Lesson Notes:  Philippians 1:12-14 (NIV based)

READ:  Philippians 1:12-14, with vv.9-11 for context

According to Paul here in vv.12-14, can God bring good out of disastrous or adverse situations?  How?

In what ways has good been brought here?
- - "advance the gospel";  (v.12)
- - unbelievers and those around Paul  know he is in chains for Christ;  (v.13)
- - other believers have been emboldened to speak the Word.  (v.14)

Has the seeming demise of other believers ever emboldened us?
- Do we speak the Word of God in a courageous and fearless way that emboldens others?

Why does Paul want the Philippian saints to know about what has resulted from his demise?
- - That suffering for the gospel is an important part of God's design in advancing the gospel and in building up the faith of believers.  (cf. vv.29-30)

This message about suffering for the gospel, is it the kind of message we want unbelievers to hear?  And other believers to hear?

Why is Paul not depressed and suicidal, being in chains?
- - He rejoices (v.18) because the gospel is being advanced.  (v.12)
- - He rejoices because the "whole palace guard" and "everyone else" who sees his situation know that he is being imprisoned because of his faith in Christ.  (v.13) 
- - He rejoices because most other believers have been emboldened to witness to others and "speak the Word of God".  (v.14)
- - Paul realizes and values that these dynamics, which are occurring as a result of his imprisonment, are more important and vital than Paul's freedom.
- - vv.25-26 - Paul is convinced that he will be freed and thereafter be with the Philippians again to help them grow in the faith.

Why does Paul not blame or question God about this predicament he is in?  Or why is he not bewildered?

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MAIN POINT:  What would you say is the main point in these verses?

IMPORTANT SUB-POINTS:  What are some other important points God is making here in these verses?

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APPLICATIONS:  What applications can you think of for how we should respond to the concepts in these verses? 

Do you comprehend, appreciate, and value the advancing of the gospel?  As much as Paul did?

Do other unbelieving persons around you outside the church see your faith?

Do you courageously and fearlessly speak the Word of God to unbelieving persons outside the church?

Are you in some tangible way contributing to the advancing of the gospel in the world?
- Or is this not a concern for you?  Why not?

PERSONALIZED APPLICATIONS:  From these verses, what do you think God wants you to learn, or know, or remember, or put into effect in your life?  How are you going to do that?

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Works Cited:
Bible. “The Holy Bible: New International Version.” The Bible Library CD-ROM. Oklahoma City, OK: Ellis Enterprises, 1988.
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Copyrights:
Scriptures taken from Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc®
Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Copyright © 2014 Mel W. Coddington, and permission is hereby granted that this document may be used, copied, and distributed non-commercially to non-profit organizations, individuals, churches, ministries, and schools worldwide, provided the copies are distributed at no charge and retain this sources documentation as supplied herein. This document is not for sale, resale, or for use as a gift or premium to be offered in connection with solicitations or contributions.
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File name: Philippians1_12-14-LessonNotes.___ (.htm, .doc, .pdf)
Translation used: NIV, quoted or referred to in various places within this document
Source: www.BelieverAssist.com
Updated: December 3, 2016