individuals were not “anti-Christ” they were “anti-Paul” with a vengeance. Division was being caused by jealousy, strife, and partisanship.[v] They were preaching Christ, but doing so in the wrong way and with the wrong reasons.

[Sub-point 2] However, Paul’s godly response prompted many to preach Christ the right way for the right reasons.

In v. 14 we find that many within the family of God had heard about Paul’s trials and testimony and gained courage from Paul. The Amplified Bible translates the King James phrase, “waxing confident by my bonds” as “derived fresh confidence in the Lord because of my chains.”[vi] In other words, because of Paul’s trouble and his godly response to it, others were strengthened in their faith and chose to follow Paul’s example! They preached the word boldly and did so without fear. They preached Christ the right way!

We also see in v. 15 that there were some who were prompted by Paul to preach Christ with “good will”. The phrase “good will” refers to their “noble motive,”[vii] according to one Greek scholar. These individuals were prompted by Paul’s godly response to preach Christ with the right motives! They preached for the right reasons.

Paul also reveals to us in v. 17 that others were prompted by him to preach Christ out of a heart of love. They realized that Paul had been “set” or “appointed”, by God to go through this suffering. Yet Paul allowed God to be glorified through it. Therefore, their love for God and

their love for Paul prompted them to do the same! They preached the right way and for the right reasons.

[Illustration] One’s life and example, regardless of difficulty or not, can be used to prompt others. The story is told of a letter that G. Campbell Morgan received from a man converted under his ministry. In the letter the man told of coming to hear him preach as a neglected and hungry young boy. As he listened to him preach, he too resolved to be a preacher of the Gospel. Not only did he become a preacher, but so did his son. He told G. Campbell Morgan in the letter that he had read every book he had written, had placed his picture on the fly-leaf of his Bible, and had never preached without first looking at that picture.[viii] It is obvious that this man was prompted and influenced by G. Campbell Morgan to be a preacher of the Gospel for the glory of God!

[Application] Dear Christian, like it or not, others are watching your life. They watch you on your good days and they take note of your response through difficulty. We cannot control how others will be prompted by our situation, but we can control how we respond to our situation! If we will choose to have a godly response then God can be glorified by using that response to prompt others to get more involved in the cause of Christ!

[Main Point 4] Finally, we find because of Paul’s example, difficult situations can be used for God’s glory if our pleasure is derived from God’s glory.

[Sub-point 1] Though Paul was facing difficult situations, God’s glory remained his focus!

Paul had been honest about his situation to the Philippian believers. However, this epistle does not focus on Paul’s problems, nor does Paul bellyache throughout this letter. His focus is on the preaching of Christ! We see in v. 18 that his focus is on the spreading the good news of salvation to a lost and dying world. Even in the midst of telling them about his imprisonment, he assures them that God is using the situation for Paul’s good and His glory!

[Sub-point 2] Though Paul was facing difficult situations, God’s glory was the source of His joy!

He says very clearly in v. 18, that his joy is derived from the fact that Christ is preached! He knows that some are preaching Christ with the right motive and some are preaching Christ with the wrong motive—but other’s motives are not the source of his joy! The preaching of Christ is the source of his joy. He is reminded every time his chains rattle that he is in bonds—but circumstances are not the source of his joy! The glory of God is the source of his joy!

[Illustration] William Sangster, who many refer to as Wesley’s successor in London, was diagnosed with progressive muscular atrophy shortly after the end of World War II. For three long years, he progressively became paralyzed, finally only able to move two fingers. But his attitude did not deteriorate. When he first heard of his illness, he made four rules for himself. They are as follows: 1)I will never complain; 2)I will keep the home bright; 3)I will count my

blessings; 4)I will try to turn it into gain. He was able to accomplish each of these four things. The glory of God was not only seen in his life, but also in this three year dying process![ix]

[Application] How do you respond to difficult situations? Often we seek to escape the problem or find a solution as fast as possible. However, God will use these difficulties to mold, shape and guide us. Other times opportunities to share God’s love and His message will arise out of tribulation. God uses trials to prepare us for upcoming duties or responsibilities. However, if your pleasure and joy is not derived from God’s glory, you will find yourself growing discouraged and possibly bitter.

Follow Paul’s example and focus upon the glory of God and the cause of Christ. We cannot control our circumstances, but we can control, through the power of the Holy Spirit how we respond to our circumstances. One reason God was able to use Paul greatly, was because he greatly responded to difficulties in his life. He allowed these to be used for the glory of God and the good of Paul. The challenge to you today is to do the same!

[Sermon conclusion]

Follow Paul’s example. Realize that difficult situations can be used for God’s glory if you have the right perspective. This can be achieved by understanding that difficulties are filtered through the hands of a loving, sovereign God and are designed to make us better and glorify God more! Have the right perspective!

Secondly, use your difficulties to proclaim the Gospel. Often difficulties give you an opportunity to be a witness for Christ, whereas smooth sailing may not. Many times your testimony will be strengthened or weakened through problems. Paul maintained a clear and consistent testimony throughout his ordeal, and was able to be used by God to greatly share Christ’s message. May we all be encouraged to follow Paul’s example to live and proclaim God’s truth regardless of circumstances.

Thirdly, understand that your response to trouble can have a prompting effect upon others. Be sure to respond in such a way that others are prompted to do the right thing as well. Though you cannot control their response, you can be a good example.

Finally, stay focused upon and derive your joy from God’s glory, not circumstances. Circumstances and life have their “ups and downs”. We live in a fallen world, and live within fallen bodies. We will easily get discouraged and even depressed if we focus on the “seen” rather than the “unseen”; if we focus on the “temporal” rather than the “eternal”. Though the “god of this world” and the results of sin are producing havoc all around us, God is still on the throne and in control. Keep your eyes upon Him!

The unfortunate truth for the non-Christian is this: you live in the same troubling world as the Christian. Many times you face the same disappointments, fears, sicknesses, diseases and problems that Christians face. However, you do not have the promise of an eternity that will bring this all to an end. You do not have the promise of the Holy Spirit that will be your comforter and guide. You do not have the promise of Christ, whom you have rejected,

interceding on your behalf. However, today, if you will turn from your life of sin and by faith, trust the risen Christ as your Lord and Savior, you too can learn to follow Paul’s example and see the difficulties of life being used for God’s glory

[i] Henry, Matthew. The Matthew Henry Study Bible. Edited by A. Kenneth Abraham. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Word Publishing, Inc., 1997, p. 2092.

[ii] Boice, James Montgomery. Philippians: An Expositional Commentary. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Books, 2000, pp. 12-13.

[iii] Zodhiates, Spiros, ed. The Hebrew-Greek Key Study Bible. Chatanooga, Tennessee: AMG International, 1996, p. 1683.

[iv] MacArthur, John. The MacArthur Study Bible. Nashville, Tennessee: Thomas Nelson, 1997, p. 1821.

[v] Boice, pp. 57-58.

[vi] The Comparitave Study Bible. Grand Rapids, Michigan: The Zondervan Corporation, 1984, p. 2893.

[vii] Zodhiates, p. 1628.

[viii] Morgan, Robert J. Preacher’s Sourcebook of Creative Sermon Illustrations. Nashville, Tennessee: Thomas Nelson, 2007, p. 275.

[ix] Ibid., p. 743.

Bibliography

Boice, James Montgomery. Philippians: An Expositional Commentary. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Books, 2000.

Henry, Matthew. The Matthew Henry Study Bible. Edited by A. Kenneth Abraham. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Word Publishing, Inc., 1997.

MacArthur, John. The MacArthur Study Bible. Nashville, Tennessee: Thomas Nelson, 1997.

Morgan, Robert J. Preacher’s Sourcebook of Creative Sermon Illustrations. Nashville, Tennessee: Thomas Nelson, 2007.

Zodhiates, Spiros, ed. The Hebrew-Greek Key Study Bible. Chatanooga, Tennessee: AMG International, 1996.

The Comparitave Study Bible. Grand Rapids, Michigan: The Zondervan Corporation, 1984.

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