Philippians: A,B,C’s of Putting Christ First
A Sermon by Dr. Bob Griffin, Teaching Elder at Sovereign Grace Church
I. A = ADVANCEMENT OF THE GOSPEL
A. ADVANCING THE GOSPEL IN PRISON
Philippians 1:12 “But I want you to know, brethren, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the Gospel”
B. ALL WORKING FOR PROCLAMATION OF THE GOSPEL
Philippians 1:13 “so that it has become evident to the whole Praetorian guard, and to all the rest, that my imprisonment is for Christ.” (also Psalm 76:10)
PUTTING CHRIST FIRST IN OUR LIVES WILL LEAD “A” TO ADVANCEMENT AND “B” –
II. B = BOLDNESS IN THE GOSPEL
A. BREAKING THE SOUND BARRIER
Philippians 1:14a “And most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains”
B. BRAVERY IN THE FACE OF DANGER
Philippians 1:14b “are more daring in speaking the Word fearlessly.” (also I Samuel 14)
PUTTING CHRIST FIRST IN OUR LIVES WILL LEAD TO “A” and “B” ADVANCEMENT, BOLDNESS AND “C” –
III. C = CELEBRATION OF THE GOSPEL
A. CHAMPION THE DEFENSE OF THE GOSPEL
Philippians 1:15-17 “Indeed, some preach Christ even from envy or strife; some also from good will. The former [do so] contentiously with ulterior motives, supposing to add affliction to my chains. The latter out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel.”
B. CHEERING THE PREACHING OF CHRIST
Philippians 1:18 “For what? only that in every way, whether in pretext or in truth, Christ is preached; and in this I am rejoicing, yea, and will rejoice.” (also Gal 1:6-9).
PUTTING CHRIST FIRST IN OUR LIVES WILL LEAD TO “A”, “B” and “C” ADVANCEMENT, BOLDNESS, CELEBRATION AND PERHAPS “D” –
IV. D = DELIVERANCE or DEATH FOR THE GOSPEL
A. DELIVERY FOR FURTHER WORK
Philippians 1:19 “For I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,
B. DELIGHT IN GOD’S GLORIFICATION
Philippians 1:20 “according to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death.” (also Romans 12:1)