WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:04.919 Well, now we turn to the preaching of God's Word. 00:00:05.120 --> 00:00:09.919 Today we're going to continue our series looking at the letter of Philippians, Paul's letter 00:00:09.919 --> 00:00:11.339 to the church at Philippi. 00:00:11.720 --> 00:00:15.660 So we'll be looking specifically in chapter 1, verses 12 through 18 today. 00:00:16.240 --> 00:00:20.699 And as you turn there or look on the screen behind me, I wonder how many of you have heard 00:00:20.699 --> 00:00:23.640 of or seen the TV show, The Deadliest Catch. 00:00:24.400 --> 00:00:28.320 Now, I don't know if it has quite the same following here in the UK that it's had in 00:00:28.320 --> 00:00:33.780 the States for nearly two decades, but it's a reality show that follows these crab fishermen 00:00:33.780 --> 00:00:38.799 in the Bering Sea off the coast of Alaska during the crab season. 00:00:39.719 --> 00:00:44.600 And so as the title of the show shows, this is dangerous work. 00:00:45.100 --> 00:00:47.500 It's known as one of the most dangerous jobs in the world. 00:00:47.579 --> 00:00:49.920 And if you've seen the show before, you'd know why. 00:00:50.620 --> 00:00:55.400 Because as these fishermen go out into sea, we see these raging waters, these torrential 00:00:55.400 --> 00:00:56.560 storms that they encounter. 00:00:56.560 --> 00:01:01.500 They're dealing with these huge heavy equipment on their ship that they cast into the sea in 00:01:01.500 --> 00:01:06.120 hopes of collecting crab in a few days or weeks or however long they're out there. 00:01:07.100 --> 00:01:12.900 And we see that because of the temperatures and the storms, this deck is solid ice. 00:01:13.800 --> 00:01:18.120 They have to deal with this equipment as the boat is tossing to and fro. 00:01:19.200 --> 00:01:23.240 And so while this may provide great entertainment for some of us, some of us are left asking, 00:01:23.239 --> 00:01:25.939 why in the world would these guys care to do this? 00:01:26.899 --> 00:01:30.399 Because even though there may be some money in it, if you're lucky enough to have a good 00:01:30.399 --> 00:01:36.679 season, who would want to risk life and limb just for a few dollars or a few crab? 00:01:37.599 --> 00:01:43.179 Well, this morning we're looking at a passage where Paul may offer a similarly bleak view 00:01:43.179 --> 00:01:44.340 of Christianity. 00:01:44.340 --> 00:01:47.159 We know that he is sitting in jail. 00:01:47.280 --> 00:01:50.740 He's awaiting trial that's eventually going to lead to his own death. 00:01:51.740 --> 00:01:55.480 We know that he's been stoned and flogged and beaten and imprisoned. 00:01:55.680 --> 00:01:57.079 He's been shipwrecked himself. 00:01:57.079 --> 00:02:04.599 And we may think, man, this seems like a really bad recruitment strategy for the New Testament 00:02:04.599 --> 00:02:08.159 church to have Paul as your leader spreading the gospel. 00:02:08.340 --> 00:02:10.020 And yet he sits in jail. 00:02:11.439 --> 00:02:17.159 He's continually the focus of persecution from both Romans and Jews. 00:02:18.259 --> 00:02:20.819 And so we may think, man, that's a hard sell. 00:02:21.020 --> 00:02:22.099 That's a hard sell back then. 00:02:22.139 --> 00:02:26.520 That's a hard sell now to think that coming to Christ means you're going to face persecution. 00:02:26.520 --> 00:02:29.659 That coming to Christ, you should expect to die. 00:02:31.700 --> 00:02:35.800 And so we need to recognize that this calling, though this was a calling on Paul's life, this 00:02:35.800 --> 00:02:40.640 was a calling for the New Testament church, this is also the calling for our church today. 00:02:41.320 --> 00:02:45.680 And so it's a sobering reminder, especially in the Western world where we live in relative 00:02:45.680 --> 00:02:51.860 comfort and ease, where we see the world tell us to seek your own comfort and security, 00:02:51.860 --> 00:02:55.980 to secure your own physical blessing and wealth. 00:02:55.979 --> 00:03:02.719 And unfortunately, those feelings and those desires and that call can start to permeate 00:03:02.719 --> 00:03:03.280 the church. 00:03:04.060 --> 00:03:07.399 And so the call to suffer is something that may be unfamiliar with some of us. 00:03:07.439 --> 00:03:10.039 It may be something that's uncomfortable for many of us. 00:03:11.000 --> 00:03:14.819 But we're going to see in our passage today, this is not how Paul responds to suffering. 00:03:14.899 --> 00:03:18.839 Rather than complain or focus on his own hardship, we see that he rejoices. 00:03:18.840 --> 00:03:25.340 And so because of his rejoicing, through his suffering, he recognizes that God is at work. 00:03:26.280 --> 00:03:28.599 Not only in his life, but in the lives of others. 00:03:28.719 --> 00:03:31.020 Through his suffering, the gospel is being advanced. 00:03:31.159 --> 00:03:33.819 Through his suffering, God is ultimately going to receive the glory. 00:03:34.860 --> 00:03:36.640 And so let's turn to our passage then. 00:03:37.520 --> 00:03:41.379 Philippians 1, verses 12 through 18. 00:03:41.379 --> 00:03:46.960 I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance 00:03:46.960 --> 00:03:47.579 the gospel. 00:03:48.240 --> 00:03:53.199 So it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my 00:03:53.199 --> 00:03:54.419 imprisonment is for Christ. 00:03:55.479 --> 00:04:00.379 And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more 00:04:00.379 --> 00:04:02.240 bold to speak the word without fear. 00:04:03.379 --> 00:04:07.139 Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from goodwill. 00:04:07.139 --> 00:04:12.759 The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 00:04:13.719 --> 00:04:18.959 The former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, but thinking to afflict me 00:04:18.959 --> 00:04:19.839 in my imprisonment. 00:04:20.819 --> 00:04:21.339 What then? 00:04:22.139 --> 00:04:26.860 Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed. 00:04:27.639 --> 00:04:28.819 And in that I rejoice. 00:04:29.879 --> 00:04:30.839 Pray with me again. 00:04:30.839 --> 00:04:38.439 Lord, as we turn to your word, we pray that we may receive your truth. 00:04:39.519 --> 00:04:46.459 And as we struggle with the topic of suffering and figuring out what it means for us and thinking 00:04:46.459 --> 00:04:51.799 about why we suffer and how we should suffer well, Lord, we pray that we'll be able to submit 00:04:51.799 --> 00:04:56.779 to you to recognize your goodness and your worthiness. 00:04:57.519 --> 00:04:58.859 We pray in Jesus' name. 00:04:59.259 --> 00:04:59.459 Amen. 00:04:59.459 --> 00:04:59.559 Amen. 00:05:01.639 --> 00:05:05.179 Well, if you've been with us the last few weeks, we know that we've taken three weeks 00:05:05.179 --> 00:05:08.279 just to move through the introduction that Paul gives at the beginning of the letter, 00:05:08.299 --> 00:05:12.859 where he introduces himself, he addresses in church, the encouragement that he has seen 00:05:12.859 --> 00:05:17.079 within the church at Philippi, and a prayer that he has for him, for the church. 00:05:17.739 --> 00:05:23.739 And so now we see a natural turn where Paul is giving a personal report of sorts. 00:05:24.019 --> 00:05:26.579 This is a church that is longing to hear from Paul. 00:05:26.659 --> 00:05:28.719 They want to know what's going on in his life. 00:05:28.720 --> 00:05:32.240 And so we see in this brief report two things that stick out. 00:05:32.380 --> 00:05:34.720 One is Paul's own persecution. 00:05:35.720 --> 00:05:37.680 And two, the gospel proclamation. 00:05:38.560 --> 00:05:41.760 And so we're going to see today how one actually leads to the other. 00:05:41.759 --> 00:05:43.420 So I want to focus on them individually. 00:05:43.599 --> 00:05:47.139 First, Paul's persecution and then the gospel proclamation. 00:05:48.139 --> 00:05:49.599 And so let's consider this persecution. 00:05:50.980 --> 00:05:55.639 We've talked about how the church at Philippi was one of the very first churches to support 00:05:55.639 --> 00:05:57.740 Paul and his missionary journeys. 00:05:58.099 --> 00:05:59.579 They provided him with finances. 00:05:59.719 --> 00:06:03.759 They actually set Epaphroditus to be with him, to deliver this money, to care for him. 00:06:03.759 --> 00:06:06.839 And so this letter was coming back with Epaphroditus. 00:06:06.959 --> 00:06:09.860 And the church would then be excited to know, Paul, what's your condition? 00:06:09.959 --> 00:06:10.719 What's been going on? 00:06:10.779 --> 00:06:14.139 We've heard rumors or short stories about your imprisonment and your persecution. 00:06:14.459 --> 00:06:16.579 We want to hear it from you firsthand. 00:06:17.920 --> 00:06:24.219 But if the church might have been hoping for some sort of sensational story from Paul about all that's happened to him, 00:06:24.659 --> 00:06:28.060 it would have been really disappointed because Paul really doesn't say much about his suffering at all. 00:06:28.120 --> 00:06:31.360 He sums it up by just using the phrase, all that has happened to me. 00:06:31.360 --> 00:06:33.740 He doesn't give any more details. 00:06:33.860 --> 00:06:40.139 There's no more specifics regarding his imprisonment, regarding his flogging, regarding his shipwreck. 00:06:41.100 --> 00:06:47.860 And so if you're not familiar with Paul, obviously this letter in Philippians says very little about Paul's effort to see the spread of the gospel. 00:06:47.980 --> 00:06:53.480 But we only have to turn back to the book of Acts a little bit earlier in the New Testament where it's documented. 00:06:53.900 --> 00:06:56.460 Paul's missionary journeys, the sufferings that he endured. 00:06:56.459 --> 00:07:02.099 And so if we were to move back to Acts 21, we know that Paul has just returned from his third missionary journey. 00:07:02.199 --> 00:07:03.060 He's back in Jerusalem. 00:07:03.219 --> 00:07:04.259 He's worshiping at the temple. 00:07:04.519 --> 00:07:06.639 And these Jewish leaders recognize him. 00:07:07.299 --> 00:07:10.620 And they immediately grab him and throw him out of the temple and begin to beat him. 00:07:11.599 --> 00:07:13.859 It's only because the Roman guards interfere. 00:07:15.000 --> 00:07:16.000 They chain him up. 00:07:16.479 --> 00:07:19.279 They drag him away from the crowd who most certainly wants to kill him. 00:07:19.279 --> 00:07:32.359 And as the guards are about to do a flogging of their own and interrogation as to who this person is, Paul reminds them of his own Roman citizenship, which grants him certain rights that wasn't available to others. 00:07:33.079 --> 00:07:41.399 And so we know that then he is put in jail temporarily when there's this word about the Jews who want to ambush him and kill him. 00:07:42.039 --> 00:07:47.339 And so the Romans decide, well, we need to take him to Caesarea, to the governor, and he can consider his case. 00:07:47.339 --> 00:07:49.500 And so that's what they do under armed guards. 00:07:49.639 --> 00:07:57.799 Paul's taken to Caesarea, goes before the governor, and we see that Governor Felix, he decides, well, I'm going to hear your case. 00:07:58.259 --> 00:08:00.019 But actually, he never decides his case. 00:08:00.099 --> 00:08:06.500 And Paul is thrown in prison where he sits for two years, forgotten, until a new governor comes in place, Governor Festus. 00:08:06.759 --> 00:08:08.779 He says, yes, I'll consider your case as well. 00:08:08.819 --> 00:08:10.659 Let's go back to Jerusalem where we have your trial. 00:08:11.259 --> 00:08:13.099 Paul says, no, I'm appealing to Rome. 00:08:13.399 --> 00:08:16.739 And so then he gets sent on a ship to Rome with other prisoners. 00:08:17.339 --> 00:08:21.399 And on that ship across the sea, we know he hits bad weather. 00:08:21.779 --> 00:08:29.819 He's shipwrecked on the island of Malta where he's stranded for three months, finally rescued, brought to Rome where he's put in under house arrest. 00:08:30.219 --> 00:08:32.539 And that's how the book of Acts ends. 00:08:33.779 --> 00:08:44.019 And so you may think, man, if this was a modern day missionary, had a story like this, his, I mean, would Christian publishers not be banging down his door in order for a book deal that they can share with others? 00:08:44.019 --> 00:08:51.240 I mean, if we have a story like this of our own, some sort of harrowing experience, we want to share it with other people, right? 00:08:51.419 --> 00:08:58.759 We want people to know what experience we went through, whether to gain their sympathy or maybe to be a little prideful and say, look what I've overcome. 00:08:59.019 --> 00:09:00.720 Paul wants none of that here. 00:09:01.460 --> 00:09:03.879 He deflects all attention away from himself. 00:09:03.879 --> 00:09:09.799 In doing so, he refuses the opportunity to receive any sort of sympathy, any sort of praise from the church. 00:09:10.820 --> 00:09:15.500 And so even though he doesn't go into details about his suffering here, we know that he has suffered. 00:09:15.600 --> 00:09:17.000 He sums it up for us. 00:09:17.639 --> 00:09:21.820 There's really two truths that I think we can take away when we consider Paul's suffering. 00:09:21.820 --> 00:09:26.520 One is that suffering is normal for believers. 00:09:28.220 --> 00:09:32.780 There's doubtless, there were many people within the church who would have thought that Paul's imprisonment was a bad thing. 00:09:34.200 --> 00:09:36.640 They might have wondered, is God really in control? 00:09:36.900 --> 00:09:39.900 I mean, what's going to happen if Paul is killed or if he's left in prison? 00:09:40.180 --> 00:09:42.260 Is the gospel going to continue in advance? 00:09:42.340 --> 00:09:43.980 What's going to happen to me and my family? 00:09:44.080 --> 00:09:46.860 Are we going to receive the same persecution that Paul has? 00:09:46.860 --> 00:09:52.500 They may question God's providence and his sovereignty. 00:09:53.600 --> 00:09:59.460 But Paul in this letter consistently, both in Philippians and his other letters, he's trying to normalize suffering. 00:09:59.860 --> 00:10:06.879 We already know when we've gone over at the beginning of this book, Paul says he refers to himself as a servant, as a slave of Christ. 00:10:07.860 --> 00:10:11.019 And later on, we're going to see in chapter 3, verse 10, he says, 00:10:11.019 --> 00:10:20.139 I want to know Christ, yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his suffering, becoming like him in death. 00:10:21.500 --> 00:10:27.879 And so Paul is willing to suffer for Christ because he knows that Christ willingly suffered for him. 00:10:28.919 --> 00:10:34.439 And he understands that his suffering for Christ is going to bring him into greater knowledge of Christ, 00:10:34.579 --> 00:10:37.600 greater appreciation for all that Christ has done for him. 00:10:37.600 --> 00:10:44.240 And because we know that Christ comes and fulfills prophecy of what it says in the Old Testament, 00:10:44.360 --> 00:10:51.700 not to come and set up an earthly kingdom, not to come and rule and reign and subject others under him. 00:10:51.779 --> 00:10:53.940 No, he comes as a suffering servant. 00:10:54.060 --> 00:10:58.379 As it says in Isaiah 53, he was despised and rejected by mankind. 00:10:59.440 --> 00:11:04.960 A man of suffering and familiar with pain, he was despised and we held him in low esteem. 00:11:04.960 --> 00:11:08.040 And Isaiah goes on to say this, he says, 00:11:08.139 --> 00:11:09.420 He took our pain. 00:11:10.259 --> 00:11:11.680 He bore our suffering. 00:11:11.840 --> 00:11:13.840 He was pierced for our transgressions. 00:11:14.060 --> 00:11:16.460 He was crushed for our iniquities. 00:11:17.980 --> 00:11:23.000 And so what a wonderful truth this is, to know that Christ has suffered for you. 00:11:23.940 --> 00:11:28.639 To know that because of Christ's suffering, we may receive his salvation. 00:11:28.639 --> 00:11:33.379 And so Paul, in wanting to participate in his suffering, isn't saying, 00:11:33.600 --> 00:11:35.799 I need to help God out here. 00:11:35.840 --> 00:11:39.100 I need to participate in such a way that I am contributing to my salvation. 00:11:39.199 --> 00:11:40.860 No, that's not Paul's point here. 00:11:41.059 --> 00:11:43.120 He's responding out of a heart of gratitude, 00:11:44.460 --> 00:11:51.379 recognizing that the God of the universe subjected himself to the torture of man 00:11:51.379 --> 00:11:53.960 in order that we may be saved. 00:11:53.960 --> 00:11:57.720 And so therefore, we should be willing as his followers to do likewise. 00:11:59.420 --> 00:12:02.840 And so as believers, I think oftentimes we may come to Christ and think, 00:12:02.960 --> 00:12:03.400 you know what? 00:12:04.360 --> 00:12:08.300 If I'm willing to follow Christ, then maybe my life's going to be okay. 00:12:09.040 --> 00:12:14.480 Maybe I'll experience physical, blessing, financial comfort and success in this life. 00:12:15.700 --> 00:12:18.440 But nowhere in the Bible does God promise that to us. 00:12:18.480 --> 00:12:21.360 In fact, if we go back to the words of Jesus over and over again, 00:12:21.400 --> 00:12:23.060 he says just the exact opposite. 00:12:23.059 --> 00:12:28.179 He tells his disciples to take up their cross and follow him. 00:12:29.379 --> 00:12:31.959 He says a servant is not above his master. 00:12:32.079 --> 00:12:35.179 So if Christ was willing to suffer and die for us, 00:12:35.259 --> 00:12:38.099 what should we expect and be willing to do also? 00:12:39.379 --> 00:12:41.959 Jesus made it very clear to his disciples when he sends them out. 00:12:42.019 --> 00:12:45.559 He says, the world is going to hate you because of me. 00:12:46.519 --> 00:12:48.859 And so if we think of Paul's own conversion, 00:12:48.860 --> 00:12:53.519 we know this dramatic conversion story of when he's going on the road to Damascus. 00:12:53.680 --> 00:12:56.180 He himself is a Pharisee. 00:12:56.500 --> 00:12:58.379 He himself is persecuting the church. 00:12:58.940 --> 00:13:01.639 He wants to see the spread of the gospel fizzle out. 00:13:02.039 --> 00:13:05.220 But we see God confront him on the road to Damascus. 00:13:05.460 --> 00:13:08.460 We see him turn to Christ and receive salvation. 00:13:08.460 --> 00:13:16.240 But what happens also is the direction and instruction that Jesus gives to a disciple in Damascus, 00:13:16.320 --> 00:13:17.420 a man named Ananias. 00:13:18.139 --> 00:13:19.720 And so listen to what he tells Ananias. 00:13:19.780 --> 00:13:22.680 He says, go for he, talking about Paul, 00:13:23.480 --> 00:13:26.680 says go for he is a chosen instrument of mine 00:13:26.680 --> 00:13:30.800 to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and children of Israel. 00:13:30.799 --> 00:13:36.039 For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name. 00:13:37.539 --> 00:13:40.099 How is that for an introduction into the family of God? 00:13:41.399 --> 00:13:43.659 You know, there's none of this, hey, welcome into the family. 00:13:43.799 --> 00:13:44.659 Make yourself comfortable. 00:13:44.779 --> 00:13:45.579 Have a cup of tea. 00:13:46.500 --> 00:13:48.099 No, he says, praise the Lord. 00:13:49.059 --> 00:13:50.039 He has saved you. 00:13:50.779 --> 00:13:51.959 Now prepare to suffer. 00:13:54.240 --> 00:13:56.019 And so how does that strike us? 00:13:56.019 --> 00:14:00.960 Are we willing and ready in the same way to suffer for Christ? 00:14:01.980 --> 00:14:05.939 And not that we should purposely seek out suffering or make light of suffering, 00:14:06.199 --> 00:14:09.120 but it's something that we need to expect as believers. 00:14:10.939 --> 00:14:16.120 I think unfortunately, though, this idea of suffering is something that's so foreign within the Western church. 00:14:17.360 --> 00:14:20.659 Like we were saying before, society tells us to build up your own kingdom, 00:14:21.079 --> 00:14:22.639 to seek your own comfort, 00:14:22.639 --> 00:14:25.819 to make sure that you are secure financially, 00:14:25.939 --> 00:14:27.199 that your family is well off, 00:14:27.279 --> 00:14:29.120 that troubles won't come to you. 00:14:31.779 --> 00:14:34.419 And so when we experience suffering within the church, 00:14:34.419 --> 00:14:36.539 I think we often tend to grumble. 00:14:37.879 --> 00:14:39.319 I think we often ask, why? 00:14:39.480 --> 00:14:40.120 God, why? 00:14:40.240 --> 00:14:41.460 Have you allowed this to happen to me? 00:14:42.539 --> 00:14:43.480 We ask, when? 00:14:43.580 --> 00:14:45.439 God, when is this going to stop? 00:14:45.440 --> 00:14:50.600 We see oftentimes that suffering, 00:14:50.800 --> 00:14:53.660 more so than many other circumstances in our life, 00:14:53.740 --> 00:14:57.460 can reveal to us where our hope and where our trust truly lies. 00:14:58.520 --> 00:15:01.360 Because suffering exposes the idols in our lives. 00:15:01.440 --> 00:15:03.080 What are we relying on more than Christ? 00:15:03.240 --> 00:15:06.700 What, when it's taken away from us, is going to be so painful? 00:15:06.700 --> 00:15:10.800 And so Paul is saying here, no. 00:15:12.400 --> 00:15:14.500 Not to follow the things of this world, 00:15:14.720 --> 00:15:16.640 but to be willing to suffer. 00:15:16.800 --> 00:15:18.640 So what does this mean to us? 00:15:20.400 --> 00:15:22.620 Are we willing to ask difficult questions? 00:15:22.740 --> 00:15:25.280 To ask, what's the value of the gospel in our lives? 00:15:26.400 --> 00:15:31.180 Are we willing to forsake our comfort for the sake of Christ? 00:15:31.179 --> 00:15:35.139 Are we willing to put aside possessions and security 00:15:35.139 --> 00:15:37.000 and our future for the advancement of the gospel? 00:15:39.299 --> 00:15:42.219 While this may seem radical to some of us now, 00:15:42.259 --> 00:15:44.559 it certainly seems radical to those outside the church. 00:15:44.959 --> 00:15:46.399 But what Paul is saying here is, no, 00:15:46.439 --> 00:15:48.500 these are normal questions to ask. 00:15:48.739 --> 00:15:51.779 This is the normal life of a Christian. 00:15:51.899 --> 00:15:54.159 This is the essence of a Christian life. 00:15:55.419 --> 00:15:57.199 And so then that second truth, 00:15:57.259 --> 00:16:00.179 if we know that suffering is normal for the believer, 00:16:00.179 --> 00:16:03.479 we can also trust that God is still in control 00:16:03.479 --> 00:16:04.599 in the midst of our suffering. 00:16:05.659 --> 00:16:08.620 We looked just a few weeks ago at chapter 1, verse 6, 00:16:09.279 --> 00:16:09.939 where Paul says, 00:16:10.139 --> 00:16:12.699 he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion 00:16:12.699 --> 00:16:14.419 at the day of Jesus Christ. 00:16:15.699 --> 00:16:18.239 And so Paul is able to say this in the midst of suffering. 00:16:18.339 --> 00:16:19.819 He's writing this letter from prison. 00:16:20.659 --> 00:16:23.419 And so he's acknowledging that it's Christ who has saved him. 00:16:23.539 --> 00:16:25.379 And even though he is experiencing suffering, 00:16:25.500 --> 00:16:27.319 that Christ is continuing to work on him 00:16:27.320 --> 00:16:30.620 and that Christ promises to bring that work to completion. 00:16:32.220 --> 00:16:33.480 And so Paul understands that suffering, 00:16:33.640 --> 00:16:35.780 it doesn't interfere with God's work. 00:16:36.420 --> 00:16:39.120 It's actually a part of God's work. 00:16:40.220 --> 00:16:42.260 And so he was able to have confidence 00:16:42.260 --> 00:16:44.400 in God's sovereign plan for his life, 00:16:44.480 --> 00:16:47.980 to continue trusting in the ongoing work of Christ. 00:16:47.980 --> 00:16:52.120 And so Paul didn't need to highlight the circumstances of his suffering. 00:16:52.240 --> 00:16:53.700 He didn't need to talk about his shipwreck 00:16:53.700 --> 00:16:55.920 or talk about how many times he'd been flogged 00:16:55.920 --> 00:16:57.340 or how many days he's been in prison. 00:16:58.200 --> 00:17:00.899 He's not focusing on himself or his own welfare. 00:17:01.039 --> 00:17:02.659 He's fixed on Christ. 00:17:03.139 --> 00:17:04.960 And so that's why he can say in Romans 8, 00:17:05.099 --> 00:17:07.539 for I consider the sufferings of this present time 00:17:07.539 --> 00:17:10.940 are of no worth compared to the glory 00:17:10.940 --> 00:17:13.240 that he is to reveal to us. 00:17:13.240 --> 00:17:17.380 And so Paul can endure temporary sufferings 00:17:17.380 --> 00:17:20.339 because he knows of the internal glory that is to come. 00:17:21.960 --> 00:17:23.559 And so what does that mean for us? 00:17:23.720 --> 00:17:26.579 Likely none of us will experience the same physical chains 00:17:26.579 --> 00:17:28.319 that Paul does here. 00:17:29.380 --> 00:17:31.200 But certainly if we're called to suffer, 00:17:31.299 --> 00:17:32.880 if that's an expectation of believers, 00:17:33.019 --> 00:17:35.559 there's certainly going to be suffering that we endure. 00:17:36.559 --> 00:17:38.579 And so what does that look like for each one of us? 00:17:38.640 --> 00:17:40.680 Is it an overbearing boss? 00:17:40.680 --> 00:17:45.019 Is it a marriage that's on the rocks? 00:17:45.960 --> 00:17:47.740 Is it a rebellious child? 00:17:49.060 --> 00:17:51.900 Is it that diagnosis of cancer? 00:17:53.340 --> 00:17:58.180 Is it an ongoing struggle with anxiety and depression and loneliness? 00:18:01.340 --> 00:18:02.840 Whatever it may be, 00:18:03.560 --> 00:18:08.460 are we going to be willing to respond to the Lord with confidence, 00:18:08.460 --> 00:18:12.480 to know that God is still in control, 00:18:12.799 --> 00:18:16.640 to recognize the purpose of our suffering? 00:18:17.700 --> 00:18:19.480 Because that really brings us to our next point. 00:18:19.559 --> 00:18:21.400 We don't suffer just for the sake of suffering. 00:18:21.519 --> 00:18:24.400 God's not the kind of God who just wants to see us in pain. 00:18:24.500 --> 00:18:25.940 There is reason for our suffering. 00:18:26.240 --> 00:18:28.740 And that's why Paul refers to his suffering here. 00:18:28.740 --> 00:18:31.319 But when we talk, 00:18:31.420 --> 00:18:33.099 thinking back about that TV show, 00:18:33.180 --> 00:18:33.960 The Deadly Catch Again, 00:18:34.079 --> 00:18:36.120 there's lots of interviews after seasons 00:18:36.120 --> 00:18:37.460 or after certain episodes 00:18:37.460 --> 00:18:39.339 where some of the captains either come together 00:18:39.339 --> 00:18:42.039 or are interviewed individually about their experience. 00:18:42.339 --> 00:18:44.440 And one of the common questions that's always asked is, 00:18:44.599 --> 00:18:45.420 why do you do this? 00:18:45.420 --> 00:18:51.980 And the answer that is always repeated among all the captains 00:18:51.980 --> 00:18:53.700 is usually one, for the money, 00:18:54.279 --> 00:18:57.140 if you get lucky enough to have a good catch, 00:18:57.759 --> 00:19:00.640 and two, for the high that it gives you, 00:19:01.140 --> 00:19:03.019 for the excitement that you receive 00:19:03.019 --> 00:19:05.060 that you can't get doing other regular work. 00:19:06.240 --> 00:19:10.759 And so their goal in doing something that seems outlandish to us 00:19:10.759 --> 00:19:12.960 is their own personal profit, 00:19:13.700 --> 00:19:15.960 is their own personal experience. 00:19:16.519 --> 00:19:17.599 It's all about self. 00:19:18.879 --> 00:19:21.059 But we see Paul give a very different answer here. 00:19:21.140 --> 00:19:22.019 Why does he suffer? 00:19:22.940 --> 00:19:24.680 It's for gospel proclamation. 00:19:27.180 --> 00:19:29.339 It's for the advancement of the gospel. 00:19:31.680 --> 00:19:33.440 And so it's probably safe to assume 00:19:33.440 --> 00:19:35.720 that the church in Philippi had heard reports 00:19:35.720 --> 00:19:38.799 that Paul was maybe not doing well, 00:19:38.879 --> 00:19:39.660 that he'd be in prison, 00:19:39.660 --> 00:19:41.320 that he may have been shipwrecked. 00:19:41.360 --> 00:19:42.740 They might have not had all the details, 00:19:42.820 --> 00:19:43.720 and that's what they were expecting 00:19:43.720 --> 00:19:45.000 they might receive through this letter. 00:19:47.019 --> 00:19:48.220 They might have expected that, 00:19:48.420 --> 00:19:50.140 you know what, we may get a bad report here. 00:19:50.460 --> 00:19:51.759 We may hear that Paul's in prison, 00:19:51.880 --> 00:19:53.100 and his gospel work is hindered, 00:19:53.160 --> 00:19:54.200 and the advancement of the gospel 00:19:54.200 --> 00:19:55.360 is not going like we hoped. 00:19:56.800 --> 00:19:58.620 But that's not the message that Paul gives. 00:19:59.120 --> 00:20:00.480 He gives the exact opposite message, 00:20:00.580 --> 00:20:02.120 that even though I am suffering, 00:20:02.220 --> 00:20:03.940 the gospel is advancing. 00:20:04.180 --> 00:20:04.680 Verse 12, 00:20:04.759 --> 00:20:06.620 Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, 00:20:06.779 --> 00:20:07.980 that what has happened to me 00:20:07.980 --> 00:20:08.660 has actually advanced, 00:20:08.660 --> 00:20:11.519 has actually served to advance the gospel. 00:20:13.180 --> 00:20:14.500 And so I think there's something 00:20:14.500 --> 00:20:16.120 very important to notice here, 00:20:16.860 --> 00:20:18.279 how Paul talks about suffering. 00:20:18.360 --> 00:20:19.900 He doesn't say the gospel is advanced 00:20:19.900 --> 00:20:21.200 in spite of my suffering. 00:20:21.820 --> 00:20:23.519 He said the gospel has advanced 00:20:23.519 --> 00:20:25.640 as a result of his suffering. 00:20:26.000 --> 00:20:28.320 And so he recognizes that it's his suffering, 00:20:28.680 --> 00:20:29.840 that it's his adversity, 00:20:29.960 --> 00:20:32.060 that's actually aided the advancement of the gospel. 00:20:32.059 --> 00:20:36.220 One of the things that my family loves to do 00:20:36.220 --> 00:20:39.220 around Edinburgh that we've enjoyed doing 00:20:39.220 --> 00:20:40.099 that's really close to our house 00:20:40.099 --> 00:20:41.639 is just being able to hike up Blackford Hill. 00:20:42.319 --> 00:20:44.059 And while there's some certain ways 00:20:44.059 --> 00:20:46.220 that kind of most people go up the steps on one side 00:20:46.220 --> 00:20:47.799 or drive up to the observatory on the other, 00:20:48.119 --> 00:20:48.899 what my kids like doing 00:20:48.899 --> 00:20:50.319 is kind of blazing their own trail. 00:20:51.039 --> 00:20:52.599 And the problem is when you do this, 00:20:52.639 --> 00:20:53.799 you're going a very narrow path 00:20:53.799 --> 00:20:54.879 that a lot of people don't go on 00:20:54.879 --> 00:20:57.039 that are just overrun with gorse. 00:20:57.940 --> 00:20:58.920 If you know what gorse is, 00:20:58.960 --> 00:20:59.680 it's that beautiful, 00:20:59.799 --> 00:21:00.879 has that beautiful blossom, 00:21:01.059 --> 00:21:02.059 yellow blossom in the spring. 00:21:02.339 --> 00:21:03.480 But if you're up close to these bushes, 00:21:03.619 --> 00:21:04.259 they are awful, 00:21:04.420 --> 00:21:05.599 just filled with thorns. 00:21:05.899 --> 00:21:07.859 It's not something that you want to brush up into 00:21:07.859 --> 00:21:09.659 or kind of have to navigate through. 00:21:10.519 --> 00:21:12.680 But inevitably, this is what the kids want to do 00:21:12.680 --> 00:21:13.819 and they're a little smaller than me, 00:21:13.839 --> 00:21:15.119 can make it a little easier than I can. 00:21:15.180 --> 00:21:16.539 But every time we go up these trails, 00:21:16.639 --> 00:21:18.700 I think, man, I just need to bring some shears 00:21:18.700 --> 00:21:19.539 or clippers with me 00:21:19.539 --> 00:21:20.779 to kind of clear out these trails 00:21:20.779 --> 00:21:22.599 and make it a lot easier to go up. 00:21:24.159 --> 00:21:25.379 Well, Paul here in verse 12, 00:21:25.460 --> 00:21:27.000 when he uses this word advanced, 00:21:27.039 --> 00:21:27.599 the gospel, 00:21:28.839 --> 00:21:31.059 it really gives a military connotation 00:21:31.059 --> 00:21:32.899 of soldiers that are blazing a trail 00:21:32.899 --> 00:21:34.119 for an army to follow behind. 00:21:34.359 --> 00:21:35.639 Like they're clearing a path 00:21:35.639 --> 00:21:36.579 for easy advancement. 00:21:38.099 --> 00:21:39.639 And so if we think about climbing a hill 00:21:39.639 --> 00:21:40.480 with all this gorse, 00:21:40.579 --> 00:21:41.039 we may think, 00:21:41.079 --> 00:21:43.019 if we try to analogize it to our lives, 00:21:43.079 --> 00:21:43.359 we may think, 00:21:43.420 --> 00:21:45.200 well, the gorse is the suffering 00:21:45.200 --> 00:21:45.980 that we have to endure 00:21:45.980 --> 00:21:46.899 that we need to push away 00:21:46.899 --> 00:21:47.579 in order to advance. 00:21:48.879 --> 00:21:49.960 But Paul's saying, no, 00:21:50.399 --> 00:21:51.420 it's the shears, 00:21:51.500 --> 00:21:52.639 it's the clippers that we have 00:21:52.639 --> 00:21:53.680 that are actually the suffering. 00:21:53.779 --> 00:21:56.000 That's what pushes away the things 00:21:56.000 --> 00:21:57.519 so the gospel can advance. 00:21:59.660 --> 00:22:02.079 And so that's what Paul wants to show us here 00:22:02.079 --> 00:22:03.279 is how the gospel advances. 00:22:03.279 --> 00:22:04.920 It really advances in two forms, 00:22:04.920 --> 00:22:06.339 through the suffering. 00:22:07.799 --> 00:22:09.099 At first, he says that the gospel 00:22:09.099 --> 00:22:10.539 has spread throughout the whole 00:22:10.539 --> 00:22:11.980 imperial guard and beyond. 00:22:11.980 --> 00:22:14.140 And so the imperial guard 00:22:14.140 --> 00:22:14.680 would have been 00:22:14.680 --> 00:22:17.099 10,000 or so imperial soldiers 00:22:17.099 --> 00:22:18.220 that worked in Rome, 00:22:18.380 --> 00:22:19.940 that would have been under the rule 00:22:19.940 --> 00:22:20.920 of the emperor, 00:22:21.620 --> 00:22:23.059 would have served as some form 00:22:23.059 --> 00:22:24.180 of police force in Rome. 00:22:24.680 --> 00:22:25.740 And so these would have been 00:22:25.740 --> 00:22:26.680 the ones that were responsible 00:22:26.680 --> 00:22:27.539 for guarding Paul 00:22:27.539 --> 00:22:28.700 while he was under house arrest. 00:22:28.980 --> 00:22:30.319 24-7, Paul would have been 00:22:30.319 --> 00:22:32.360 chained up to a Roman guard. 00:22:33.380 --> 00:22:34.680 And these guards would have shifted 00:22:34.680 --> 00:22:35.079 with time, 00:22:35.140 --> 00:22:36.120 whether a three-hour shift 00:22:36.120 --> 00:22:37.559 or a six-hour shift, 00:22:37.900 --> 00:22:38.839 they would have changed up. 00:22:38.839 --> 00:22:39.500 So certainly, 00:22:39.659 --> 00:22:40.259 Paul would have had 00:22:40.259 --> 00:22:41.199 a lot of face time 00:22:41.199 --> 00:22:42.759 with a lot of different soldiers. 00:22:44.059 --> 00:22:44.819 And so if you ever want 00:22:44.819 --> 00:22:46.659 a captive audience with anyone, 00:22:46.819 --> 00:22:47.819 Paul certainly had it here. 00:22:48.599 --> 00:22:49.419 There's nothing else 00:22:49.419 --> 00:22:50.459 for these soldiers to do 00:22:50.459 --> 00:22:52.059 but to spend time 00:22:52.059 --> 00:22:52.879 listening to Paul, 00:22:53.099 --> 00:22:54.059 talk to his visitors, 00:22:55.240 --> 00:22:56.539 listen to Paul write letters, 00:22:57.539 --> 00:22:58.179 and certainly have 00:22:58.179 --> 00:22:59.480 personal conversations with Paul. 00:23:00.619 --> 00:23:01.179 And so we know 00:23:01.179 --> 00:23:01.859 that these soldiers 00:23:01.859 --> 00:23:03.319 interacting with Paul, 00:23:03.419 --> 00:23:04.240 he certainly would have been 00:23:04.240 --> 00:23:04.879 any different 00:23:04.879 --> 00:23:06.720 than any other person 00:23:06.720 --> 00:23:07.759 they would have guarded before. 00:23:07.759 --> 00:23:09.240 you wonder 00:23:09.240 --> 00:23:10.279 what kind of conversations 00:23:10.279 --> 00:23:10.940 they had. 00:23:11.240 --> 00:23:11.599 You wonder 00:23:11.599 --> 00:23:12.799 what kind of conversations 00:23:12.799 --> 00:23:13.920 those guards 00:23:13.920 --> 00:23:15.140 then had with other guards 00:23:15.140 --> 00:23:16.420 about their time with Paul. 00:23:17.480 --> 00:23:18.740 And we know through that 00:23:18.740 --> 00:23:19.339 that everyone 00:23:19.339 --> 00:23:21.160 knew who Paul was. 00:23:21.839 --> 00:23:23.220 But not only the guards, 00:23:23.339 --> 00:23:24.059 it says that 00:23:24.059 --> 00:23:25.119 the governors 00:23:25.119 --> 00:23:26.500 knew of him. 00:23:26.559 --> 00:23:27.079 He testified 00:23:27.079 --> 00:23:28.200 before Governor Felix, 00:23:28.319 --> 00:23:29.019 Governor Festus, 00:23:29.240 --> 00:23:30.299 before King Agrippa. 00:23:30.599 --> 00:23:31.240 How in the world 00:23:31.240 --> 00:23:31.900 would Paul have had 00:23:31.900 --> 00:23:32.519 such an audience 00:23:32.519 --> 00:23:33.640 if he wasn't in chains? 00:23:34.859 --> 00:23:35.400 And so there's 00:23:35.400 --> 00:23:36.039 great blessing 00:23:36.039 --> 00:23:36.859 that we see 00:23:36.859 --> 00:23:38.159 through Paul's persecution. 00:23:38.599 --> 00:23:38.940 The Jews 00:23:38.940 --> 00:23:39.339 were hoping 00:23:39.339 --> 00:23:40.039 to silence Paul. 00:23:40.119 --> 00:23:40.480 The Jews 00:23:40.480 --> 00:23:41.579 wanted to kill Paul 00:23:41.579 --> 00:23:42.019 to hope 00:23:42.019 --> 00:23:42.639 that the spread 00:23:42.639 --> 00:23:43.119 of the gospel 00:23:43.119 --> 00:23:43.940 would fizzle out. 00:23:45.159 --> 00:23:45.799 But we see 00:23:45.799 --> 00:23:46.659 the exact opposite 00:23:46.659 --> 00:23:47.279 happen here. 00:23:47.599 --> 00:23:48.460 Because of Paul's 00:23:48.460 --> 00:23:48.839 imprisonment, 00:23:48.859 --> 00:23:49.519 people know him 00:23:49.519 --> 00:23:50.059 from Rome 00:23:50.059 --> 00:23:50.700 to Jerusalem. 00:23:51.379 --> 00:23:51.980 They know 00:23:51.980 --> 00:23:52.539 what he's preaching 00:23:52.539 --> 00:23:53.899 and that gospel 00:23:53.899 --> 00:23:54.399 is spreading. 00:23:55.980 --> 00:23:56.279 And so 00:23:56.279 --> 00:23:56.859 it's really 00:23:56.859 --> 00:23:57.759 interesting language 00:23:57.759 --> 00:23:59.059 at the end 00:23:59.059 --> 00:23:59.980 of verse 13. 00:24:00.779 --> 00:24:01.559 It says that 00:24:01.559 --> 00:24:02.659 in most versions 00:24:02.659 --> 00:24:03.480 it's talking about 00:24:03.480 --> 00:24:04.079 everyone knew 00:24:04.079 --> 00:24:04.859 Paul's imprisonment 00:24:04.859 --> 00:24:05.859 was for Christ. 00:24:06.879 --> 00:24:07.639 But actually 00:24:07.639 --> 00:24:08.299 in the Greek 00:24:08.299 --> 00:24:10.500 it's not for Christ 00:24:10.500 --> 00:24:12.179 it's in Christ. 00:24:13.199 --> 00:24:14.299 That Paul's 00:24:14.299 --> 00:24:14.719 imprisonment 00:24:14.719 --> 00:24:16.019 was in Christ. 00:24:16.139 --> 00:24:16.659 And so it's really 00:24:16.659 --> 00:24:17.299 one of Paul's 00:24:17.299 --> 00:24:17.899 favorite phrases. 00:24:18.439 --> 00:24:19.240 To be in Christ. 00:24:19.339 --> 00:24:19.919 We see it repeated 00:24:19.919 --> 00:24:20.839 throughout his letters. 00:24:20.939 --> 00:24:21.539 What does it mean 00:24:21.539 --> 00:24:23.059 to be in imprisonment 00:24:23.059 --> 00:24:23.919 in Christ? 00:24:24.740 --> 00:24:25.619 Well Paul's making clear 00:24:25.619 --> 00:24:26.179 here that he's not 00:24:26.179 --> 00:24:26.859 doing something 00:24:26.859 --> 00:24:28.079 for God 00:24:28.079 --> 00:24:29.099 by suffering for him. 00:24:29.299 --> 00:24:29.919 As if he's 00:24:29.919 --> 00:24:30.740 receiving credit 00:24:30.740 --> 00:24:32.700 or as if 00:24:32.700 --> 00:24:33.539 this is 00:24:33.539 --> 00:24:34.640 of his own doing. 00:24:35.720 --> 00:24:36.599 Paul is linking 00:24:36.599 --> 00:24:37.620 himself not only 00:24:37.620 --> 00:24:38.140 to Christ 00:24:38.140 --> 00:24:39.220 but to Christ's plan. 00:24:40.099 --> 00:24:40.859 So he's standing 00:24:40.859 --> 00:24:41.480 in solidarity 00:24:41.480 --> 00:24:41.980 with Christ. 00:24:42.079 --> 00:24:42.740 He is empowered 00:24:42.740 --> 00:24:43.440 by Christ 00:24:43.440 --> 00:24:44.339 in order to suffer. 00:24:44.720 --> 00:24:45.319 He's making clear 00:24:45.319 --> 00:24:46.220 that the only reason 00:24:46.220 --> 00:24:47.220 that he sits in prison 00:24:47.220 --> 00:24:48.579 is because of his 00:24:48.579 --> 00:24:49.960 union with Christ. 00:24:51.440 --> 00:24:52.200 And so we see 00:24:52.200 --> 00:24:53.039 then that his testimony 00:24:53.039 --> 00:24:54.079 not only affects 00:24:54.079 --> 00:24:55.160 Roman soldiers 00:24:55.160 --> 00:24:56.559 and leaders in Rome 00:24:56.559 --> 00:24:57.460 but it also affects 00:24:57.460 --> 00:24:58.799 the believers as well. 00:24:59.700 --> 00:25:00.400 In verse 14. 00:25:01.380 --> 00:25:01.839 It says this 00:25:01.839 --> 00:25:02.779 and most of the brothers 00:25:02.779 --> 00:25:03.779 having become 00:25:03.779 --> 00:25:04.819 confident in the Lord 00:25:04.819 --> 00:25:05.759 by my imprisonment 00:25:05.759 --> 00:25:07.039 are much more bold 00:25:07.039 --> 00:25:08.099 to speak the word 00:25:08.099 --> 00:25:08.740 without fear. 00:25:10.319 --> 00:25:11.000 And so we might have 00:25:11.000 --> 00:25:12.059 expected that the opposite 00:25:12.059 --> 00:25:12.640 would have happened. 00:25:13.680 --> 00:25:14.779 Those Christians in Rome 00:25:14.779 --> 00:25:15.640 when they see Paul 00:25:15.640 --> 00:25:16.120 begin to 00:25:16.120 --> 00:25:17.700 brought in 00:25:17.700 --> 00:25:18.779 and imprisoned 00:25:18.779 --> 00:25:20.240 persecution 00:25:20.240 --> 00:25:21.440 beginning to happen 00:25:21.440 --> 00:25:22.140 you may think 00:25:22.140 --> 00:25:22.799 God these guys 00:25:22.799 --> 00:25:23.259 are going to just 00:25:23.259 --> 00:25:23.839 go into hiding. 00:25:23.980 --> 00:25:24.579 They're going to scatter 00:25:24.579 --> 00:25:25.779 just like Jesus' disciples 00:25:25.779 --> 00:25:27.319 did when he was arrested. 00:25:28.579 --> 00:25:29.839 But we see the opposite 00:25:29.839 --> 00:25:31.299 have an opposite 00:25:31.299 --> 00:25:32.259 effect happen here. 00:25:33.500 --> 00:25:34.519 I mentioned a few weeks 00:25:34.519 --> 00:25:35.179 ago how my wife 00:25:35.179 --> 00:25:36.559 and I lived in China 00:25:36.559 --> 00:25:37.779 over a decade ago. 00:25:38.799 --> 00:25:39.799 And when we lived there 00:25:39.799 --> 00:25:40.679 we worked in close 00:25:40.679 --> 00:25:41.439 connection with 00:25:41.439 --> 00:25:42.359 a local house church. 00:25:42.480 --> 00:25:42.879 There were several 00:25:42.879 --> 00:25:43.759 points of the house 00:25:43.759 --> 00:25:44.539 church in our city. 00:25:44.639 --> 00:25:45.159 There was one very 00:25:45.159 --> 00:25:47.359 close to where we lived 00:25:47.359 --> 00:25:48.059 because there was a lot 00:25:48.059 --> 00:25:48.939 of university students 00:25:48.939 --> 00:25:49.199 there. 00:25:50.199 --> 00:25:51.419 And it was one Sunday 00:25:51.419 --> 00:25:52.779 that that house church 00:25:52.779 --> 00:25:54.179 was meeting to worship 00:25:54.179 --> 00:25:54.859 and it was raided 00:25:54.859 --> 00:25:55.539 by the police. 00:25:55.539 --> 00:25:57.059 And the pastor 00:25:57.059 --> 00:25:57.659 was arrested 00:25:57.659 --> 00:25:58.819 and the elder 00:25:58.819 --> 00:25:59.399 was arrested. 00:26:00.220 --> 00:26:01.099 They spent several 00:26:01.099 --> 00:26:01.779 days in jail. 00:26:02.379 --> 00:26:03.059 All the students 00:26:03.059 --> 00:26:03.480 that were there 00:26:03.480 --> 00:26:04.180 were taken into 00:26:04.180 --> 00:26:05.059 interrogated 00:26:05.059 --> 00:26:06.079 and they were 00:26:06.079 --> 00:26:06.619 threatened that you 00:26:06.619 --> 00:26:07.599 ever come back here. 00:26:08.759 --> 00:26:09.680 Whoever hear of you 00:26:09.680 --> 00:26:10.279 doing this again 00:26:10.279 --> 00:26:10.839 you're never going to 00:26:10.839 --> 00:26:11.740 graduate from university. 00:26:13.240 --> 00:26:14.299 And it was amazing 00:26:14.299 --> 00:26:15.539 to see the effect 00:26:15.539 --> 00:26:16.500 that that had 00:26:16.500 --> 00:26:17.619 on the church. 00:26:18.759 --> 00:26:19.659 Because you may think 00:26:19.659 --> 00:26:20.180 these students 00:26:20.180 --> 00:26:20.680 are going to be 00:26:20.680 --> 00:26:21.839 scared out of their mind. 00:26:21.839 --> 00:26:24.019 they're never going 00:26:24.019 --> 00:26:25.159 to meet together again 00:26:25.159 --> 00:26:26.639 in public or in private. 00:26:28.759 --> 00:26:29.319 But you know 00:26:29.319 --> 00:26:29.720 what happened? 00:26:29.799 --> 00:26:30.699 Those same students 00:26:30.699 --> 00:26:31.399 were the ones 00:26:31.399 --> 00:26:32.199 who were doing ministry 00:26:32.199 --> 00:26:33.079 that very next week. 00:26:33.879 --> 00:26:34.679 Those were the same 00:26:34.679 --> 00:26:35.279 students who were 00:26:35.279 --> 00:26:35.919 back at church 00:26:35.919 --> 00:26:36.579 the next week. 00:26:36.659 --> 00:26:37.659 They were the ones 00:26:37.659 --> 00:26:38.759 who encouraged others 00:26:38.759 --> 00:26:39.599 in their faith. 00:26:40.619 --> 00:26:41.199 And so to see 00:26:41.199 --> 00:26:41.740 the solidarity 00:26:41.740 --> 00:26:42.720 of the church 00:26:42.720 --> 00:26:43.919 in that city. 00:26:44.399 --> 00:26:45.639 To see their boldness 00:26:45.639 --> 00:26:46.299 grow because they 00:26:46.299 --> 00:26:47.299 had heard the stories 00:26:47.299 --> 00:26:48.099 of persecution 00:26:48.099 --> 00:26:49.179 of their fellow 00:26:49.179 --> 00:26:50.039 brothers and sisters. 00:26:50.039 --> 00:26:50.159 believers. 00:26:51.500 --> 00:26:52.299 And so that's 00:26:52.299 --> 00:26:53.180 what's happening here. 00:26:53.359 --> 00:26:54.180 Believers in Rome 00:26:54.180 --> 00:26:55.500 see Paul imprisoned 00:26:55.500 --> 00:26:57.159 and rather than 00:26:57.159 --> 00:26:58.220 cower in fear 00:26:58.220 --> 00:26:59.920 they grow in confidence. 00:27:00.720 --> 00:27:01.559 And not of their 00:27:01.559 --> 00:27:02.240 own strength 00:27:02.240 --> 00:27:03.159 not of their own resolve 00:27:03.159 --> 00:27:03.879 it says they grow 00:27:03.879 --> 00:27:04.480 in confidence 00:27:04.480 --> 00:27:05.480 in the Lord. 00:27:05.799 --> 00:27:06.500 It's the Lord 00:27:06.500 --> 00:27:07.139 that they're trusting 00:27:07.139 --> 00:27:08.180 that Christ is working 00:27:08.180 --> 00:27:08.980 through Paul 00:27:08.980 --> 00:27:09.920 and in Paul 00:27:09.920 --> 00:27:10.599 it is Christ 00:27:10.599 --> 00:27:11.299 who is responsible 00:27:11.299 --> 00:27:12.159 for the fruit 00:27:12.159 --> 00:27:13.079 that is coming 00:27:13.079 --> 00:27:13.859 through his suffering. 00:27:14.859 --> 00:27:15.399 And the church 00:27:15.399 --> 00:27:15.920 in Rome says 00:27:15.920 --> 00:27:16.720 I want that too. 00:27:18.819 --> 00:27:19.819 And so it's really 00:27:19.819 --> 00:27:20.500 good that we 00:27:20.500 --> 00:27:21.579 familiarize ourselves 00:27:21.579 --> 00:27:22.099 with suffering. 00:27:22.220 --> 00:27:22.679 So often 00:27:22.679 --> 00:27:24.099 we're so opposed 00:27:24.099 --> 00:27:24.679 to suffering 00:27:24.679 --> 00:27:27.339 it's something 00:27:27.339 --> 00:27:28.399 that we want to avoid 00:27:28.399 --> 00:27:29.339 we even want to avoid 00:27:29.339 --> 00:27:30.220 hearing about it. 00:27:31.500 --> 00:27:32.419 But we see here 00:27:32.419 --> 00:27:33.240 the benefit 00:27:33.240 --> 00:27:34.220 of familiarizing 00:27:34.220 --> 00:27:34.960 ourselves with suffering 00:27:34.960 --> 00:27:35.679 not just so 00:27:35.679 --> 00:27:36.579 that we can know 00:27:36.579 --> 00:27:37.379 about others 00:27:37.379 --> 00:27:38.119 who are suffering 00:27:38.119 --> 00:27:38.859 we know how to pray 00:27:38.859 --> 00:27:39.339 for them 00:27:39.339 --> 00:27:40.339 and encourage them 00:27:40.339 --> 00:27:42.000 but that we too 00:27:42.000 --> 00:27:43.000 can be encouraged 00:27:43.000 --> 00:27:43.639 through the suffering 00:27:43.639 --> 00:27:44.179 of others. 00:27:45.559 --> 00:27:46.220 And so this is why 00:27:46.220 --> 00:27:46.759 it's good 00:27:46.759 --> 00:27:48.439 to read biographies 00:27:48.440 --> 00:27:49.860 of the saints 00:27:49.860 --> 00:27:51.380 of missionaries 00:27:51.380 --> 00:27:52.059 of those who have 00:27:52.059 --> 00:27:53.180 struggled for the gospel. 00:27:54.500 --> 00:27:55.240 This is why 00:27:55.240 --> 00:27:55.720 it's good 00:27:55.720 --> 00:27:56.220 to keep up 00:27:56.220 --> 00:27:56.940 with current events 00:27:56.940 --> 00:27:57.380 to know 00:27:57.380 --> 00:27:58.019 how the church 00:27:58.019 --> 00:27:58.700 is being affected 00:27:58.700 --> 00:27:59.240 globally 00:27:59.240 --> 00:28:02.140 in political situations 00:28:02.140 --> 00:28:03.420 and social situations. 00:28:04.440 --> 00:28:05.180 This is why 00:28:05.180 --> 00:28:05.640 it's good 00:28:05.640 --> 00:28:06.299 for us 00:28:06.299 --> 00:28:06.860 to know 00:28:06.860 --> 00:28:07.480 of our brothers 00:28:07.480 --> 00:28:08.039 and sisters 00:28:08.039 --> 00:28:08.799 in this church 00:28:08.799 --> 00:28:09.660 who are suffering 00:28:09.660 --> 00:28:11.820 and so that we 00:28:11.820 --> 00:28:12.539 can care for them 00:28:12.539 --> 00:28:12.799 yes 00:28:12.799 --> 00:28:13.460 but that we can 00:28:13.460 --> 00:28:14.000 also grow 00:28:14.000 --> 00:28:14.700 in confidence 00:28:14.700 --> 00:28:15.600 as we see God 00:28:15.600 --> 00:28:16.400 work in them 00:28:16.400 --> 00:28:17.620 and through them. 00:28:18.440 --> 00:28:19.880 Because we see 00:28:19.880 --> 00:28:20.360 the result 00:28:20.360 --> 00:28:21.160 of this confidence 00:28:21.160 --> 00:28:22.019 it says at the end 00:28:22.019 --> 00:28:22.779 of verse 14 00:28:22.779 --> 00:28:24.140 they were much more 00:28:24.140 --> 00:28:25.320 bold to speak 00:28:25.320 --> 00:28:26.259 the word without fear. 00:28:27.720 --> 00:28:28.340 And so this isn't 00:28:28.340 --> 00:28:29.039 talking just about 00:28:29.039 --> 00:28:29.380 elders 00:28:29.380 --> 00:28:30.120 it's not talking 00:28:30.120 --> 00:28:30.820 about deacons 00:28:30.820 --> 00:28:31.820 or other leaders 00:28:31.820 --> 00:28:32.420 or disciples 00:28:32.420 --> 00:28:33.840 it's talking about 00:28:33.840 --> 00:28:34.700 the whole church 00:28:34.700 --> 00:28:35.380 that's how the verse 00:28:35.380 --> 00:28:35.759 starts 00:28:35.759 --> 00:28:36.460 by saying 00:28:36.460 --> 00:28:37.400 most of the brothers 00:28:37.400 --> 00:28:38.039 so this is 00:28:38.039 --> 00:28:39.620 really a church-wide 00:28:39.620 --> 00:28:40.700 effort to proclaim 00:28:40.700 --> 00:28:41.259 the gospel. 00:28:42.940 --> 00:28:43.460 And so if we look 00:28:43.460 --> 00:28:44.680 back in Acts 14 00:28:44.680 --> 00:28:46.200 the disciples 00:28:46.200 --> 00:28:47.080 have received 00:28:47.079 --> 00:28:48.139 the Holy Spirit 00:28:48.139 --> 00:28:48.559 we know that 00:28:48.559 --> 00:28:50.419 Peter and John 00:28:50.419 --> 00:28:51.379 have been sent out 00:28:51.379 --> 00:28:52.000 they've been preaching 00:28:52.000 --> 00:28:52.960 the gospel boldly 00:28:52.960 --> 00:28:53.699 and as a result 00:28:53.699 --> 00:28:54.419 they've been arrested 00:28:54.419 --> 00:28:55.519 they're released 00:28:55.519 --> 00:28:56.259 a couple days later 00:28:56.259 --> 00:28:57.119 and they come to the church 00:28:57.119 --> 00:28:58.399 and the church surrounds them 00:28:58.399 --> 00:28:58.879 and this is what 00:28:58.879 --> 00:28:59.720 the church prays 00:28:59.720 --> 00:29:00.299 they say 00:29:00.299 --> 00:29:01.779 Lord grant to your servants 00:29:01.779 --> 00:29:02.980 to continue to speak 00:29:02.980 --> 00:29:03.579 your word 00:29:03.579 --> 00:29:05.059 with all boldness 00:29:05.059 --> 00:29:07.699 and when they prayed 00:29:07.699 --> 00:29:08.399 that the place 00:29:08.399 --> 00:29:08.939 in which they were 00:29:08.939 --> 00:29:09.639 gathered together 00:29:09.639 --> 00:29:10.199 was shaken 00:29:10.199 --> 00:29:11.039 and they were filled 00:29:11.039 --> 00:29:11.899 with the Holy Spirit 00:29:11.899 --> 00:29:13.500 and continued to speak 00:29:13.500 --> 00:29:14.559 the word of God 00:29:14.559 --> 00:29:15.519 with boldness. 00:29:17.179 --> 00:29:18.159 Now notice 00:29:18.159 --> 00:29:19.399 what it doesn't say here 00:29:19.399 --> 00:29:20.579 it doesn't say 00:29:20.579 --> 00:29:21.319 they continued 00:29:21.319 --> 00:29:22.740 to perform miracles 00:29:22.740 --> 00:29:23.299 boldly 00:29:23.299 --> 00:29:24.759 it doesn't say 00:29:24.759 --> 00:29:25.879 they boldly cared 00:29:25.879 --> 00:29:27.359 for the physical needs 00:29:27.359 --> 00:29:28.099 of their community 00:29:28.099 --> 00:29:29.599 it says 00:29:29.599 --> 00:29:30.899 they boldly spoke 00:29:30.899 --> 00:29:31.639 the word 00:29:31.639 --> 00:29:32.679 of God 00:29:32.679 --> 00:29:35.899 maybe you're familiar 00:29:35.899 --> 00:29:36.839 with the phrase 00:29:36.839 --> 00:29:38.440 that gets thrown around 00:29:38.440 --> 00:29:39.119 a lot in the church 00:29:39.119 --> 00:29:39.599 sometimes 00:29:39.599 --> 00:29:40.579 to preach the gospel 00:29:40.579 --> 00:29:41.339 at all times 00:29:41.339 --> 00:29:42.480 and when necessary 00:29:42.480 --> 00:29:43.319 use words 00:29:43.319 --> 00:29:44.480 right 00:29:44.480 --> 00:29:44.919 it's a cute 00:29:44.919 --> 00:29:45.599 little phrase 00:29:45.599 --> 00:29:47.240 but it's not 00:29:47.240 --> 00:29:47.659 in the Bible 00:29:47.659 --> 00:29:48.759 and it's not 00:29:48.759 --> 00:29:49.059 biblical 00:29:49.059 --> 00:29:51.399 we are commanded 00:29:51.399 --> 00:29:52.179 to speak 00:29:52.179 --> 00:29:52.980 the word 00:29:52.980 --> 00:29:53.899 of God 00:29:53.899 --> 00:29:56.000 our good works 00:29:56.000 --> 00:29:56.559 yes they must 00:29:56.559 --> 00:29:57.259 correspond 00:29:57.259 --> 00:30:00.139 with our words 00:30:00.139 --> 00:30:01.200 but our good works 00:30:01.200 --> 00:30:02.139 are not a substitute 00:30:02.139 --> 00:30:03.119 for our words 00:30:03.119 --> 00:30:04.559 and so I think 00:30:04.559 --> 00:30:05.200 this can be 00:30:05.200 --> 00:30:06.099 really the scariest 00:30:06.099 --> 00:30:06.639 part 00:30:06.639 --> 00:30:09.279 when we think 00:30:09.279 --> 00:30:10.000 about suffering 00:30:10.000 --> 00:30:10.619 for our faith 00:30:10.619 --> 00:30:11.460 in our context 00:30:11.460 --> 00:30:11.960 is the fact 00:30:11.960 --> 00:30:13.039 that God calls us 00:30:13.039 --> 00:30:13.640 to share 00:30:13.640 --> 00:30:14.279 our faith 00:30:14.279 --> 00:30:15.259 using words 00:30:15.259 --> 00:30:15.960 to speak 00:30:15.960 --> 00:30:16.920 the gospel 00:30:16.920 --> 00:30:20.059 we're so concerned 00:30:20.059 --> 00:30:21.160 by avoiding 00:30:21.160 --> 00:30:21.900 awkwardness 00:30:21.900 --> 00:30:22.660 we're so concerned 00:30:22.660 --> 00:30:23.319 by offending 00:30:23.319 --> 00:30:23.880 other people 00:30:23.880 --> 00:30:24.600 we're so concerned 00:30:24.600 --> 00:30:25.360 about not having 00:30:25.360 --> 00:30:26.000 the right answers 00:30:26.000 --> 00:30:26.480 or wondering 00:30:26.480 --> 00:30:27.240 how people 00:30:27.240 --> 00:30:27.759 will respond 00:30:27.759 --> 00:30:28.200 to us 00:30:28.200 --> 00:30:28.660 that we just 00:30:28.660 --> 00:30:29.140 clam up 00:30:29.140 --> 00:30:30.299 yeah we'll 00:30:30.299 --> 00:30:31.240 we'll do something 00:30:31.240 --> 00:30:31.920 to meet someone's 00:30:31.920 --> 00:30:32.559 physical needs 00:30:32.559 --> 00:30:33.420 we'll join a program 00:30:33.420 --> 00:30:34.000 or a ministry 00:30:34.000 --> 00:30:35.559 but speak the gospel 00:30:35.559 --> 00:30:36.160 to somebody 00:30:36.160 --> 00:30:38.140 how do we do that 00:30:38.140 --> 00:30:38.420 well 00:30:38.420 --> 00:30:40.539 think about 00:30:40.539 --> 00:30:41.080 your own 00:30:41.080 --> 00:30:42.140 conversion story 00:30:42.140 --> 00:30:43.440 who are the people 00:30:43.440 --> 00:30:44.200 in your life 00:30:44.200 --> 00:30:45.380 that ministered 00:30:45.380 --> 00:30:45.700 to you 00:30:45.700 --> 00:30:46.320 how was your 00:30:46.320 --> 00:30:47.019 heart softened 00:30:47.019 --> 00:30:47.539 for the Lord 00:30:47.539 --> 00:30:49.420 did people pray 00:30:49.420 --> 00:30:50.060 with you 00:30:50.060 --> 00:30:51.160 or for you 00:30:51.160 --> 00:30:52.620 did people 00:30:52.620 --> 00:30:53.279 point out 00:30:53.279 --> 00:30:53.980 verses in the 00:30:53.980 --> 00:30:54.240 scripture 00:30:54.240 --> 00:30:54.860 as encouragement 00:30:54.860 --> 00:30:55.220 to you 00:30:55.220 --> 00:30:55.740 did they actually 00:30:55.740 --> 00:30:56.340 walk through 00:30:56.340 --> 00:30:56.680 the Bible 00:30:56.680 --> 00:30:57.160 with you 00:30:57.160 --> 00:30:59.660 what are the 00:30:59.660 --> 00:31:00.000 things that 00:31:00.000 --> 00:31:00.940 we need to do 00:31:00.940 --> 00:31:01.560 in order to 00:31:01.560 --> 00:31:03.000 speak the truth 00:31:03.000 --> 00:31:03.580 of the gospel 00:31:03.580 --> 00:31:04.220 to those around 00:31:04.220 --> 00:31:04.580 us 00:31:04.580 --> 00:31:05.860 and be able 00:31:05.860 --> 00:31:06.279 to do that 00:31:06.279 --> 00:31:06.800 in the midst 00:31:06.800 --> 00:31:07.519 of our suffering 00:31:07.519 --> 00:31:08.500 that's what 00:31:08.500 --> 00:31:08.819 this is 00:31:08.819 --> 00:31:10.139 what Paul is 00:31:10.139 --> 00:31:10.519 pointing to 00:31:10.519 --> 00:31:10.599 here 00:31:10.599 --> 00:31:11.160 to use 00:31:11.160 --> 00:31:11.720 our suffering 00:31:11.720 --> 00:31:12.059 for the 00:31:12.059 --> 00:31:12.460 proclamation 00:31:12.460 --> 00:31:13.180 of the gospel 00:31:13.180 --> 00:31:15.339 and so what 00:31:15.339 --> 00:31:15.779 does that mean 00:31:15.779 --> 00:31:16.220 for us 00:31:16.220 --> 00:31:16.740 when we have 00:31:16.740 --> 00:31:17.420 an overbearing 00:31:17.420 --> 00:31:17.859 boss 00:31:17.859 --> 00:31:19.579 how we may 00:31:19.579 --> 00:31:20.480 share the love 00:31:20.480 --> 00:31:20.940 of Christ 00:31:20.940 --> 00:31:21.359 with him 00:31:21.359 --> 00:31:23.480 how do we 00:31:23.480 --> 00:31:23.980 use that 00:31:23.980 --> 00:31:24.619 that cancer 00:31:24.619 --> 00:31:25.180 diagnosis 00:31:25.180 --> 00:31:26.779 when we know 00:31:26.779 --> 00:31:27.559 we're going to be 00:31:27.559 --> 00:31:28.759 in the midst 00:31:28.759 --> 00:31:29.319 of doctors 00:31:29.319 --> 00:31:29.900 and nurses 00:31:29.900 --> 00:31:30.379 and other 00:31:30.379 --> 00:31:30.819 patients 00:31:30.819 --> 00:31:31.200 who don't 00:31:31.200 --> 00:31:31.680 know the Lord 00:31:31.680 --> 00:31:34.400 what does it 00:31:34.400 --> 00:31:34.759 mean for that 00:31:34.759 --> 00:31:35.359 student who's 00:31:35.359 --> 00:31:36.019 been ridiculed 00:31:36.019 --> 00:31:36.500 at school 00:31:36.500 --> 00:31:37.039 over and over 00:31:37.039 --> 00:31:37.299 again 00:31:37.299 --> 00:31:38.799 to be able 00:31:38.799 --> 00:31:39.180 to shower 00:31:39.180 --> 00:31:39.759 grace 00:31:39.759 --> 00:31:41.220 on their 00:31:41.220 --> 00:31:41.700 classmates 00:31:41.700 --> 00:31:44.659 what about 00:31:44.659 --> 00:31:45.039 the person 00:31:45.039 --> 00:31:45.359 who's 00:31:45.359 --> 00:31:46.099 struggled 00:31:46.099 --> 00:31:46.759 with depression 00:31:46.759 --> 00:31:47.639 and anxiety 00:31:47.639 --> 00:31:48.159 for years 00:31:48.159 --> 00:31:48.680 how in the 00:31:48.680 --> 00:31:49.079 world can 00:31:49.079 --> 00:31:49.919 they speak 00:31:49.919 --> 00:31:50.559 confidence 00:31:50.559 --> 00:31:51.279 of the gospel 00:31:51.279 --> 00:31:53.220 to friends 00:31:53.220 --> 00:31:53.659 and family 00:31:53.659 --> 00:31:53.980 who don't 00:31:53.980 --> 00:31:54.359 know them 00:31:54.359 --> 00:31:56.639 what about 00:31:56.639 --> 00:31:57.119 those who've 00:31:57.119 --> 00:31:57.779 lost a loved 00:31:57.779 --> 00:31:58.019 one 00:31:58.019 --> 00:31:59.839 to be able 00:31:59.839 --> 00:32:00.099 to have 00:32:00.099 --> 00:32:00.680 confidence 00:32:00.680 --> 00:32:01.859 in the hope 00:32:01.859 --> 00:32:02.419 of eternity 00:32:02.419 --> 00:32:04.379 and be able 00:32:04.379 --> 00:32:04.720 to speak 00:32:04.720 --> 00:32:05.079 that truth 00:32:05.079 --> 00:32:05.460 to family 00:32:05.460 --> 00:32:05.720 who don't 00:32:05.720 --> 00:32:06.139 know the Lord 00:32:06.140 --> 00:32:08.360 there's 00:32:08.360 --> 00:32:08.860 opportunity 00:32:08.860 --> 00:32:09.780 all around 00:32:09.780 --> 00:32:09.980 us 00:32:09.980 --> 00:32:10.600 to speak 00:32:10.600 --> 00:32:11.480 the truth 00:32:11.480 --> 00:32:12.740 of the gospel 00:32:12.740 --> 00:32:14.540 because this 00:32:14.540 --> 00:32:15.060 is the ultimate 00:32:15.060 --> 00:32:15.660 desire that 00:32:15.660 --> 00:32:16.320 Paul has 00:32:16.320 --> 00:32:16.480 here 00:32:16.480 --> 00:32:16.940 that the 00:32:16.940 --> 00:32:17.300 gospel 00:32:17.300 --> 00:32:18.060 may be 00:32:18.060 --> 00:32:18.640 proclaimed 00:32:18.640 --> 00:32:19.440 that Christ 00:32:19.440 --> 00:32:20.480 is proclaimed 00:32:20.480 --> 00:32:21.940 and so that 00:32:21.940 --> 00:32:22.320 needs to be 00:32:22.320 --> 00:32:22.780 our desire 00:32:22.780 --> 00:32:23.140 too 00:32:23.140 --> 00:32:24.080 and so he 00:32:24.080 --> 00:32:24.580 goes on to 00:32:24.580 --> 00:32:24.860 say in 00:32:24.860 --> 00:32:25.480 verses 15 00:32:25.480 --> 00:32:25.900 through 18 00:32:25.900 --> 00:32:26.380 we get this 00:32:26.380 --> 00:32:26.880 picture of 00:32:26.880 --> 00:32:27.420 the gospel 00:32:27.420 --> 00:32:28.620 being preached 00:32:28.620 --> 00:32:29.580 and it's not 00:32:29.580 --> 00:32:29.980 being done 00:32:29.980 --> 00:32:30.480 perfectly 00:32:30.480 --> 00:32:31.360 some are 00:32:31.360 --> 00:32:31.700 motivated 00:32:31.700 --> 00:32:32.380 by authentic 00:32:32.380 --> 00:32:32.960 love for 00:32:32.960 --> 00:32:33.180 God 00:32:33.180 --> 00:32:33.700 for a desire 00:32:33.700 --> 00:32:34.019 to see 00:32:34.019 --> 00:32:34.460 the gospel 00:32:34.460 --> 00:32:34.960 spread 00:32:34.960 --> 00:32:36.140 and Paul 00:32:36.140 --> 00:32:36.799 also identifies 00:32:36.799 --> 00:32:37.480 those who 00:32:37.480 --> 00:32:38.039 do it out 00:32:38.039 --> 00:32:38.480 of envy 00:32:38.480 --> 00:32:39.099 and rivalry 00:32:39.099 --> 00:32:39.660 and selfish 00:32:39.660 --> 00:32:40.880 ambition 00:32:40.880 --> 00:32:43.259 and so we 00:32:43.259 --> 00:32:43.500 don't really 00:32:43.500 --> 00:32:43.920 get a clear 00:32:43.920 --> 00:32:44.460 picture of 00:32:44.460 --> 00:32:44.960 why these 00:32:44.960 --> 00:32:45.360 people are 00:32:45.360 --> 00:32:45.779 doing this 00:32:45.779 --> 00:32:46.059 we don't 00:32:46.059 --> 00:32:46.599 know how 00:32:46.599 --> 00:32:48.160 why they're 00:32:48.160 --> 00:32:48.640 so offended 00:32:48.640 --> 00:32:49.299 by Paul 00:32:49.299 --> 00:32:49.700 and his 00:32:49.700 --> 00:32:50.059 ministry 00:32:50.059 --> 00:32:50.400 but we 00:32:50.400 --> 00:32:50.819 know it's 00:32:50.819 --> 00:32:51.120 happening 00:32:51.120 --> 00:32:51.460 here 00:32:51.460 --> 00:32:52.880 but what's 00:32:52.880 --> 00:32:54.099 surprising 00:32:54.099 --> 00:32:54.779 perhaps is 00:32:54.779 --> 00:32:55.240 how Paul 00:32:55.240 --> 00:32:55.940 responds 00:32:55.940 --> 00:32:57.339 to these 00:32:57.339 --> 00:32:57.799 individuals 00:32:57.799 --> 00:32:58.160 who are 00:32:58.160 --> 00:32:58.599 preaching the 00:32:58.599 --> 00:32:58.980 gospel 00:32:58.980 --> 00:32:59.740 out of 00:32:59.740 --> 00:33:00.059 envy 00:33:00.059 --> 00:33:00.679 and rivalry 00:33:00.679 --> 00:33:01.759 he doesn't 00:33:01.759 --> 00:33:02.319 specifically 00:33:02.319 --> 00:33:02.980 identify 00:33:02.980 --> 00:33:03.279 them 00:33:03.279 --> 00:33:03.719 he doesn't 00:33:03.719 --> 00:33:04.000 even 00:33:04.000 --> 00:33:04.500 condemn 00:33:04.500 --> 00:33:04.839 them 00:33:04.839 --> 00:33:05.759 he's 00:33:05.759 --> 00:33:06.259 excited 00:33:06.259 --> 00:33:06.639 that the 00:33:06.639 --> 00:33:06.959 gospel 00:33:06.959 --> 00:33:07.339 is still 00:33:07.339 --> 00:33:07.559 being 00:33:07.559 --> 00:33:08.000 proclaimed 00:33:08.000 --> 00:33:09.480 and so we 00:33:09.480 --> 00:33:09.799 know that 00:33:09.799 --> 00:33:10.539 Paul doesn't 00:33:10.539 --> 00:33:10.859 pull any 00:33:10.859 --> 00:33:11.139 punches 00:33:11.139 --> 00:33:12.059 when there's 00:33:12.059 --> 00:33:12.399 those who 00:33:12.399 --> 00:33:12.779 are delivering 00:33:12.779 --> 00:33:13.139 a false 00:33:13.139 --> 00:33:13.439 gospel 00:33:13.439 --> 00:33:13.899 we see that 00:33:13.899 --> 00:33:14.079 in his 00:33:14.079 --> 00:33:14.519 other letters 00:33:14.519 --> 00:33:14.899 so we know 00:33:14.899 --> 00:33:15.339 that's not 00:33:15.339 --> 00:33:15.659 happening 00:33:15.659 --> 00:33:15.939 here 00:33:15.939 --> 00:33:16.439 we are 00:33:16.439 --> 00:33:16.839 confident 00:33:16.839 --> 00:33:17.159 that the 00:33:17.159 --> 00:33:17.480 gospel 00:33:17.480 --> 00:33:18.039 is being 00:33:18.039 --> 00:33:18.559 preached 00:33:18.559 --> 00:33:20.419 and so that's 00:33:20.419 --> 00:33:20.759 why Paul 00:33:20.759 --> 00:33:21.419 rejoices 00:33:21.419 --> 00:33:22.099 that doesn't 00:33:22.099 --> 00:33:22.539 mean we 00:33:22.539 --> 00:33:23.019 can push 00:33:23.019 --> 00:33:23.759 aside all the 00:33:23.759 --> 00:33:24.299 motives why 00:33:24.299 --> 00:33:24.799 someone preached 00:33:24.799 --> 00:33:25.039 those are 00:33:25.039 --> 00:33:25.639 still important 00:33:25.639 --> 00:33:26.240 but that's 00:33:26.240 --> 00:33:26.919 not Paul's 00:33:26.919 --> 00:33:28.199 main focus 00:33:28.199 --> 00:33:28.439 here 00:33:28.599 --> 00:33:28.879 doesn't 00:33:28.879 --> 00:33:29.179 care 00:33:29.179 --> 00:33:29.459 whether 00:33:29.459 --> 00:33:30.000 he is 00:33:30.000 --> 00:33:30.259 the one 00:33:30.259 --> 00:33:30.500 who is 00:33:30.500 --> 00:33:30.919 mistreated 00:33:30.919 --> 00:33:31.399 from people 00:33:31.399 --> 00:33:32.339 outside the 00:33:32.339 --> 00:33:32.759 church or 00:33:32.759 --> 00:33:33.219 whether he's 00:33:33.219 --> 00:33:33.719 mistreated by 00:33:33.719 --> 00:33:34.119 people that 00:33:34.119 --> 00:33:34.480 are inside 00:33:34.480 --> 00:33:34.899 the church 00:33:34.899 --> 00:33:35.779 what he cares 00:33:35.779 --> 00:33:36.339 about is the 00:33:36.339 --> 00:33:36.799 proclamation 00:33:36.799 --> 00:33:38.000 of the gospel 00:33:38.000 --> 00:33:38.759 because he 00:33:38.759 --> 00:33:39.619 recognizes that 00:33:39.619 --> 00:33:40.099 God in the 00:33:40.099 --> 00:33:40.619 same way 00:33:40.619 --> 00:33:41.399 that God 00:33:41.399 --> 00:33:42.000 can advance 00:33:42.000 --> 00:33:42.459 the gospel 00:33:42.459 --> 00:33:42.899 through his 00:33:42.899 --> 00:33:43.279 chains 00:33:43.279 --> 00:33:43.799 God can 00:33:43.799 --> 00:33:44.279 advance the 00:33:44.279 --> 00:33:44.659 gospel 00:33:44.659 --> 00:33:45.759 through the 00:33:45.759 --> 00:33:46.259 bad motives 00:33:46.259 --> 00:33:46.639 of others 00:33:46.639 --> 00:33:46.939 in his 00:33:46.939 --> 00:33:47.240 church 00:33:47.240 --> 00:33:49.259 and so that's 00:33:49.259 --> 00:33:49.719 good news 00:33:49.719 --> 00:33:50.240 for us 00:33:50.240 --> 00:33:51.839 that's good 00:33:51.839 --> 00:33:52.519 news for me 00:33:52.519 --> 00:33:53.679 that's good 00:33:53.679 --> 00:33:54.219 news for each 00:33:54.219 --> 00:33:54.679 one of us 00:33:54.679 --> 00:33:55.279 who proclaim 00:33:55.279 --> 00:33:55.740 the gospel 00:33:55.740 --> 00:33:56.179 to recognize 00:33:56.179 --> 00:33:56.839 God can use 00:33:56.839 --> 00:33:57.259 broken 00:33:57.259 --> 00:33:58.219 sinful people 00:33:58.220 --> 00:33:58.819 who often 00:33:58.819 --> 00:34:00.380 preach out 00:34:00.380 --> 00:34:00.839 of selfish 00:34:00.839 --> 00:34:01.299 ambition 00:34:01.299 --> 00:34:02.960 and know 00:34:02.960 --> 00:34:03.319 that he can 00:34:03.319 --> 00:34:03.880 still accomplish 00:34:03.880 --> 00:34:04.440 his purposes 00:34:04.440 --> 00:34:05.480 that God's 00:34:05.480 --> 00:34:06.640 will and 00:34:06.640 --> 00:34:07.160 God's work 00:34:07.160 --> 00:34:07.640 cannot be 00:34:07.640 --> 00:34:08.220 thwarted by 00:34:08.220 --> 00:34:08.920 bad intentions 00:34:08.920 --> 00:34:09.380 of man 00:34:09.380 --> 00:34:11.780 and so we 00:34:11.780 --> 00:34:12.380 see in this 00:34:12.380 --> 00:34:13.059 in these few 00:34:13.059 --> 00:34:13.579 verses that 00:34:13.579 --> 00:34:14.340 Paul's joy 00:34:14.340 --> 00:34:15.340 is not rooted 00:34:15.340 --> 00:34:15.720 in his 00:34:15.720 --> 00:34:16.240 circumstances 00:34:16.240 --> 00:34:17.079 it's not rooted 00:34:17.079 --> 00:34:17.519 in his 00:34:17.519 --> 00:34:18.079 reputation 00:34:18.079 --> 00:34:19.199 it's solely 00:34:19.199 --> 00:34:20.599 seeing the 00:34:20.599 --> 00:34:21.740 gospel advance 00:34:21.739 --> 00:34:23.579 and so is 00:34:23.579 --> 00:34:24.039 this our 00:34:24.039 --> 00:34:24.459 desire 00:34:24.459 --> 00:34:26.759 is the 00:34:26.759 --> 00:34:27.139 gospel 00:34:27.139 --> 00:34:28.599 so beautiful 00:34:28.599 --> 00:34:29.000 in our 00:34:29.000 --> 00:34:29.439 lives 00:34:29.439 --> 00:34:30.000 that we 00:34:30.000 --> 00:34:30.500 desire to 00:34:30.500 --> 00:34:30.899 share it 00:34:30.899 --> 00:34:31.359 with others 00:34:31.359 --> 00:34:34.039 is the 00:34:34.039 --> 00:34:34.539 gospel so 00:34:34.539 --> 00:34:35.439 valuable in 00:34:35.439 --> 00:34:35.839 our lives 00:34:35.839 --> 00:34:36.119 that we 00:34:36.119 --> 00:34:36.639 will abandon 00:34:36.639 --> 00:34:37.319 all else 00:34:37.319 --> 00:34:38.099 to see that 00:34:38.099 --> 00:34:38.659 it's advanced 00:34:38.659 --> 00:34:40.539 is the 00:34:40.539 --> 00:34:41.399 gospel so 00:34:41.399 --> 00:34:42.000 trustworthy 00:34:42.000 --> 00:34:42.679 that we can 00:34:42.679 --> 00:34:43.339 recognize that 00:34:43.339 --> 00:34:43.679 even though 00:34:43.679 --> 00:34:44.399 suffering and 00:34:44.399 --> 00:34:45.059 sorrow comes 00:34:45.059 --> 00:34:46.059 we can rely 00:34:46.059 --> 00:34:46.759 on Christ 00:34:46.759 --> 00:34:47.219 and his 00:34:47.219 --> 00:34:47.699 work in 00:34:47.699 --> 00:34:48.279 our lives 00:34:48.280 --> 00:34:51.000 is our 00:34:51.000 --> 00:34:51.540 gaze so 00:34:51.540 --> 00:34:52.680 fixed on 00:34:52.680 --> 00:34:53.120 the future 00:34:53.120 --> 00:34:53.560 of glory 00:34:53.560 --> 00:34:53.940 of Christ 00:34:53.940 --> 00:34:54.580 that the 00:34:54.580 --> 00:34:55.200 sufferings on 00:34:55.200 --> 00:34:55.620 this world 00:34:55.620 --> 00:34:56.620 pale in 00:34:56.620 --> 00:34:57.060 comparison 00:34:57.060 --> 00:34:59.560 there's nowhere 00:34:59.560 --> 00:34:59.960 in these 00:34:59.960 --> 00:35:00.480 verses that 00:35:00.480 --> 00:35:01.040 Paul says 00:35:01.040 --> 00:35:02.220 suffering is 00:35:02.220 --> 00:35:02.600 easy 00:35:02.600 --> 00:35:05.200 but we can 00:35:05.200 --> 00:35:05.740 be confident 00:35:05.740 --> 00:35:06.300 that God 00:35:06.300 --> 00:35:06.820 does not 00:35:06.820 --> 00:35:07.540 abandon us 00:35:07.540 --> 00:35:07.900 in his 00:35:07.900 --> 00:35:08.240 suffering 00:35:08.240 --> 00:35:10.660 we can be 00:35:10.660 --> 00:35:11.180 confident that 00:35:11.180 --> 00:35:11.600 our suffering 00:35:11.600 --> 00:35:12.360 doesn't interfere 00:35:12.360 --> 00:35:12.940 with God's 00:35:12.940 --> 00:35:13.760 plan it is 00:35:13.760 --> 00:35:14.560 a part of 00:35:14.560 --> 00:35:15.080 God's plan 00:35:15.080 --> 00:35:17.260 and so we 00:35:17.260 --> 00:35:17.900 can have joy 00:35:17.900 --> 00:35:18.400 just with 00:35:18.400 --> 00:35:19.000 the same 00:35:19.000 --> 00:35:19.260 way that 00:35:19.260 --> 00:35:19.720 Paul does 00:35:19.720 --> 00:35:20.220 in knowing 00:35:20.220 --> 00:35:21.360 that it's 00:35:21.360 --> 00:35:21.860 God who 00:35:21.860 --> 00:35:22.320 is ultimately 00:35:22.320 --> 00:35:23.079 working in 00:35:23.079 --> 00:35:23.559 us and 00:35:23.559 --> 00:35:24.019 through us 00:35:24.019 --> 00:35:24.480 for our 00:35:24.480 --> 00:35:24.780 good 00:35:24.780 --> 00:35:25.300 for the 00:35:25.300 --> 00:35:25.639 spread of 00:35:25.639 --> 00:35:26.099 the gospel 00:35:26.099 --> 00:35:27.260 and ultimately 00:35:27.260 --> 00:35:27.660 for his 00:35:27.660 --> 00:35:27.960 glory 00:35:27.960 --> 00:35:29.940 let's pray 00:35:29.940 --> 00:35:36.480 God it's 00:35:36.480 --> 00:35:37.039 difficult to 00:35:37.039 --> 00:35:37.360 pray 00:35:37.360 --> 00:35:39.260 but we 00:35:39.260 --> 00:35:39.700 thank you 00:35:39.700 --> 00:35:40.300 for suffering 00:35:40.300 --> 00:35:42.960 because we 00:35:42.960 --> 00:35:43.539 know that it 00:35:43.539 --> 00:35:44.099 doesn't come 00:35:44.099 --> 00:35:44.760 apart from 00:35:44.760 --> 00:35:45.559 your perfect 00:35:45.559 --> 00:35:46.300 sovereign will 00:35:46.300 --> 00:35:49.840 and so 00:35:49.840 --> 00:35:50.200 Lord we 00:35:50.200 --> 00:35:50.660 pray for 00:35:50.660 --> 00:35:51.019 those who 00:35:51.019 --> 00:35:51.560 are suffering 00:35:51.560 --> 00:35:51.940 in our 00:35:51.940 --> 00:35:52.240 midst 00:35:52.240 --> 00:35:52.880 physically 00:35:52.880 --> 00:35:54.120 spiritually 00:35:54.120 --> 00:35:55.160 emotionally 00:35:55.160 --> 00:35:57.039 that you 00:35:57.039 --> 00:35:57.480 may meet 00:35:57.480 --> 00:35:57.780 them 00:35:57.780 --> 00:36:00.080 may we 00:36:00.080 --> 00:36:00.560 not pray 00:36:00.560 --> 00:36:01.280 why oh 00:36:01.280 --> 00:36:01.740 Lord or 00:36:01.740 --> 00:36:02.360 how long 00:36:02.360 --> 00:36:02.760 oh Lord 00:36:02.760 --> 00:36:03.060 but may 00:36:03.060 --> 00:36:03.400 we pray 00:36:03.400 --> 00:36:04.240 Lord use 00:36:04.240 --> 00:36:04.760 us 00:36:04.760 --> 00:36:07.560 may that 00:36:07.560 --> 00:36:07.820 be our 00:36:07.820 --> 00:36:08.160 desire 00:36:08.160 --> 00:36:08.519 God 00:36:08.519 --> 00:36:10.160 that you 00:36:10.160 --> 00:36:10.860 receive the 00:36:10.860 --> 00:36:11.140 glory 00:36:11.140 --> 00:36:11.860 that your 00:36:11.860 --> 00:36:12.539 gospel be 00:36:12.539 --> 00:36:12.880 advanced 00:36:12.880 --> 00:36:13.260 give us 00:36:13.260 --> 00:36:14.200 great boldness 00:36:14.199 --> 00:36:15.859 and being 00:36:15.859 --> 00:36:16.219 able to 00:36:16.219 --> 00:36:16.799 work through 00:36:16.799 --> 00:36:17.299 our own 00:36:17.299 --> 00:36:17.619 suffering 00:36:17.619 --> 00:36:17.939 that you 00:36:17.939 --> 00:36:18.519 give us 00:36:18.519 --> 00:36:20.359 and being 00:36:20.359 --> 00:36:21.059 confident in 00:36:21.059 --> 00:36:21.460 the suffering 00:36:21.460 --> 00:36:21.960 we see in 00:36:21.960 --> 00:36:22.339 others 00:36:22.339 --> 00:36:22.799 that you 00:36:22.799 --> 00:36:23.480 love us 00:36:23.480 --> 00:36:24.179 and that you 00:36:24.179 --> 00:36:24.919 care for us 00:36:24.919 --> 00:36:26.839 God may we 00:36:26.839 --> 00:36:28.000 rely on our 00:36:28.000 --> 00:36:28.779 suffering servant 00:36:28.779 --> 00:36:29.159 Jesus 00:36:29.159 --> 00:36:30.599 who paid the 00:36:30.599 --> 00:36:31.419 penalty for our 00:36:31.419 --> 00:36:31.819 sins 00:36:31.819 --> 00:36:33.339 that we may 00:36:33.339 --> 00:36:33.739 have life 00:36:33.739 --> 00:36:34.059 eternal 00:36:34.059 --> 00:36:36.099 we thank you 00:36:36.099 --> 00:36:36.359 for your 00:36:36.359 --> 00:36:36.679 love 00:36:36.679 --> 00:36:38.179 we pray 00:36:38.179 --> 00:36:38.399 this in 00:36:38.399 --> 00:36:38.960 Jesus name 00:36:38.960 --> 00:36:40.000 amen 00:36:40.000 --> 00:36:44.420 now we're 00:36:44.420 --> 00:36:44.980 going to sing 00:36:44.980 --> 00:36:45.599 our final 00:36:45.599 --> 00:36:46.260 hymn of 00:36:46.260 --> 00:36:46.619 the morning 00:36:46.619 --> 00:36:50.639 facing a 00:36:50.639 --> 00:36:50.960 task 00:36:50.960 --> 00:36:51.420 unfinished 00:36:51.420 --> 00:36:51.840 will you 00:36:51.840 --> 00:36:52.199 stand with 00:36:52.199 --> 00:36:52.460 me to 00:36:52.460 --> 00:36:52.659 sing 00:36:52.659 --> 00:37:07.039 about 00:37:16.719 --> 00:37:19.219 a 00:37:19.219 --> 00:37:19.619 a 00:37:19.619 --> 00:37:20.259 a 00:37:20.259 --> 00:37:22.420 a