Advancing Through Adversity

Ever since the church of Jesus Christ began, Satan and evil men have sought to destroy it primarily through persecution. But persecution always backfires and rather than destroying the church, God uses it to grow and expand the church and cause the gospel to advance into new territories. No one understood the paradox of persecution better than Paul who was the mastermind behind the persecution of the early church. Based on his own personal testimony, he know that persecution was the God-ordained means to advance the gospel and for people to come to know Christ. So whenever he experienced suffering and persecution, he rejoiced knowing that it would cause Christianity to flourish. In today’s passage, Paul explained how God used TWO UNLIKELY CATALYSTS to advance the cause of Christ. His unfortunate circumstances actually provided him unprecedented opportunities to share Christ with people he would have never been able to reach if he hadn’t been arrested and imprisoned in Rome. And for that Paul rejoiced and wanted everyone in the fellowship of the gospel to rejoice too.

1. HIS CHAINS - Paul rejoiced that Christ’s cause progressed (vv. 12-14)

2. HIS CRITICS - Paul rejoiced that Christ’s name was proclaimed (vv. 15-18)

Thank God that 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. Ask God to make the advancement of the gospel in this community and around the world your greatest aspiration.