A. Background & Comments:
• The title & concept, Viva la Vida (Live the Life) are important because they do speak to the very same issue that Paul, the Apostle of Jesus Christ, addresses in Philippians 1: Christians need to be purposeful & joyful in living the Christian life. We are one of two things: either spectators or participants.
• Last week we established that to “live the life” means that we do not need to be held captive by “chains” in our lives, be they mental, emotional, familial, behavioral or vocational.
B. Main Thought:
In these verses we see two clear principles from the example of Paul’s life: adoption of these principles will help us to not be controlled by fear & circumstances.
C. Key Question:
What are the fears that seem to be controlling your life & leave you feeling helpless?
I. (vs. 12,13) Understand the Bigger Picture: Greater Purposes at Work
“ Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually 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.”
A. Paul, as established last week, was in jail & bound by chains for the heinous violation of preaching the truth about who Jesus Christ was! He was fearless – charging into situations where others feared to tread – not everyone welcomed that!
B. We are often bound by fear because we only see the short-term consequences of the moment.
II. (vs. 14) Understand the Bigger Picture: Other People Benefit
“ 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.”
A. Paul recognizes that, although he is suffering unjustly, his detention is bringing about good to the other believers who are aware of his circumstances.
Inspiring examples of assertive faith help ours grow…
B. While it may not be of great comfort in the moment, the reality that we can look back at negative circumstances in our lives & see that other’s benefit, helps us manage the fears of life.
Implications for Life
A. We need to pray that God will give us a greater sense of being able to see his purposes at work, behind the scenes & temporary circumstances.
B. In order to be people who “live the life”, we need to invest ourselves in overcoming fears & chains. When we do that, we will be noted by those around us, as living differently, causing people to stop & consider the reasons behind our choices.
“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.”
