Introduction:
A. It was not so much Paul who went to Rome as it was the living message of Christ in Paul that made its journey to Rome.
B. The concerns his brethren had for his welfare were quieted by Paul’s remarks in Philippians 1:12-26.
1. Happiness is not based on circumstances.
2. Christ must be glorified in every situation.
C. There are three instruments through which Christ was glorified in the life of Paul.
I. Christ was glorified through Paul’s chains (Ph. 1:12-14).
A. Who would have thought chains would promote the gospel? (2 Tim. 2:9; Acts 8:4; Ph. 1:12).
B. How did it help the cause of Christ for Paul to be imprisoned? (Ph. 1:12; Acts 28:20; Eph. 6:20; Ph. 1:14).
C. What chains do you wear which might become instruments to glorify Christ?
II. Christ was glorified through Paul’s critics (Ph. 1:15-19).
A. Have you ever thought of critics as instruments through who Christ might be glorified?
B. Who were these critics?
C. Paul rejoiced in the fact that Christ was being proclaimed.
III. Christ was glorified through Paul’s crisis (Ph. 1:20-26).
A. What crisis did the apostle face?
B. Paul’s sole concern was that Christ be glorified in his body (Ph. 1:20, 21).
C. A closer look…
1. Christ had become Paul’s life (Gal. 2:20; 2 Cor. 5:14-15).
2. Paul’s preference was to be with Jesus (2 Cor. 5:8).
3. Paul was willing to sacrifice for the benefit of others (Rm. 9:1-5).
D. Death cannot be gain until life is Christ (Rm. 12:1-2; Mt. 5:16; Rm. 14:7-8).
Conclusion:
A. Christ must be glorified in every situation.
B. “Life is what we are alive to” (Maltbie Babcock).
C. Will you make Christ your everything?