I. Paul’s prioritizes encouraging the saints.

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

Philippians 2:17 - Yes, and if I am being poured out as a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all.

Philippians 4:6-7 - Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

II. Paul prioritizes the furtherance of the gospel.

A. The gospel is spread to the palace guard.

Philippians 1:13 - so that it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ;

Philippians 4:22 - All the saints greet you, but especially those who are of Caesar’s household.

B. The gospel is spread through increased boldness.

Acts 4:31 - And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.

Acts 14:3 - Therefore they stayed there a long time, speaking boldly in the Lord, who was bearing witness to the word of His grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands.

C. The gospel is spread through persecution.

Acts 11:19-21 - Now those who were scattered after the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to no one but the Jews only. 20 But some of them were men from Cyprus and Cyrene, who, when they had come to Antioch, spoke to the Hellenists, preaching the Lord Jesus. 21 And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number believed and turned to the Lord.

“We are not a new philosophy but a divine revelation. That's why you can't just exterminate us; the more you kill the more we are. The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church. You praise those who endured pain and death - so long as they aren't Christians! Your cruelties merely prove our innocence of the crimes you charge against us…
And you frustrate your purpose. Because those who see us die, wonder why we do, for we die like the men you revere, not like slaves or criminals. And when they find out, they join us.” Tertullian

D. Paul’s consistent priority.

Acts 20:24 - But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.

1 Corinthians 2:2 - For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.

Next Sunday’s Sermon Text: Philippians 1:15-18