1.      By the time we get to v. 18, we see that Paul is in a state of rejoicing.  We need to remember that Paul is in prison when he is writing this.  By worldly standards, Paul had every reason to mope, complain, and wallow in self-pity.  After all, he had been imprisoned for doing God’s will.  Wasn’t God in absolute control of everything?  (cf. Isaiah 46:10)  Didn’t He promise to work all things out for ‘good’ to those who loved Him? (Romans 8:28)  This is what joy is all about.  It is not dependent upon our circumstances in this life; rather, it depends totally upon God’s sovereign advancement of the Good News of Jesus Christ. 

2.      In v.12, what causes Paul to rejoice in his shackles?  Does this change our western definition of ‘good’ in Romans 8:28?  Could we truly rejoice if we were in his place? 

3.      What does the advance of the gospel look like in v.13?  This is somewhat reminiscent of what happened in Acts 16, where Paul & Silas’ imprisonment led to the salvation of the Philippian jailer.  See also Philippians 4:22. 

4.      In v.13, Paul literally says, “My chains are in Christ.”  What does this mean?  Though this theology is not very popular or attractive to our ears in the west, suffering was a real aspect of being a Christian, and a real necessity of advancing the gospel in Paul’s time.  Paul is saying that being “in Christ” includes suffering.  Since Paul knows that his suffering is not in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58), he is able to rejoice, since he knows that this is how God in His sovereignty has seen fit as a major & effective way of advancing the good news of Christ.  See also, Philippians 1:29; 2 Corinthians 1:3-7; Colossians 1:24-26; 2 Timothy 2:3; 1 Peter 2:19-21.  For a [long] sermon I preached on the necessity of suffering to advance the gospel, see: http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?sermonid=11208230484 

5.      According to v.14, what is another reason why Paul can rejoice in his chains?  Not only are his chains advancing the gospel amongst the imperial guard; those who were formerly too timid & afraid to are also advancing the ‘message’ of Christ in Philippi. 

6.      In v.15, we see what it looks like when the prayer of 1:9-11 is answered.  When informed & discerning love abounds more & more in the hearts of Christ’s people, they are able to “approve” what things are best in a given situation.  Despite the ill motives of some, Paul can still rejoice, for Christ’s gospel is going forth.  I truly believe that if more Christians got this, there wouldn’t be so much inter-denominational strife in Christ’s body, the church (see 2 Corinthians 4:5). 

7.      In v.15, we also see the power of the gospel.  Even if it is preached with wrong motives, it is still the power of God unto salvation for everyone who believes it (see Romans 1:16; cf. 2 Timothy 2:9). 

8.      According to v.16, the gospel is under attack.  In God’s sovereign plan, what has Paul been “appointed”[1] to do?  Are we as Christians also called to defend the gospel? (See Philippians 1:27; Jude 3)[2] 

9.      Paul’s greatest love & desire in this world was to see the aroma of Jesus Christ, his crucified, risen, and exalted Lord, disseminated throughout the world.  If it meant suffering, so be it, as long as the gospel advanced (see Philippians 1:21).  Is this true for us?  In 3:17, Paul calls the Philippians to join together in continuously imitating him, so that they too would be able to experience the fullness of his joy as well.  Oh how we need to pray for God’s sovereign & will-changing grace to infiltrate our hearts & desires, that we too would be able with Paul to know exactly what it meant to rejoice, no matter what (see Philippians 4:11-13).

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