Chains for Christ
November 10, 2013 Speaker: Ken Ramey
Topic: Suffering Passage: Philippians 1:12–14
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Philippians 1:12-14
God sometimes permits suffering in our lives for the purpose of extending salvation to others - so that others may come to know Christ through our suffering. This is referred to as 'redemptive suffering'. Through his hardships and suffering, Paul realized that suffering is the God-ordained means to spread the gospel (Acts 1:8). In this text, Paul explained TWO WAYS his imprisonment helped the progress of the gospel.
1. Outside the Church - It provided contact with unbelievers (v. 13)
Paul was literally chained to a Roman guard all day and night. In a sense, Paul was provided with a
'captive' audience to hear his prayers and the numerous deliveries of the gospel message. Paul's captivity provided access to many influential Roman soldiers, who intern, would spread news of the things that they had heard from Paul. As a consequence, many were saved through this means (Phil 4:22).
Paul was literally chained to a Roman guard all day and night. In a sense, Paul was provided with a
'captive' audience to hear his prayers and the numerous deliveries of the gospel message. Paul's captivity provided access to many influential Roman soldiers, who intern, would spread news of the things that they had heard from Paul. As a consequence, many were saved through this means (Phil 4:22).
3. Inside the Church - It provided courage to believers (v. 14)
While in jail, Paul motivated the believers in Rome through letters (Romans 1:16). He demonstrated that God was using him in a might way to advance the gospel, and that it is through suffering and persecution that God desired to bring others to Christ. Paul had a unique perspective that God had given him to fully realize that truth.
While in jail, Paul motivated the believers in Rome through letters (Romans 1:16). He demonstrated that God was using him in a might way to advance the gospel, and that it is through suffering and persecution that God desired to bring others to Christ. Paul had a unique perspective that God had given him to fully realize that truth.
Thank God for the freedom you have to worship and serve Christ here in America. Pray for your brothers and sisters around the world who share your faith but not your freedom.