When I think of Phil. 1:12-18, which has two paragraphs (1:12-14 and 1:15-18), a number of possible sermon titles comes to mind:
- The Priority of the Gospel for Paul.
- How to Deal with Trouble and Troublemakers.
- A Prisoner's Triumph.
- Living to Advance the Gospel Despite Adversity.
- Cheerful Sounds from a Jail Cell
- Your Circumstances -- A Witness for Christ!
- Good Results from Bad Circumstances.
Lots of choices! I decided on this outline:
Sermon Title:
Making the Most of Your Adversity for the Gospel's Sake
Question driving the sermon:
How can our adversities advance the Gospel?
Outline:
1. When we see our painful circumstances as opportunities for evangelism (1:12-13).
2. When we see others' pettiness as reminders of our highest ambition: to see Christ proclaimed (1:15-18).
Takeaways:
1. Adversity provides new opportunities to share our faith.
2. We can use our circumstances as a witness for Christ.
3. My pain can be for His gain.
4. Sometimes the gospel advances by those who do not support us and will not cooperate with us.
How would you teach/preach this passage?
Have a great day!