A. Suffering turns into salvation (18b-20)

 1. (12-14) Don’t be deceived by bad circumstances

12 Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, 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 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.

2. (15-18a) Don’t be deceived by people’s ill will

15 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.

B. Suffering turns into salvation (18b-20)

Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, 19 for I know that through your prayers and God’s provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. 20 I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.

1. Because we know something more important than our own life

2. By being prayed for and filled with the Spirit

Summary

Perhaps God is revealing Himself to you and people around you through your present suffering. Let us not be deceived by how we ourselves feel about our suffering or by what others say about it, but focus on how God is working through it. God lets no one suffer for no use. Rather, He wants to save everyone. This we believe by receiving the Spirit of Jesus Christ, by which we can always find joy in our suffering.

For Discussion

1.How does suffering turn into joy?
2.What is your salvation?