Focused on a Higher Priority - Philippians 1:12-20
July 19, 2025

Focused on a Higher Priority

Philippians 1:12-20
Darrin Marriot, Lead Pastor

Big Idea: Fulfilling our calling requires that we don’t get thrown off by deception or distraction but maintain a clear focus on our priorities.
Philippians 1:9-18
12 I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, 13 so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ. 14 And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. 15 Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will. 16 The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17 The former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment. 18 What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice.Yes, and I will rejoice

I. Focused on the Gospel (vv. 12-18)

A. The Philippian church was deeply concerned about Paul’s imprisonment. Paul relieves their anxiety, however, by letting them know his circumstances have furthered the Gospel. Paul’s attitude reflects a focus that is not on himself, but on a higher priority—God’s Kingdom.

A. Paul takes this approach because he clearly sees:

1. That his circumstances have informed others of the Good News of Christ Jesus (v. 13).

2. That his circumstances have encouraged others in the Good News of Christ Jesus (v. 14).

3. That his circumstances have revealed the power of the Good News of Christ Jesus (vv. 15-18; cf. 2 Cor. 1:8-11).
2 Corinthians 1:8-11
8 For we do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of the affliction we experienced in Asia. For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself. 9 Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead. 10 He delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will deliver us again. 11 You also must help us by prayer, so that many will give thanks on our behalf for the blessing granted us through the prayers of many.

C. In his day, Paul had his detractors, but he didn’t dwell on them because he didn’t have time for petty rivalries or mind games. Paul was laser focused on his mission to proclaim the Gospel, plant churches, and raise up leaders for discipleship (cf. Eph. 3:7-13). As such, he rejoiced when the Gospel was preached, regardless of the motives in doing so.
Ephesians 3:7-13
7 Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God’s grace, which was given me by the working of his power. 8 To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, 9 and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God, who created all things, 10 so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. 11 This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord, 12 in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him. 13 So I ask you not to lose heart over what I am suffering for you, which is your glory.

II. Focused on God’s Glory (vv. 18-20)

A. Knowing the Gospel is proclaimed in any and every way leads Paul to rejoice, even in his difficult circumstances. This is because Paul is ultimately focused on God’s glory and not his own and he is confident of God’s presence and power in his life.

B. Paul has confidence in:

1. The prayers of the Philippians (v. 19; cf. Col. 4:2-4).
Colossians 4:2-4
2 Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. 3 At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison— 4 that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak.

2. The power of the Holy Spirit (v. 19; cf. 1 Cor. 2:1-5).
1 Corinthians 2:1-5
1 And I, when I came to you, brothers, did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom.2 For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.3 And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling4 and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power5 so that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.

3. His victory through Jesus Christ (v. 20).

4. Knowing that God will be glorified through his obedience (v. 20).

C. It’s no secret that we can often be distracted. Electronic devices, social media, news media, and the like can rob us of attention that we should be giving to other, more important things. It’s vital that we focus on Jesus and His Word so that we can have a clear view of our priorities.