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EXPECTATION AND HOPE

Text: Philippians 1
8 January 2012

(I) THE PROBLEM OF SUFFERING

1. Part and parcel of being a believer

“For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake” Philippians 1:29

2. Potentially terrifying

“And not in any way terrified by your adversaries…” Philippians 1:28

3. The experience of Paul

a) In chains ( Philippians 1:7, 13, 14, 16 )

b) Added afflictions ( Philippians 1:16 )

c) Threatened death

(II) THE CONFIDENCE OF BEING DELIVERED

1. Fully convinced of the Lord’s deliverance

“For I know that this will turn out for my deliverance…” Philippians 1:19

2. Confidence of a continuing ministry

a) Paul will remain to help the brethren grow

“And being confident of this, I know that I shall remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy of faith” Philippians 1:25

b) Abundant joy in seeing each other again

“That your rejoicing for me may be more abundant in Jesus Christ by my coming to you again.” Philippians 1:26

(III) THE MEANS OF DELIVERANCE

“Through your prayer and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ” Philippians 1:19

1. Prayer

2. Supply of the Spirit of Christ

(IV) A TREMENDOUS SENSE OF HOPE

1. Hope as the basis of our confidence

“According to my earnest expectation and hope…” Philippians 1:20

a) A reasoned understanding of hope

b) The link between our expectation and hope

i) “Earnest expectation”

ii) “hope”

2. The focus of our hope

a) No shame to be anticipated

“That in nothing I shall be ashamed” Philippians 1:20

b) The magnifying of Christ

“But with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death.” Philippians 1:20

c) Based on the principle of the centrality of Christ

“For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” Philippians 1:21

(V) CHOOSING WITH HOPE

“But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I cannot tell. For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you.” Philippians 1:22-24

1. The choice between living on and departing

2. Either way is fine

3. Yet choosing that which is more needful for others rather than that which is far better for self

4. Our expectation and hope is that Christ is magnified

5. There is a great sense of confidence in life or death