Philippians 1:12-18 – When things go wrong
Philippians 1:15-17 “It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. 16 The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17 The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains”
Here are a few questions that I love to ask:
- What do you do when you don’t get what you want?
- When things don’t go as planned how do you respond?
Ways we respond to life’s curveballs:
- We catastrophize
“The brain is a story-making machine, and when it doesn’t have enough information, it fills in the blanks — usually with our worst fears.” therapist Brené Brown
- We Compare
Philippians 1:18 “But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice”
- We Numb
Numbing doesn’t make the pain go away. It just defers the pain
- We manipulate or control others
- We get angry
- We get bitter
- We forcefully do it anyway
How is it even possible that Paul can stay positive in his situation? He reframes his circumstances:
Philippians 1:12-14 “Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters,[b] that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. 13 As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard[c] and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. 14 And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear.”
The next morning, Edison replied: “There is great value in disaster. All our mistakes are burned up. Thank God we can start anew.”
Important for us to understand – God is not surprised by what surprised you.
How do we respond with purpose and joy in the midst of life’s curveballs?
Right Rooted 1: Name what actually happened — Not just what you feel
Right Rooted 2: Ask “what is possible?” not just “why did this happen?”
Philippians 1:12 “What has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel.”
You may not be able to change your circumstance right now. But you can change your orientation toward it.
Right Rooted 3: Come Back to What Doesn’t Change
Paul’s final word in this passage is rejoice.
Philippians 1:15-18 “It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. 16 The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17 The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. 18 But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.”
“Life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans.” John Lennon
Here’s the gospel version: “God is what happens when your plans fall apart.”
