Lord Let My Pain, Be For Your Gain
{Text Philippians 1:12-24}
Pain – The distress or suffering, mental or physical caused by great anxiety, anguish, grief, disappointment. Punishment, hurt.
Gain – The act of getting something, to get an increase, to get by labor to earn
The city of Philippi traces it’s history back to the days of Philip II, who was the father of Alexander the great. The Romans gained control over Macedonia in 168 BC and in 30 BC made the city a colony. This designation elevated the city to a higher status than other Roman domains. Such a status exempted the city from Roman taxes. Because of the strategic location it became the gateway connecting Europe to Asia to the east. Paul regarded the city as a strategic location for the spread of the gospel, so when he experienced the vision of a Macedonian man pleading for him to come to them he immediately responded
Introduction
No person in the Bible , other than Jesus, did more for the advancement of Christianity and the early church than the Apostle Paul. Paul was born with a strong spirit and rich religious heritage. He was a Benjamite, a Pharisee and a Roman citizen (Phil 3:4-6) yet, even with this rich heritage, Paul (Saul of Tarsus before conversion), like many today, knew God but did not know Him through Jesus. Paul had strong roots in a religious family, participated in sacred worship services, but lacked a personal relationship with God. He was a master of the Law of God but truly did not know God. Paul’s life, however, forever changed after his personal encounter with Jesus on the Damascus road (Acts 9 & Acts 22:1-21). Instead of focusing on the Law and his religious experience, Paul now focused on the goodness and grace of God through Jesus Christ.
The encouraging words of Paul, penned in more than half of the New Testament, provided a sure and substantive foundation for every Christian. From the doctrinal writings of Romans to the personal Epistles of Timothy and Philemon, Paul heralds messages of truth, hope and encouragement. Some of the most simple but profound Christian truths are found in his writings;
Romans 6:23 – For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of god is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord
Ephesians 2:8 – For by grace are ye saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God
I Timothy 2:4 – God will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
Paul’s most exciting and intriguing characteristic was his unique gift to face persecution, oppression and spiritual attack while simultaneously remaining positive. Paul was shipwrecked three times, drifted at sea for a night and a day, experienced dangers from bandits, his own people, gentiles and the wilderness, had many sleepless nights, was often hungry and thirsty; was cast into prison on many, many occasions and beaten openly. Paul reflected a positive attitude towards all afflictions, hardships and trials. In spite of all he experienced, he could say, all things work together for the good to them that love God, to them that are called according to his purpose. Even unto death Paul wanted his life to be an example to all followers and for his Pain to only be a Gain to the kingdom of God.
Sermon Points
1. We must understand that everything good or bad, positive of negative that happens to us can be used to glorify God’s kingdom
2. Paul was locked away awaiting death, suffering but he was still concerned with living a life in front of the followers that was pleasing to God
3. Our past no matter how painful combined with God redeeming powers can open doors for us to serve others,
4. We must not let the sufferings of Life make us useless to God.
