“And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him, Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him” (Acts 28:30-31).
Message Title: “Advancement of the Gospel”
Book: Philippians
Chapter: 1
Philippians 1:1-19Key Verse: “Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:” (Philippians 1:6, KJV).
Key Words: joy, confidence, endurance, faith, witness
Reference Verses:
The gospel is only defined as and is nothing else other than, “For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve” (1 Corinthians 15:3-5
There is no inheritance without suffering with Jesus, “The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together” (Romans 8:16-17).
Observations: Paul is imprisoned in Rome for preaching the gospel. Certain people are helping Paul, and others are taking advantage of Paul’s imprisonment. Paul’s imprisonment is causing the house of Caesar to hear and accept the gospel.
Interpretations:
Christians are encouraged to continue good works and spreading of the gospel despite adversity and suffering. Suppression of the gospel causes the gospel to increase if we suffer well for Jesus.
Applications: (The “So What?)
1. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we can perform good works of love and light to others, not for our salvation but because of our salvation, which will result in the advancement of the gospel.
2. Perform good works of love and light, despite the circumstances, good or bad, will result in the advancement of the gospel.
3. Encourage others to perform good works of love and light despite the circumstances, good or bad through corporate worship and service in the name of Jesus, to advance the gospel message.
4. Believe the gospel as truth and a gift not attained by works and accept Jesus Christ as your personal savior, resulting in the advancement of the gospel.