Welcome to “Chains of Freedom”!
Title: Bold and Fearless in the Gospel
Key Verses: “So that it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ; and most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.” Phil 1:13-14
Background: Phil 1:3-11
- Gospel prayer v3-4
- Gospel fellowship v5
- Gospel confidence v6
- Gospel heart v 7
- Gospel witness v8
- Gospel love v9
- Gospel excellence v10
- Gospel righteousness v11

Framework for Today: Phil 1:3-11 “chains”
1) Chains understanding v12 chains – bond, tie, restrain
a. I want you to know know – make clear, see, get, understand
b. Things happen
c. Furtherance of the gospel gospel – good news, proclamation, declaration
2) Chains are in Christ v13
a. Evidence evidence – testimony, prove, demonstrate
b. Whole palace guard
3) Chains of confidence confidence – belief, faith, trust
a. Bold to speak the word bold – daring, courageous,
b. Fearless in the word fearless – brave, courageous, heroic
4) Chains of deception v15-16
a. Preach Christ different reasons preach – proclaim, communicate, speak
i. In Envy and strife envy – jealousy, resentment, greed
ii. In strife strife – discord, conflict, rivalry
iii. In goodwill
5) Chains of the gospel v17
a. Preach with love
b. As one appointed appointed – chosen selected, arranged
c. To defend the gospel defence – shield, guard, protect
6) Chains of rejoicing in Christ v18 rejoice – exalt, celebrate, delight
a. In every way
b. In pretence or in truth pretence – deceit, deception, charade
c. Christ is preached truth – reality, sincerity, honesty, fact

Reflections:
Paul wanted the church to know what we have been given in Christ through the gospel. Even though he has been physically chained, the gospel has been going out with confidence, boldness and without fear. Paul’s life, boar evidence of the gospel power in others and that his chains are chains in Christ. The truth of Christ and His gospel has been setting people free both in truth and in love. The situation that one may find themselves in, does not need to hinder the power of the Gospel of Christ Jesus.

March 13, 2022. #717