Philippians 1:19-21
"Welcome to Your Future"
Gospelcom Bible Gateway
INTRODUCTION
The future is where we’ll all live but not something we all look forward to. For many the thought of the future fills them with frowns and anxieties. The Apostle Paul, sitting in a Roman jail, gives the philosophy of his life (and possibly death) that can, if applied, liberate us to view the future with joy. Keep in mind, he was facing uncertainties and was surrounded by discomfort but for him the future couldn’t look better!
19For I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayer and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, 20according to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death. 21For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
I. Confident in Future Deliverance (19)
A. As People Keep Praying
1. The word deliverance (soe-terion) is the NT word for salvation (not spiritual) but rather well-being.
2. It seems as though Paul is quoting Job 14:16, Romans 8:28
3. Paul is not sure how God will deliver him
a. Will it be from circumstances
b. Will it be through circumstances
4. He is confident that he will be delivered
a. Because people are praying for him
1. Why is prayer so important?
2. Spiritual work requires spiritual tools
b. God does reply to the prayer of His children
B. As the Spirit Keeps Supplying
1. Supply comes from "epicoregios" a word that means to heap on and lavishly supply
2. We get our word "chorus" from this word
3. In ancient Greece, towns planning for a celebration would lavish money and supply for the dancers and singers, and food, etc so that they did it "right"
4. Here is Paul in jail and the Holy Spirit lavishly supplying whatever he needs
5. "The hand of God will never lead where the grace of God cannot keep you" - Billy Graham
6. Do you have Christian friends?
II. Concerned About Future Witness (20)
A. Without Personal Embarrasment
1. Earnest expectation - to watch something with outstretched head (a kid at a parade with his neck streched out eargerly anticipating)
2. What is Paul's main concern? His witness of Jesus Christ whilein prison
3. God will supply what he needs while others pray and he wants to make sure that he supplies a good witness based upon his life while in prison.
4. He does not want to be an embarrasment.
5. What keeps you from sharing our faith?
B. With Proper Expression
1. Boldness is the opposite of embarassment
2. The world is bold about sin.
3. Are you bold about Jesus as the world is about sin?
4. How do we do that?
a. By others praying
b. By the Holy Spirit supplying
5. Read Acts 4
7. Every part of my life can be used for the glory of God
C. With Passionate Exaltation
1. To magnify "mega luno" - to enlarge or make great
2. How do you make great the greatest person who ever lived especially in your body?
III. Committed to the Future Plan (21)
A. If Life is the Plan
B. If Death is the Plan
BRINGING IT HOME :
1. Write your own slogan. Sum up your life in one sentence and be brutally honest! THen make your slogan the object of prayer this week. Ask God to conform your view into His.
2. Ask some Christian friends if they would become part of your "support team" to pray for you when you have needs. Better yet, get really connected and join a home team fellowship
MEMORY VERSE FOR THIS WEEK:
Philippians 1:19-21
19For I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayer and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, 20according to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death. 21For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.