A Life Worthy of the Gospel
Text: Philippians 1:12-30
Core Idea: A life worthy of the gospel is a life that is lived for Christ and others – advancing the gospel even if it leads to suffering. Then may this be evident in all our lives – and may we endeavor to live this way knowing that to live is Christ and to die is gain.
INTRODUCTION
Well, we’re going through the Book of Philippians – reflecting on what it means to press on with joy in all circumstances. And last week, we got to eavesdrop on Paul’s prayer and saw the importance of praying for the growth of our love for God because it’s our love for God that produces wisdom, holiness, and worship in our lives. Now, imagine with me for a moment that you were present when this letter was first read to the Philippian church. Considering that the last thing you heard about Paul (your spiritual father, your dear friend) was that he had been put into prison in Rome and that there was a possibility of him being executed, you and the rest of the church must have been deeply concerned. So, when Epaphroditus came back with a letter from Paul, the whole church must have quickly gathered to hear what he had to say. Now, they had just listened to Paul’s warm greetings and his heartfelt prayer for them – and in verse 12, they finally come to Paul’s personal update that they have been eagerly waiting for. Then with that in mind, let’s turn our Bibles to Philippians 1:12-30. Let me read this for us.
12 Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. 13 As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. 14 And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear. 15 It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. 16 The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17 The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. 18 But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, 19 for I know that through your prayers and God’s provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. 20 I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. 21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. 22 If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! 23 I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; 24 but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. 25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me. 27 Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel 28 without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved – and that by God. 29 For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for Him, 30 since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.
Amen. This is the Word of God for you today.
Now, there’s so much in this passage that I could preach multiple sermons on this but since we spent a lot of time studying this more extensively at the retreat, let me just point out three things that define what it means to live a life worthy of the gospel according to Paul. A life worthy of the gospel is:
· A LIFE THAT AIMS TO ADVANCE THE GOSPEL
· A LIFE THAT EXISTS FOR CHRIST
· A LIFE THAT SUFFERS FOR CHRIST
1) A LIFE THAT AIMS TO ADVANCE THE GOSPEL
Verse 12. “Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel.” Hearing this must have shocked the Philippians because they must have assumed that Paul’s mission of advancing the gospel would’ve been hindered and interrupted by his imprisonment. That would be a natural conclusion. But here was Paul – confident that this has actually served to advance the gospel. In fact, he even says in verse 18, “And because of this I rejoice.” He was joyful not necessarily because he was in prison but because he was in prison for the Lord – for the advancement of the gospel. Nothing else mattered – the gospel was the singular passion of his life. Now, this becomes even more evident when we realize that Paul doesn’t provide them with any detail about his personal experience in prison. There’s no detail of his arrest, the condition of his imprisonment, or his impending trial. There’s absolutely no hint of complaint or self-pity in his writing. Some time ago, I was organizing my emails, and I found an email conversation that I had with my mom when I went to Kenya for a mission trip in 2007. I was there for three months – teaching English and math on weekdays and sharing the gospel on weekends. And this is what I wrote in my email: “Mom, it was so cold in Eldoret (which is a town in Northern Kenya). I thought it wouldn’t be cold in Africa, but I thought I was going to freeze to death. I was shivering all night. Finally, I’m going back to Nairobi (the capital city of Kenya – I think I must have sent this at the end of my trip). (And this is what I really wrote) Mom, I can’t wait to go home and have fried chicken, sushi, galbi (Korean beef dish), bossam (Korean pork dish), ramyun (Korean instant noodle)” – and on and on I went listing all the food I wanted to eat. All that to say, the whole email was all about me – which goes to show that if I were in Paul’s shoes, I would’ve provided you with all the details about how difficult it was in prison and how harsh the Roman soldiers were treating me. I wouldn’t have hesitated to make it about me. But we find no such detail here because that’s not what Paul wanted them to know, because those details weren’t his priority. For Paul, the most important thing that he wanted the church in Philippi to know was the fact that his imprisonment resulted in the advance of the gospel – that was what mattered to him the most.
Now, Paul gave them two pieces of evidence that the gospel was truly advancing. First, the gospel was advancing among his captors. Verse 13, “As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ.” The palace guards were the elites of the Roman soldiers who served as personal bodyguards for Caesar. No doubt, they were intimidating – but they didn’t intimidate Paul. Then imagine this with me. These guards were always with Paul – which meant that Paul had no privacy. He was always being watched. But this also meant that the guards had no choice but to listen to Paul preach the gospel for hours. Paul could’ve been discouraged in his circumstance but instead, he saw it as an opportunity to make Christ known. Do you see how our perspective can make a huge difference in the way we perceive our life situations? And that’s exactly what Paul did. Through his obedience, the gospel advanced to these guards – and beyond to unexpected places. Philippians 4:22 says, “All God’s people here send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar’s household.” Can you imagine what the church’s reaction would’ve been to hear something like this? The gospel had penetrated even the house of Caesar. Of course, we’re not sure who exactly in the house of Caesar received the gospel (it could’ve been a slave or a family member) – but what mattered was that there were people around Caesar who had been transformed by the gospel. Then this was the evidence that the message of the gospel was not confined even though Paul was.
The second piece of evidence – verse 14, “And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear.” Ironically, the chains that confined Paul became a means of liberating the church in Rome from the fear they had in proclaiming the gospel. His imprisonment led to a fresh outbreak of evangelism in Rome because Paul’s example gave the Christians there the courage to stand up for Christ. Then I pray that this passage would inspire and move us to boldly preach the gospel in our context as well. G. Walter Hansen writes, “Many words can be spoken in human discourse without slightest risk or need for courage but speaking about Christ always requires courage.” In other words, it’s very easy to talk to others about sports, food, celebrities, movies, work, and relationships. But if the conversation moves to our faith, all of a sudden, we feel this reluctance in our hearts – this fear that restricts us and tempts us to be silent. “What if I don’t have all the answers? What if I say the wrong thing and mislead them or make a fool out of myself? What if they see through me and find out that I don’t really have it altogether?” If this is you, if you lack courage today, I invite you to come before God and just acknowledge your need. Humbly admit that you’re scared. Then pray for courage so that the gospel will advance through your obedience – just as it did for Paul. These are the two things that show us that the gospel was really advancing through Paul’s imprisonment – the gospel was reaching his captors and his suffering inspired others to join him in the work of advancing the gospel.
Now, before we move on to our next point, let me give you two questions to reflect on. First, are you truly passionate about the advance of the gospel? Is this what you aim to achieve in your life? Don Carson wrote, “Paul’s example is impressive and clear: Put the advance of the gospel at the center of your aspirations. Our own comfort, our bruised feelings, our reputations, our misunderstood motives – all of these are insignificant in comparison with the advance and splendor of the gospel. As Christians, we are called to put the advance of the gospel at the very center of our aspirations. What are your aspirations? To make money? To get married? To travel? To see your grandchildren grow up? To find a new job? To retire early? None of these is to be despised. But the question is whether these aspirations become so devouring that the Christian’s central aspiration is squeezed to the periphery or choked out of existence entirely.” Then my prayer for all of us is that the advance of the gospel will be the ultimate passion and priority of our lives – the central aspiration of our hearts.
Second question, how is the gospel being advanced through your life right now? Through your work, through your marriage, through your parenting, through your suffering and trials, through your successes and failures, how is the gospel being advanced? Think about it. If Paul’s ambition was for comfort, financial prosperity, or the advancement of his own reputation, then imprisonment would’ve been absolutely horrible. But because Paul’s ambition was to preach Christ for the gospel to advance, he was able to remain faithful even in prison. Then what circumstance are you in right now? Whatever it may be, you could view that as absolutely horrible. But can this possibly be an opportunity to advance the gospel somehow? I pray that you would have the faith to view your circumstance in light of who our God is so that you’ll labor to live out the gospel and advance the gospel.
2) A LIFE THAT EXISTS FOR CHRIST
Verse 20, “I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” Here, Paul makes it very clear why he was able to devote everything he had to advance the gospel – because his life was ultimately about Christ and His glory. He was basically saying, “For me, life is no longer about me because I have been bought by the precious blood of Jesus Christ. He is my Lord, my Master and I now belong to Him – which is why I will make my life all about knowing Christ, loving Christ, serving Christ, glorifying Christ, enjoying Christ, communing with Christ, and making Christ known to the world.” “To live is Christ” meant that Paul made his life all about Jesus. Every decision he made was for Christ. Every relationship he had centered around Christ. Jesus was the reason why he got up in the morning. Jesus was the reason why he persevered through all kinds of pain and suffering. Jesus was the reason why he rejoiced, why he served, why he pressed on. Nothing else mattered. He didn’t care what others had to say about him. He couldn’t care less if the world thought that his way of life was foolish and wasteful because Jesus was the greatest treasure of his heart. But that’s not all – he also said that “to die is gain.” Why? How could he say something like that? It’s because he knew that he would be with Christ. Even in death, all he cared about was Christ. Now, this wasn’t a “Lord, life is hard. Just take me home now!” kind of confession. When he said, “to live is Christ and to die is gain,” he was deeply driven by his love for the Lord and others – which is why he says what he says in verse 22, “If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body.” If he was executed, it meant that he’d be with Jesus – which would be great for him. But if he was released, it meant that he could keep working to advance the gospel and plant more churches around the world – which would be better for the people he loves. Commentators point out that Paul usually writes eloquent Greek – but interestingly in these few verses, there were a lot of fragments and broken syntax which may imply that Paul was in great anguish. Paul was riled up as he wrote these verses. He wanted to be with Christ, but he was also ready to fight for his life for the sake of others. Then let me ask you, “What is it that you’re ultimately living for today? What is it that makes your life worthwhile to live? Do you truly believe that Christ is better? Is Christ really what your life is all about? Are you able to confidently say that for you, to live is Christ and to die is gain?” I pray that the Spirit will work in you, humble you, and lead you so that this will be true in your life. I pray that Christ will be the most cherished, the most satisfying reality of your life because only then will you be able to fully devote yourself to His praise and glory.
Now, one more thing. How do we know if our lives truly exist for Christ? There are of course many different ways to affirm this (you can read the Bible, study the Bible, live out the Bible; you can faithfully pray; you can give generously; you can evangelize – you can do all sorts of things), but let me point out something that Paul shared in verse 25, “Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me.” What this means is that living a life for Christ led Paul to live a life for the good of others. His love for Christ moved him to help others to love Christ better. In other words, when you treasure Christ, you begin to treasure others. Friends, living for Christ means that we should always live for the joy of others. Then let me ask you, “Are you concerned about the progress and joy of those around you? How are you serving them? How are you leading them? How are you discipling them? How are you treasuring them?” May we find ways to treasure one another more and more here at Lighthouse.
3) A LIFE THAT SUFFERS FOR CHRIST
As I mentioned a few weeks ago, the threat of violence against the Christians in Philippi was real – it was intimidating. Living to advance the gospel was not easy because the city of Philippi was not kind to the Christians – which is why Paul and Silas were beaten and imprisoned in Acts 16. This church was birthed in the midst of violent opposition. Then I wonder if some of them were discouraged and frightened. Maybe some of them were angry at God that they were suffering for their faith. Maybe some of them were tempted to remain silent, to blend in with the world, or to give up their faith altogether. Then to encourage them and guard their hearts, Paul says something interesting in verse 29, “For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for Him.” Paul shares that Christians have been graciously granted two things. First, the grace to believe in Him. If you’re a Christian, remember that the gospel makes sense to you not because you’re better than others but simply because God has graciously given you the gift of faith to embrace the truth. Your heart that was once dead in sin was awakened by Him. You were made alive so that you can actually respond – to turn from your sin and trust in the Savior for the forgiveness of sin. Paul says in Ephesians 2:8-9, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast.” So, if you’re a Christian, God has graced you with this gift of faith. But that’s not all.
Second, you’ve been granted with the grace to suffer for the sake of Christ. Grace to believe and grace to suffer. Both are clearly identified as gifts. God’s grace gives one the ability to believe – and the same grace gives one the ability to suffer on His behalf. Paul wanted them to know this so that they may be prepared for suffering, so that they wouldn’t be confused, so that they wouldn’t be surprised by their suffering as if something strange was going on. Listen to what Peter says in 1 Peter 4:12-16, 19, “Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when His glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name… So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.” Now, this isn’t a reference to suffering in general – it’s this suffering that comes specifically because of our allegiance to Christ, because we’re living in a manner worthy of the gospel.
Today, the gospel is still offensive to many people. We live in a world that is incredibly hostile to the gospel. For example, if you have a biblical worldview of male and female, a biblical worldview of marriage, you’ll be isolated and persecuted. In fact, some of you know exactly what this means because you’ve already experienced this at school or the workplace – in your conversations with others. Maybe you’ve felt this at home from your family member who may be hostile against Christianity. If this is you, I want you to know that I have been praying for you – praying that you would engage in these conversations courageously, but also humbly, not self-righteously. Remember that we have this privilege to share the greatest message that the world will ever hear. But at the same time, remember that they’re also watching your attitude, your tone, your demeanor to see if you’re engaging with them simply to win the argument or because you truly care for them. So, please do this with care, compassion, and love. Be patient with them a thousand times and more. But no matter how humble you are, genuine humility will not exempt you from experiencing opposition to the gospel. So, when that happens, remember this passage and know that God is granting you the grace to suffer for His name. Though our opponents can be intimidating and their rejection certainly painful, may the grace of God that granted you this suffering continue to minister to you, comfort you, strengthen you so that you can continue to live a life worthy of the gospel. I pray that you would persevere because maybe, just maybe, the same grace that gifted you with faith will be granted to the people you’re speaking with. And for that, all will be worth it.
Now, even though this all sounds good, I can’t help but ask, “Why did God gift us with suffering?” After wrestling with this for some time, my conclusion is that I simply do not know. There could be many reasons – to sanctify us, to humble us, to bless others, to open doors for the gospel to reach the unreached, to build us up, and so on. I’m just not sure. But one thing I’m reminded of over and over again through this passage is that this too is His grace. Then instead of asking why, let’s ask for faith – the faith to believe that He’s sovereign and good, to believe that He loves us, to believe that His will is being done in all circumstances. And since it’s just too hard to bear this on our own, let’s ask others to pray for us, to pray with us. It’s okay to not be okay. Let’s rely on God and on the community that God has gifted us with.
Let me end with this. Brothers and sisters, we can suffer for Christ because that’s what Christ did for us. The God of the universe did not remain safe in the luxuries of heaven, but He made Himself vulnerable, sufferable, and killable. And the reason why He did that, the reason why He was willing to walk into that suffering and bear the cross was because of His love for us. He embarked on a rescue mission knowing full well that it will cost Him everything so that we could have life and life to the full. Friends, do you realize the lengths that God has gone to save you? Then place your faith in Jesus today. He’ll strengthen you, guide you, and use you for His glory.
CONCLUSION
Lighthouse family, a life worthy of the gospel is a life that is lived for Christ and others – advancing the gospel even if it leads to suffering. Then may this be evident in all our lives – and may we endeavor to live this way knowing that to live is Christ and to die is gain.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1) Are you truly passionate about the advance of the gospel? How can we cultivate and develop a greater and deeper gospel ambition like Paul in our lives, actions, and prayers? How can we actively pursue gospel advance wherever God has placed us today?
2) How is your relationship with Christ today? How can you deepen your love for Him so that you’ll be able to say with joy, “To live is Christ and to die is gain”?
3) How can suffering for Christ be a gift of grace from God? Have you suffered for Christ because you were advancing the gospel? Pray for courage and faithfulness for one another.