Sermon Notes
Gospel Joy
PHILIPPIANS – Part 3
April 26, 2026
12 Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. 13 As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. 14 And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear.
15 It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. 16 The latter do so out of 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 God’s provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance.
Philippians 1:12-19
Now I Want You to Know
I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.
John 15:11
2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the
testing of your faith produces perseverance.
James 1:2-3
Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel.
Philippians 1:12
What Does it Matter?
But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached.
Philippians 1:18a
Because of This I Rejoice
And because of this I rejoice.
Yes, and I will continue to rejoice,
Philippians 1:18b
Small Group Discussion Questions for the Week of April 26, 2026.
Opening
1. What are some things that bring you joy?
Digging Deeper into the Scriptures
Read Philippians 1:12-19 with the eagerness the Philippians might have felt for news from Paul.
1. What is Paul talking about in this passage? (Summarize in your own words.)
2. Paul writes about how his circumstances are serving to advance the gospel (vv. 12-18). How has his
imprisonment affected other Christians in Rome (vv. 14-18)?
How has his imprisonment affected the pagans in the palace guard, and others (v. 13)?
3. How does Paul feel about his circumstances (v. 18)?
How could Paul “rejoice” and tell others to “rejoice” even though he was in prison?
How should his example impact us today?
Applying the Scriptures
1. Why do we find it difficult to witness boldly for Jesus?
2. How can difficult circumstances increase your dependence on Jesus?
3. What are some ways that you can “put the gospel first” in your relationships?