Rejoicing in the Advance of the Gospel

Good morning, Faith - It’s comforting to be among family. I’m thankful for prayers for me, my travel, my family, specifically for my sister Marilyn who is still grieving the loss of Craig whom, although they’ve been together for many years, had a wedding planned for July of this year.

Please be in prayer for her, but specifically that the Lord would shine the light of the Gospel of grace into her heart and that she would have the hope of salvation. I’ll make mention of her in this sermon because it seems apropos in light of the Apostle Paul and his letter to the Philippian church.

So how does a follower of Jesus Christ grow in any circumstance we find ourselves in, whether it be good or bad – when times are happy or when times are sad. When a person is born into this world or when a person is removed from this world. Just how do we grow in…

Growing in Gospel Gratitude. This morning I want to focus on Rejoicing in the Advance of the Gospel.

Please turn with me to the book of Philippians 1:12-14 (read)

Philippians 1:12-14 ^“12 Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that my circumstances have turned out for the greater progress of the gospel, ¹³ so that my imprisonment in the cause of Christ has become well known throughout the praetorian guard and to everyone else, ¹⁴ and that most of the brothers and sisters, trusting in the Lord because of my imprisonment, have far more courage to speak the word of God without fear.”

I want us to consider…

• key perspectives that help you rejoice in the advance of the Gospel.

1. View your circumstances as a platform for gospel ministry

Let me say it another way…

a. Consider the high platform of trials and suffering

Philippians 1:12 — “12 Now I want you to know, brethren, that my circumstances have turned out for the greater progress of the gospel” (stop)

Paul has a signature way of letting his readers know that what he is about to say is a matter of importance. For instance, when he says “Now, I want you to know”, is similar to what we say, “I want to understand what I’m about to say ” or “I want you get this” or “I don’t want you to miss this.”

This is signature of the Apostle – In Romans 1:13 “I do not want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters” or in 11:25 of the same letter, “…I do not want you, brothers and sisters, to be uninformed of this mystery… that a partial hardening has happened to Israel” – or what about 1 Cor. 10:1 “I do not want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters, that our fathers were all under the cloud and they all passed through the sea…”, and so forth and so forth…

Simply put, he wants God’s people to see that “his circumstances” or the things pertaining to him or “his affairs” “have turned out for the greater progress of the gospel.”

What circumstances does Paul have in mind? Well, let me explain it this way: Paul had written 13 letters. Out of these letters, four of those were written from prison – (1) his letter to the Colossian church (2) his letter to Philemon, (3) his letter to the Ephesian church and (4) his letter to…the Philippian church.

So now we know his circumstances – this is his…

First Imprisonment:

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For over two years the Apostle Paul was under arrest (Acts 22:26-27). One could look at that and easily see this as a bleak situation – after all, who of you in this room wants to be under house arrest? Who of you in this room desires to be behind bars, as it were?

My guess is that there isn’t one of us who desires that or to even to feel the pressures of persecution. e are ok with certain levels of persecution.

Perhaps we could bare the loss of friendships or even the loss of members of our family for the cause of Christ. Perhaps we could even bare being blacklisted for our faith Christ by losing employment opportunities or high positions of rank for the sake of Christ.

There’s a sense in which we are like the Jewish listeners who the writer of Hebrews said that in comparison to what our Lord had to suffer, we “have not yet resisted to the point of shedding blood in your striving against sin.” (Hebrews 12:4).

That is to say that many of us have yet to face the kind of hostility that Christ had face to the degree of bloodshed – the death on the Cross – no, that has yet to happen. Yet Paul saw his circumstances as a platform for Gospel ministry for the greater progress of the Gospel.

Prokopé (prok-op-ay') literally, "advancement by chopping down whatever impedes progress"

You can trace this idea to that of pioneers, chopping down trees in order to reach their destination

So then for the believer, we move forward in sanctification, cutting through obstacles by the Lord's power.^[1] And like the Apostle Paul, the Lord uses circumstances while stripping away those sucker branches that retard our growth in him for the greater advance of the Gospel.

That’s how the Apostle viewed his circumstances – So how do you view your circumstances, Christian? And do we take advantage of those opportunities while riding upon the coat-tails of God’s providence, even if the outcomes are good or bad?

Transition: That’s tough, isn’t it, Christian? It’s tough to…

b. Embrace being part of something bigger than yourself

As difficult as some circumstances are, we might be surprised that whatever it may be could actually turn out for the advancement of the Gospel….and we see this providential embrace of that which is bigger than us all throughout the scripture…it is helpful to.

c. Consider the reversal examples from scripture

Perhaps a classic example of this is seen in the life of Joseph

you know the story, Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers. Can you image being sold into slavery by the closest kin you have ever known? Can you imagine being accused by Potiphar’s wife of a sin you didn’t commit? Imagine being thrown into Jail for a crime you didn’t commit? Yet this is precisely what happened. But what ended being perhaps the most frightening and tragic circumstances of his life, Joseph rode upon the coat-tails of God’s providence which ultimately ended up glorifying God in the midst of his circumstances, saying to his brothers that what they did to him was meant for evil, “but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.” (Genesis 50:20)

Or what about Moses –

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Here you have an edict by the Pharaoh of those days to drown every male Jewish baby. And what does Moses’ mother do? She made a basket to save her son’s life, placed him in the Nile, and “it just so happened” that the baby Moses was found by Pharaoh’s daughter.

But, we know the end of that story, don’t we? We know that God works all things according to counsel of his will (Ephesians 1:11) Why? So that “we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory” (v. 12)

So we can see the advance of the Gospel even in the life of Moses, as the Lord would bring upon the redemption of many people. Now, I know that our lives are far removed from that of the patriarchs – from that of the saints of old – but we are in long providential train that has been traveled before (SEE HEBREWS 11)

I don’t recall if I had shared this story with you, but when my Father had learned the news that he had brain cancer, I had never witnessed my father go into such a state of hopelessness, such a state of fearfulness – he was weeping as though he had no hope. I knew at some point that the sting of death would come, but I just didn’t know when – all of our steps are ordered by the Lord, how can man understand his way (SCRIPTURE REFERENCE).

But for my father, he was one month away from the sting of death. It was a very painful time for the family. But I knew that the Lord had allowed this Gospel opportunity for me and my dad, but I was scared of my dad. Scared to give him the Gospel.

I remember praying before going to the hospital and in the hallway for the Lord to grant me courage to give my dad the Gospel – and I did. It wasn’t easy, but I did. Time would fail me to tell you the things we talked about. I told my father that I loved him – and he said that he loved me – his heart appeared to soft and he listened to me.

But church - I wish I could tell that my father had surrender his life over to Christ at the hospital…but that’s not what happened. Fast forward – it’s one month later…my dad is in bed, passing away from brain cancer. He doesn’t have much time left. I tried to talk to him one last time, and what seemed to be a man who’s heart seemed to soft now seemed hardened, even antagonistic to the advance of the Gospel that he heard, to the point where he screamed to get me out of the room.

I will never forget the look on his face when he passed away – he sat up almost half-way in his bed, his pale eyes fixed its gaze at the ceiling…then his body slowly descended back down on the bed…and he was gone…not the kind of ending you would expect.

My friends, it took the death of my father to bring back the family together at his funeral. The funeral home was jammed packed! Family that I had not seen in years showed up.

And strangely enough, take a wild guess who they asked to give a devotional at my Father’s funeral. I was never so scared in my life! I was so scared that I ran to the bathroom because I thought I was going to throw up – my heart was beating 100 miles per minute, and I begged the Lord in the bathroom stall to grant to me the courage to give the Gospel to my family, friends, and cousins who was there!

People that I didn’t even know were there – but the Lord used a scared little man to give his Gospel. I had to learn (and still am) to fear the Creator more than his creation. For woe is me if I do not preach the Gospel. – Woe are we if we do not advance the Gospel of grace.

You know what, Faith Church – the Lord answered my prayed – he heard me. There wasn’t a dry eye in that place. They heard the Gospel – all of them. And all we can do at that point is to pray that the Gospel is advanced, amen? Because at that point, we’ve done what had to do, now the Lord must cause the increase (1 Cor??? Scripture). We are instruments in the Redeemer’s hands. Our circumstances are not mightier than the Christ who saved us and strengthens us despite our circumstances [CONSIDER REVISING]

The Lord used a tragic circumstance for many to hear the Gospel that day. Only the Lord could have orchestrated such marvelous providence. For years I had prayed for the salvation of my entire family, I just didn’t expect the outcome, you see? Do you understand what I’m saying to you, church? That’s in God’s purview, not ours! Can I get an amen to that, saints of light!

Transition: If we are going to rejoice in the advance of the Gospel we must…

2. See the people God has sovereignly placed around you in a Christ centered way.

The advance of the gospel is all about more people being introduced to the claims of Christ…Who He, what He did and accomplished at the Cross, and the sinner’s desperate need for Christ such that rather than being swallowed up by death, but that a person’s impending death would be swallowed up by life (SCRIPTURE).

Transition: Take a look at Paul’s opportunity…

Consider the opportunity of the Praetorian Guard

Philippians 1:13 — 13 so that my imprisonment in the cause of Christ has become well known throughout the whole praetorian guard and to everyone else.” (stop)

Consider this opportunity in light of your own providential circumstances - Bear in mind the impact this can have as the Lord uses you to advance his Gospel.

When Paul referred to his imprisonment for the cause of Christ becoming well known to the praetorium guard, he had in mind a headquarters, specifically the governor’s residence.

You say what’s the significance of this? Well, we’re talking around 10,000 high ranking/elite soldiers. So, what does our Lord do? He allows Paul (who is a Roman citizen, by the way) to be imprisoned/house arrest for the sake of the Gospel.

So then the Apostle began to minister to them because he was on watch by at least one or every day, each on a 4 hour shift

Acts 28:16 — 16 When we entered Rome, Paul was allowed to stay by himself, with the soldier who was guarding him.

Yes, Paul was in Chains – but the Gospel was neither in chains nor imprisoned. He was not under the control of Rome but He was a slave of the Lord Jesus Christ and the advancement of the Gospel – one shift at a time – one person at a time, and the cause of Christ spread through 10,000 guards.

Then these praetorium guards interacted with a lot of other people, and Paul is able to have visitors and write letters…His Gospel Ministry actually increased.

Can we not…

Marvel at the exponential impact of “Everyone else”

The Praetorian Guards were not the only ones to hear the Gospel. Paul also said in verse 13 that “the cause of Christ has become well known throughout the whole praetorian guard and to everyone else.”

Did you catch that?

We don’t know who “everyone else” refers to, per se…but it’s likely Paul had in mind everyone else who was in the emperor’s residence, other imperial officials or family etc…

But we do know is the gospel was advancing, and people were being saved as a result…Look how Paul ended the letter in 4:22

Philippians 4:22 — 22 All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar’s household.

In fact, the gospel bearing fruit is so important it can shift our focus from a fear of man to boldly sharing the good news with people who desperately need Christ for salvation.

When the Lord removed my father from this world, my mother was softened to hear the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Prior to that, it was just very difficult to speak with her about Christ because of the influence of my dad.

Now, that dad was out of the way, the advancement of the Gospel was wide open for my mother and I don’t recall a time when she was so receptive. So she began to ask a lot of questions and I did the best I could to give her basic answers until one day, the Lord allowed me to lead my mother to Christ. But perhaps over a year of my mom’s profession of faith in Christ, she fell ill because she had contracted Covid-19.

No one believed she would pass away, but she did. And some of the last words I said to her was, “mom – hold onto Jesus Christ” And she nodded her head. Not too long after that, the Lord took her home to glory. Can you marvel at the exponential impact of the “everyone” elses, whether it be through the life and circumstances of Paul’s imprisonment or your own circumstances that are orchestrated by the hand of the Lord? The Spirit of grace advances in the hearts of whomever he lands upon and we are merely instruments in the Redeemer’s hands.

Church, do you remember the discussion between Nicodemus and Jesus? Do you remember what Jesus said about the advance of the Spirit’s work and being born again?

He said, “Do not be amazed that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ ⁸ The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it is coming from and where it is going; so is everyone who has been born of the Spirit.” – John 3:7-8

In other words, just as the wind cannot be controlled, the affects can be observed. So then, the advance of the Holy Spirit cannot be controlled nor understood, but the proof of the Spirit’s work is irrefutable because of the lives God has saved and is changing as evidence of the Spirit’s work.

Listen: You have no control over the conversion of souls. But you can get on our knees and pray for lost souls and Marvel at the exponential impact of Everyone else’s. It’s encouraging to see what I would call the “everyone elses” here today.

Transition: As we think about Paul’s testimony.

III. Be aware that your testimony can impact many others to testify.

But, know that talking about the Gospel and how God has worked in your life…

Begins with trusting in the Lord

Philippians 1:14 — 14 and that most of the brethren, trusting in the Lord because of my imprisonment, have far more courage to speak the word of God without fear.

In other words, Paul’s courage renewed their zeal to advance the Gospel once and for all delivered to the saints. Courage is contagious.

Last week I received a phone call from my brother. He told me that our oldest sister’s boyfriend had shot himself in the head. So, I flew out to AZ to a deeply grieving sister. Upon entering her home, I noticed my nephew sitting next to a woman on the couch...then I realized that it was my oldest sister Marilyn – so deep and profound was her grief that I didn’t even recognize her.

Once I realized it was my sister, I sat down next to her, put my arm around her and gave her a hug…tears began to roll down her face and she broke down and wept. I said nothing…I was just wanted to be with her as she wept.

Her emotions were like a roller coaster. Something would trigger and she would weep. At one point she said to me, “they say that God will never give you more than you can handle – but this is more than I can handle” – I could have responded by saying that that is a reference to temptation, not to suffering, but that was not the time to offer correction – there’s a time for everything under the sun and this was a time to weep with those who weep – to listen, and offer comfort.

Where am I going with this? Here’s where I’m going with this. I had the opportunity to meet some co-workers of my sister. At around dinner time, while I was preparing my meal, these two ladies suddenly began praying out loud, thanking the Lord for the food they were going to receive, in Jesus name – are these…fellow believers, I asked myself? After asking some questions, I learned that they were followers of Christ…and it was encouraging to my ears and to know that the Lord has not left himself without a witness.

So encouraging was their faith to me, that the Lord used their prayer at dinner to jumpstart my courage for the advancement for the Gospel. So I began asking my sister if I could pray for her and she welcomed it. Then there were times when she asked me to pray for her, so I did and I was able to share the love of Christ with my sister.

This is precisely what happened with the Apostle Paul – it was his leaning on the Lord’s strength while in chains that helped others so stir their zeal for the advancement for the Gospel that these believers had “far more courage to speak the word of God without fear.”

Have you noticed this in your life? Sometimes a little courage goes a long way for many other followers of Christ to advance the cause of the Gospel.

Transition: So here’s the challenge

Points others to the source of courage

If the Lord places you in providential circumstances to advance the cause of the Gospel, and you are fearful, ask the Lord in prayer to grant you boldness as Peter did in the book of Acts 4:31.

c. Helps others overcome man centered fear

At times, we can struggle with the fear. Matt 10:28 reminds us…

Matthew 10:28 — 28 “Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

Acts 4:12 — 12 “And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved.”

Our love is not reached the point of maturity if we are afraid of what people think of us, or what they might do to us…

1 John 4:18–19 — 18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love. 19 We love, because He first loved us.

And let us know so that we can rejoice with you in the advance of the Gospel – The Lord is continuing to advance His Gospel. We have no control over the outcome of the Spirit’s work, but we sure can instruments in the Redeemer’s hands.

Bow with me in prayer.

[1] “4297prokopé,” Bible Hub, last modified, https://biblehub.com/greek/4297.htm.