The Joy of Ministry

Philippians 1:12-26

Rev. Rick Edwards

January 31, 2010

1.   Paul was joyful in spite of trouble

           As long as the gospel was progressed.        V 12

        * Trouble can save unbelievers     V 13 4:22    

        * Trouble can sanctify believers                           V 14

2.  Paul was joyful in spite of critic’s     V 15-18

            As long as Christ’s name was proclaimed.

3.   Paul was joyful in spite of death                     V 19-21  

             As long as the Lord was glorified____________

Paul’s confidence was based on:

         * God’s word                                           

V 19a   Job 13:16

         * Prayers of the saints                               

V 19b   2 Cor. 1:5, 8-11,

         * Provision of the Spirit                            

V 19c   Rom. 8:26, Zech. 4:6, Matt. 10:19-20

         * Promise of Christ                                        

V 20a   Matt. 8:38, Rom. 9:33

         * Plan of God                                                 

V 20b-21

4.   Paul was joyful in spite of being in the flesh                    V 22-26

             As long as the church was benefited                       

1 Cor. 15:58