Relentless Pursuit

Imagine having this perspective as Paul while he was chained up… 

“instead of griping about how heavy they were, or about how much they hurt his wrists…he just looked down toward the other end of the chain and found an opportunity to minister”. 

This is the concept in which we will be discussing as we look at what advancing the gospel means and how Paul portrayed this to the Philippian church. 

Advancement means:

1. Not going backwards
2. Not staying still 

How can what Paul has written be to understand and further the gospel? The answer is through advancing the gospel regardless of his circumstance and what he is going through. Paul’s understanding of how important the Gospel is and why he must advance it is key in understanding this next section of his letter to the church of Philippi. 

Imagine yourself imprisoned and chained up in jail. The first thing I know I would do is think and reminisce on the future and how I can’t wait to be set free, comfortable in my own bed, eating my own food and just getting to do whatever I want to do. But, that is not the mindset Paul has here in this section. He knows that he’s already free based on his relationship with the Lord and regardless if he chained up in prison physically that he is spiritually free in Christ Jesus.

Having an understanding of gospel gives up direction to advance the gospel. 

Philippians 1: 12-13 says… 

“Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ.”

When Paul refers to the “whole palace” he is talking about all of the palace as he is proclaiming the gospel to not only maybe other prisoners but any and everyone who is open to hearing about Jesus.

Paul is proclaiming that through his imprisonment he is furthering the gospel regardless of  his circumstances. His imprisonment serves many different people in whom he can share the gospel with. A few of these different people include: 

1. The guards
2. His friends
3. Everyone else

So, what are some things we can take away from Paul advancing the gospel despite his circumstances?

1. Paul had joy in the midst of it
2. God would take care of Paul during his imprisonment
3. God still used Paul regardless of him being imprisoned

Due to Paul’s attitude, perspective, confidence and trust in God he gave other believers boldness to proclaim and advance the gospel.