Philippians 1:12-18 — Gospel + suffering = more gospel
gospelthread: The Source of Paul’s joy in suffering is actually the clearest demonstration of God using suffering to advance the Gospel. That Source is Jesus himself. Jesus suffered the worst death in human history, but in being lifted up on the cross for all to see, the gospel advanced to people from every tribe, nation, and tongue.
Philippians 1:19-26 — New and improved death wish
gospelthread: To live is Christ, and to die is gain. Paul’s dilemma points to a greater life and death: Jesus set his face toward the cross to gain a people for himself.
Philippians 1:27-30 — Connection failed
gospelthread: At the cross, we are shown how heartbreaking our lack of unity really is. For the first time in all of eternity, Jesus was left completely alone. His disciples abandoned him and his Father in heaven turned his face away.
Philippians 2:1-8 — The king of humility
gospelthread: At the cross, we find original and contagious humility in Jesus—the king who gave up his throne, his life and everything in between to save us.