Furthering the Kingdom in all Situations

What was one of the worst thing that happened to you? How did you respond?


Read Philippians 1:12-14 – “Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly.”

What was his situation? Where was he?



What was his attitude about his situation?



How did this inspire others?



What often prevents us from furthering the Kingdom? What holds you back?



How does Paul's example inspire you to further the KIngdom?



Application:

Paul is in jail, probably for a crime he didn’t commit – false accusations or something like that. He was probably fed little and beaten. Despite this, he is making the most out of his situation.

He took advantage of it and was using it to further the kingdom – v. 12 – “…what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ”

He didn’t let his circumstances dictate what he was or wasn’t going to do.

So, he shared the gospel with others. But he was also furthering the kingdom by inspiring others to share about Christ. v. 14 – “…most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly.”

He was inspiring other Christians elsewhere with his boldness. If Paul was furthering the Kingdom in a hostile environment such as Prison, then why couldn't they do it?

Why can’t we do it? What is preventing us from furthering the kingdom?

Don't let your situation or circumstances dictate what you will or will not share about Christ. Set 1 goal right now of how you can further the kingdom in all situations. Remember, actions speak louder than words. We don't have to preach or get on our soapbox to further the kingdom. Our actions are even more powerful of the life change found in Christ only.

Pray

Where's your heart?

When you wake up in the morning, what are you most excited to do? What motivates you throughout the day?


Read Matthew 6:33; Luke 9:23, 57-62

What are these verses saying?



What do these verses say about priorites?



Where should Christ be in those priorities?



Application:

You tend to put the most energy to things that motivate you and spur you on. Where does Christ fall in your motivation? Are you motivated to know Him better so you can live life better? Or do other things come first and take the priority?

Are you passionate about Christ? Do you desire to grow in Him? Do you yearn to know Him better?

Where you find out where your heart is, that is where you will be spending your time and energy.

When you commit the day and the week to Christ, seek Him throughout that time, you will discover how He makes a direct impact on your day and week. When we seek Him first and foremost, then stay committed to Him throughout, He will guide you. BUT, you have to seek Him. It is not checking Him off the list after your pray once or you read the Bible. You have to keep Him first throughout the day.

What can you do this week to put Christ first again?

1 suggestion is to wake up and the first thing you do when you wake up is to spend time with Christ by reading the Bible, praying, committing the day to Him. Another suggestion is to get the Topical Memory System from the Navigators and carry some verses to mediate and memorize throughout the day.

This way, we can keep Christ consistently in our lives throughout the day and He can and will make an impact in our lives.

Pray