"Good News"

Phillipians 1:12-19

Good News is all about Jesus Christ-->The Gospel

*Bask in the glow of the Good News. Circumstances do not need to rob us of the inner joy of the goodness of God

1) DESPITE OUTSIDE OPPOSITION (vs. 12-14)
-All that has happened to Paul has helped spread/advance the Gospel/Good News.
-You can still have joy in the Good News no matter what happens on the outside.
-RESULT: CONVERSION - confinement/imprisonment did what circumstances outside couldn't do.
-RESULT: COURAGE -confidence to speak the Good News without fear in everyday conversation (not just a pastor's job). Courage is contageous.

2) DESPITE INSIDE COMPETITION (vs. 15-19)
-Deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow JESUS daily.
-Motives: self-promotion, possessive of "turf," envy, jealousy = poor motives for ministry.
-REFOCUS: PRIORITIES - Who's the real enemy? (vs. 18), no need to attack those who are preaching the GOSPEL no matter what their motives and/or gains, GOD is the judge of those motives, not us. God will use the preaching of the GOSPEL for HIS BENEFIT no matter what.
-REFOCUS: PERSPECTIVE - Shift our focus from ourselves to our GOD!