Philippians 1:12-18 ASV and Philippians 1:21 ASV

THE CONTEXT: • The Apostle Paul founded the church in Philippi on his second missionary journey around 52 A.D. • Paul wrote the book of Philippians in 62 A.D. as a “thank you” letter to the Philippians. • Philippians 1:3-11 shows the depth oWHAT DO YOU WISH YOU COULD CHANGE?JOYFUL NO MATTER WHAT• INSTEAD OF ASKING “WHY?” ASK “WHAT?”1) NOW WHAT?• Now what is God doing? • Now what is God’s purpose? • Now what does God want to show me? • Now what does God want to do through this?Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel.advanced – prokope (prok-op-ay') pioneer advance, progress of an army or expedition.As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly.• God can change your obstacles into opportunities. • God can change your setbacks into setups. 2) SO WHAT?It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. The latter do so in love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that theTis gar plen – What does it matter? So what?• So what will this matter 100 years from now? • So what does this mean in eternity? • So what is really most important right now? THE ULTIMATE JOYFor to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.