1. Ode to Joy
A Study in the Epistle to the
Philippians
Part 3 – Phil. 1:12-30
By Samuel E. Ward
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2. Introduction
I. This Letter Is an Expression of Paul’s Joy in
the Philippians, Phil 1:1-11.
(Phil 1:1-11 NIV) Paul and Timothy, servants of
Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus at
Philippi, together with the overseers and
deacons:
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3. {2} Grace and peace to you from God our
Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. {3} I thank my
God every time I remember you. {4} In all my
prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy {5}
because of your partnership in the gospel from
the first day until now, {6} being confident of
this, that he who began a good work in you will
carry it on to completion until the day of Christ
Jesus.
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4. A. Paul’s Joy Is the By-product of Thanksgiving
for the Philippians, Phil 1:3.
B. Paul’s Thanksgiving Brings Joy from Two
Precious Realizations, Phil 1:4-6.
1. The Philippians have been his partners in the
gospel since “day one,” Phil 1:4-5.
2. God will complete His ongoing work in them
until Jesus Christ comes back, Phil 1:6.
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5. C. Paul’s Prayers for Them Springs from the Joy
of Because of the Bond of God’s Grace
Between Them, Phil 1:7-11.
While there is much joy on Paul’s part due to
the fellowship he had with this church in
Philippi, there is also the issue of his present
imprisonment, which one would think would
be the last place one would find joy. Yet, Paul
did.
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6. II. This Letter Is an Explanation of
Paul’s Joy in Suffering, Phil 1:12-30
It was another “Paul” (Paul Sailhamer) that
wrote:
"Joy is that deep settled confidence that God is
in control of every area of my life."
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7. A. Paul’s Suffering Had a Positive Impact on
Motivating Others to Preach, Phil 1:12-19.
(Phil 1:12 NIV) Now I want you to know,
brothers, that what has happened to me has
really served to advance the gospel.
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8. 1. Paul’s imprisonment had become a powerful
testimony to those around him, Phil 1:13.
(Phil 1:13 NIV) As a result, it has become clear
throughout the whole palace guard and to
everyone else that I am in chains for Christ.
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9. 2. Paul’s imprisonment had emboldened others
to preach, Phil 1:14-17.
(Phil 1:14 NIV) Because of my chains, most of
the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged
to speak the word of God more courageously
and fearlessly. {15} It is true that some preach
Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of
goodwill. {16} The latter do so in love, knowing
that I am put here for the defense of the
gospel.
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10. {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.
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11. 3. Paul’s imprisonment (whether by false or
true motives) had resulted in the expansion
of the gospel—and this is cause to rejoice,
Phil 1:18a.
(Phil 1:18a NIV) 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.
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12. 4. Paul’s imprisonment was a temporary
experience, he was confident that he would
be delivered, Phil 1:18b-19.
a. His deliverance would be the result of the
Philippians prayers on his behalf.
b. His deliverance would be the result of the
help of Jesus Christ.
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13. (Phil 1:18b-19 NIV) Yes, and I will continue to
rejoice, {19} for I know that through your
prayers and the help given by the Spirit of Jesus
Christ, what has happened to me will turn out
for my deliverance.
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14. B. Paul’s Suffering Had No Down-Side in Terms
of Outcomes for Him, Phil 1:20-26.
1. Christ could be exalted by his life or his
death, Phil 1:20-24.
(Phil 1:20-24 NIV) 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.
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15. 2. The Philippians could benefit by his ministry
with continued progress and joy in the faith,
Phil 1:22-24.
(Phil 1:22-24 NIV) 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.
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16. 3. Paul is convinced of God’s will that he
remains for the Philippians’ sake,
Phil 1:25-26.
(Phil 1:25-26 NIV) 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
joy in Christ Jesus will overflow on account of
me.
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17. C. The Philippians Had an Opportunity to
Contend for the Faith and Prove the Value of
Their Faith to the End, Phil 1:27-30.
1. The proof of the value of our faith is that
Christians are willing to defend the faith
against those who oppose it, Phil 1:27-28a.
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18. (Phil 1:27-28a NIV) 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 one spirit,
contending as one man for the faith of the
gospel {28a} without being frightened in any
way by those who oppose you.
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19. 2. The proof of the justice in God’s destruction
of those who oppose the gospel is the
suffering they bring upon God’s people,
Phil 1:28b.
(Phil 1:28b NIV) This is a sign to them that they
will be destroyed, but that you will be saved--
and that by God.
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20. 3. The proof of God’s confidence in the
Philippians is in His choice of them to suffer
for His sake, Phil 1:29-30.
(Phil 1:29-30 NIV) For it has been granted to
you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on
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.
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21. Applications
Not everyone is willing to endure such a calling
to suffer for Christ’s sake. Yet, it is perhaps the
most convincing testimony of the preciousness
of one’s faith and loyalty to God’s sovereignty.
It is not easy to trust God with our suffering.
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22. a. Christ’s suffering was deemed necessary by
the Father.
(Luke 24:26 NIV) Did not the Christ have to
suffer these things and then enter his glory?"
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23. (Isa 53:10-11 NIV) Yet it was the Lord's will to
crush him and cause him to suffer, and though
the LORD makes his life a guilt offering, he will
see his offspring and prolong his days, and the
will of the LORD will prosper in his hand. {11}
After the suffering of his soul, he will see the
light of life and be satisfied ; by his knowledge
my righteous servant will justify many, and he
will bear their iniquities.
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24. b. Christ’s suffering was accepted by Him
because it was God’s will for Him.
(Luke 22:42 NIV) "Father, if you are willing,
take this cup [of suffering] from me; yet not my
will, but yours be done."
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25. 2. Allow me to lead you through some
important passages which connect the will
of God to the suffering of some of His saints.
a. Our suffering is sometimes used as a means
of refining our faith which will produce fruit
that will bring praise, glory, and honor to
Christ when He returns.
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26. (1 Pet 1:6-7 NIV) In this you greatly rejoice,
though now for a little while you may have had
to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. {7} These
have come so that your faith--of greater worth
than gold, which perishes even though refined
by fire--may be proved genuine and may result
in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is
revealed.
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27. b. Our suffering is the result of Satan’s testing
us so that if we fail, God would be
dishonored.
(Rev 2:10 NIV) [To the church at Smyrna] -- Do
not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I
tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison
to test you, and you will suffer persecution for
ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of
death, and I will give you the crown of life.
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28. c. Our suffering produces the case history God
uses to justify His judgment against those
who persecute His people.
(2 Th 1:4-8 NIV) Among God's churches we
boast about your perseverance and faith in all
the persecutions and trials you are enduring.
{5} All this is evidence that God's judgment is
right, and as a result you will be counted
worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you
are suffering.
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29. {6} God is just: He will pay back trouble to
those who trouble you {7} and give relief to you
who are troubled, and to us as well. This will
happen when the Lord Jesus is revealed from
heaven in blazing fire with his powerful angels.
{8} He will punish those who do not know God
and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus.
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