For the furtherance of the gospel

Text: Philippians 1:12-18
10 May 2014

“For the furtherance of the gospel”

1. Main Concern: The gospel of the Kingdom of God

2. People who shared this main concern

a) John the Baptiser          Matthew 3:1-2

b) The Lord Jesus Christ          Matthew 4:17; Acts 1:9

c) The apostle Paul          Philippians 1:12

3. What is our main concern?

a) Exams?

b) Jobs?

c) Family?

d) Finding a life partner?

4. Learning why the apostle Paul became so deeply concerned about the furtherance of the gospel
(even though he was imprisoned for the sake of the gospel)

a) Because he was personally saved through faith in the gospel          Acts 9

i) His experience of salvation left an indelible impression on his soul

ii) He made constant reference to his salvation (Acts 22:1-21; 26:1-24; 1 Timothy 1:12-17)

b) Because he had a calling from God to preach and defend the gospel

i) A holy calling          2 Timothy 1:9

ii) An appointment from God to teach/ preach          2 Timothy 1:11;

iii) An appointment to defend the Gospel          Philippians 1: 17

iv) As a pattern for others          1 Timothy 1:16

c) Because he believed in the power of the message of the cross            1 Corinthians 1:18

5. Rejoicing in the preaching of the gospel of Christ

a) Some preached Christ with wrong motivation          Philippians 1:15

b) Some preach Christ out of love          Philippians 1:117a

c) Paul chose to rejoice in the Lord

i) In the gospel being furthered

ii) In Christ being preached boldly

iii) In souls being saved through the gospel

BIBLE MEMORY VERSE

Who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began.
2 Timothy 1:9