When the apostle Paul wrote this letter to the Christians in Philippi, probably from Rome C.A.D. 62, he encouraged the Philippians to live as citizens of a heavenly city, growing in their commitment to serve God and one another. Jesus is the supreme example of this way of life.
Paul, Timothy, and Epaphroditus try to be good examples as well. As Paul wrote to the Philippians from prison, he had several purposes in mind: (1) to tell them that Epaphroditus had recovered from a serious illness; (2) to encourage them in their faith; (3) to assure them that he was still in good spirits; and (4) to thank them for their continued support.

In this week's sermon, Reverend William Baker will delve into Philippians 1:12-18 where Paul reflects on his imprisonment. One important theme from this passage is that Christ is the supreme example for the Christian and that mature Christians can also serve as role models.

Sermon Notes
WHEN THE GOSPEL COME FIRST IT ALWAYS ADVANCES IN TIMES OF CALMNESS AND DIFFICULTY (v.12-14)
• Often God works not only in _______ of our circumstances, but _______ them!
- The Roman guards _______ and some _________ to the Gospel of Jesus Christ (v.13)
- Christians have become more ___________ and emboldened to speak the word of God _______ ____. (v.14)
- We can _____ that God is going to use every circumstance we find ourselves in to make us a _________ to the lost world and to __________ others who are following Jesus! HE IS WORKING!


JESUS’ GLORY MORE THAN OUR OWN (v.15-18a)
• Check your _________ ! (v.15-17)
- Beware of jealousy and envy. ________________________________________________
- Beware of self-promotion. __________________________________________________
- Don’t be surprised if/when others envy you when God is using you. _________________
- Ask God for the grace you need to minister to others out of love. ___________________
- Beware of tribalism that makes “us” the only ones that have it “right.” _____________
• Rejoice when Jesus is __________! (v.18) _______________________________________
• We don’t preach ___________, we preach ____________! __________________________