A.B.S. Philippians 1:12-30

“Joy through life’s storms”
A.B.S. (Strengthening your ABS?...or God’s Anti-lock Braking System?)
Sermon by David Bielby from October 2, 2005

The maturing of apostolic ministry results in a gospel focus. The more mature a believer becomes in the Lord the clearer their life focus on the gospel becomes.

The test of fire proves what is really in the heart of a man. God allows us to be offended to reveal what’s in our hearts and minds.

“There is nothing that will test our beliefs more than suffering for them.” Donald Baker

A.B.S.

Advance____: Philippians 1:12-18a…Put the advance of the gospel at the center of your life. Put the gospel first.

PAST: Paul looks back at his past in these verses and here recognizes what has happened to him…(He is in prison for preaching Christ and His gospel). Paul defines the spiritual effect of his ‘reversal’.

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. ….D.A. C arson

Aspirations_____: Delight in Christ, His Kingdom & His Gospel Central over all else…even yourself!!! Put the gospel first.

The trap is that if we chase happiness we will never find it. If we delight in the gospel of Christ…and if we give ourselves to advancing it then we will find joy in it’s advancement even if it costs us tremendously. Recognize the sovereignty of God in your life. See how He can gain glory even in the very worst of situations.

Believers_____: Philippians 1:18b-26 Put the believers of the gospel at the center of your principled self-denial. Put the gospel first.

Present: The gospel is being proclaimed all around Paul…and so he delights in that.
Even though motives of some men in preaching are designed to cause Paul trouble, Paul still delights. He refuses to be discouraged by the impure motives of those who oppose him…instead choosing to delight in the present advancing gospel of Christ’s Kingdom!!!

Future: Paul faced his future by evaluating it simply in the light of what is best for the advancement of the gospel!! So live for the gospel. Make it the center of your purpose for living. Spiritual self-denial has at it’s roots not some sort of spiritual state that we can gain for ourselves, but a true motivation of gaining spiritual good for those around us.

Stand__ United: Philippians 1:27-30 Let your contending for the faith drive you to unite with other believers, avoiding division whenever possible. Be a steadfast church! Put the gospel first.

*Concepts adapted from “Basics for Believers” by D.A. Carson, The Message of Philippians by J.A. Motyer, and Philippians ‘Jesus our Joy’ by Donald Baker.