Preaching Christ

Philippians 1:12-14

12 But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel, 13 so that it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ; 14 and most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.

Philippians 1:15-18

15 Some indeed preach Christ even from envy and strife, and some also from good will: 16 The former preach Christ from selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my chains; 17 but the latter out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel. 18 What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is preached; and in this I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice.

3 Major Points in Philippians 1

Preaching Christ is important Christ is Preached – 12-18 To live is Christ, to die is gain – 19-26 We must suffer for Christ – 27-30

It is important EVEN WHEN: Situation is not good, motive is wrong Facing death Suffering for Christ (persecution)

1] Christ is Preached

In bad situations – opportunity exists to preach Christ Paul preached to the Palace guards Fellow prisoners Caesar's household

Some preach for wrong motives Greed Fame Power Strife

1] Christ is Preached

Some preach for proper motives Love of people Spread the Gospel Desire to help people find salvation Assist others in time of need

In either case – Christ is Preached Wrong motive can still convert sinners

1] Christ is Preached

Jonah preached with a desire for their destruction

He still saved many people And should I not pity Nineveh, that great city, in

which are more than one hundred and twenty thousand persons who cannot discern between their right hand and their left--and much livestock?" Jonah 4:11

120,000 children under the age of accountability

2] To Live is Christ, Die is Gain

Not a death wish – not planning suicide Just thinking about options To live

More taught, more saved Gospel spread, more churches planted

To Die Be with Christ Personal gain No more suffering

2] To Live is Christ, Die is Gain

Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

We can be confident in the will of God 1 John 5:13 These things I have written to you

who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.

3] We must suffer for Christ

Philippians 1:27 27 Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel

Conduct yourself worthy of the gospel Stand fast in one spirit Strive together

3] We must suffer for Christ

Not afraid of the enemy – 28 And not in any way terrified by your

adversaries, which is to them a proof of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that from God.

Psalm 27:1 Whom shall I fear? Matthew 10:28 And do not fear those who kill

the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

3] We must suffer for Christ

It is your speical gift of salvation to suffer for Christ

29 For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake, 30 having the same conflict which you saw in me and now hear is in me.