PHILIPPIANS 1:8-18 MAKING LEMONADE OUT OF LEMONS

V8 - affection (bowels) this is a love that involves ones entire being

1. V9-11 The Prayer

V9 - Knowledge - this is advanced knowledge

Biblical love is not empty show or sentimentalism, but it is anchored deeply in the truth of the scripture

1Peter 1:22 Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart,

Discernment - practical application of knowledge

Rom 12:9-13 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. 10  Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; 11 not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; 12 rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; 13 distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.

V10 -  approve things which are excellent  Romans 12:2

Says till the day of Christ again

V11 - fruits of righteousness  Glory and praise - ultimate end of all Paul's prayers was that God would be glorified Daily bread Oct 20, 2001

Brighten the corner where you are would have been Paul's theme song1. Today we shall see Paul's JOY, despite circumstances, which would cause most people to despairI. IN IMPRISONMENT (12-14)A. PAUL INFORMS THEM OF THE Furtherance OF THE GOSPEL (12)He had "good news" - not bad news! 2. Paul could have looked at the bad side of his situation...  a. His imprisonment, His restrictions in travelThe gospel was spreading, and it was "good news"!B. HIS CHAINS WERE IN CHRIST (13)1.         Paul was under "house arrest" 

Ac 28:30-31 30 Then Paul dwelt two whole years in his own rented house, and received all who came to him, 31 preaching the kingdom of God and teaching the things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ with all confidence, no one forbidding him.

  a. Paul wasn't there for crimes

2. Paul was under constant guard

Ac 28:16 Now when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard; but Paul was permitted to dwell by himself with the soldier who guarded him.

Paul got to preach to those who were of Caesar's householdC. HIS EXAMPLE WAS MOTIVATING OTHERS TO ACTION (14)So the gospel was being spread, and to Paul, that's GOOD news!II. IN PERSECUTION (15-18) A. SOME WERE PREACHING TO HURT PAUL (15a,16)  1. Some were motivated by "envy”, “strife", and "selfish ambition"B. WE SEE PAUL'S JOY (15b, 17-18)   1. But he also saw those preaching out of "love" and "goodwill"Paul did not fall into the trap of "self-pity" and "despair" of Christians1) Who when persecuted, think they are the only ones who are faithful2) When persecuted, lose sight of the faithful because of the unfaithful   2. Secondly, those seeking to persecute him were spreading the gospel!

1. Paul's main purpose in life

 1Co 2:2 For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.

What applications can we make from this? III. THE "KEY" TO "MAKING GOOD OUT OF BAD"...1.            Presenting Jesus Christ was his goal and purpose in life'2.            We can experience a joy greater than any other 3John 4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.   b. We can "make good out ill" in just about any circumstances1)                  Hospital confinement, situations at work, with family, and the church 2)                  Even in death and dying B. GOD CAN USE "IMPURE" TEACHERS...v16, 18  1. Don't get discouraged by "false teachers" they will be held accountable for their error;

Isaiah 55:11 So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.

V18 God can use those who were impure in motive to proclaim Jesus b. He can also use those imperfect in "ability". It's not your ability but your availability1)               Paul certainly claimed lack of ability to some degree.

1Co 2:3-5  I was with you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling. 4 And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, 5 that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.

I. Paul Magnified CHRIST BY HIS LIFEA.      WHY  Because of Christ's love for him 2Co 5:14-15 For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died; 15 and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again2. Because of the strength Christ gave him for daily living – Ph. 4:13