Senior Pastor Dr. Daniel Ho.

This is the 2nd in the Studies in Philippians series. The first one is here.

If you are reading this, you are welcomed to join the Easter Evangelistic Weekend next week on 07/04/2012 (Sat) at 1700 and 08/04/2012 (Sun) at 1000.

Php 1:15-30 It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. (16) The latter do so in love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. (17) The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. (18) But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, (19) for I know that through your prayers and the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. (20) I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. (21) For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. (22) If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! (23) I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; (24) but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. (25) Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, (26) so that through my being with you again your joy in Christ Jesus will overflow on account of me. (27) Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel (28) without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved–and that by God. (29) For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him, (30) since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.

The motive in preaching the gospel (v15-18a)

Paul wrote about 2 groups of preachers.

• Out of strife and selfish ambition or goodwill and love?
• Out to create trouble or to defend the gospel?
• One’s motive in preaching is crucial
• Motive is to do with the heart
• The heart shows the true nature of the person

Mat 7:20-23 Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them. (21) Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. (22) Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ (23) Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’

• Paul’s big heartedness (v18)

Paul’s attitude (v18b-26)

• Joy (v18b, 19) – joy and rejoice appear 16 times in Philippians.
  • confidence in prayer and help of the Holy spirit – the source of Paul’s joy. Paul knows there will be results when he prays. Don’t just pray when we are in trouble. We pray as a matter of cause not as a matter of needs. Prayers have power and effect.
• Unashamed and courageous (v20)
• To live is for Christ and to die is gain (v21). When a Christian dies, he / she goes directly to God.
  • Fruitful labour for himself (v22a) – Are we using our time well? Are we investing our lives properly. A person that said he / she is bored doesn’t know how to use his / her time and that is a sad thing. Don’t sleep beyond 12 midnight – that will be borrowing the next day’s time.  When we borrow often, we will land ourselves in a deficit. We need to learn to manage our time well.
  • Progress and joy for the believers (v25)

“Tiap-tiap hari, God is good. God is good tiap-tiap hari.” ~Pastor Daniel

“We need to be supernaturally natural and naturally supernatural.” ~Pastor Daniel

Pastor Daniel shared his experience sharing the gospel to a taxi driver during his visit to the Robben Island, the place where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned.

Pastor Daniel reminded us again that if we lead one person to Christ each year, it takes only 33 years to get all 7 billion to know Christ. It shows how far behind we are in our progress.

Paul’s Instruction (v27-30)

• Always walk worthy of the gospel (v27a, 1 Cor 10:31)

Whatever happens, we must always walk in a manner worthy of God. It is expected of us Christians to be doing our best in our work and our studies. We also honour God with our driving. If we are asked by our parents to clean the toilet, then we must also honour God by cleaning the toilet.

1Co 10:31  So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.

• Stand firm and contend for the truth of the gospel (v27b)
  • The need for courage (v28)
  • The willingness to suffer for Christ (v29)

Questions for discussion

1. Apostle Paul says, “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” (Phil 1:21). Is this true in your life? If yes, why yes and if no, why not? How can you reflect this more in your motive and attitude in serving Christ?
2. In what ways can you “conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ” (Phil 1:27)? Give specific example(s) in your life. How can we “Stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel”? Why is it important to be courageous and to be willing to suffer for Christ?