Introduction: “Take the Good, with the Bad, and make the Best”! This was the title of a message that this writer preached a few years ago. Do you have a good attitude even though you are losing? Easier said than done right? Paul demonstrated this as he was inspired to write to the epistle to the Philippians. Even though he was confined to a Praetorian guard 24/7, he still made the Most of his situation.

 

1. First, Good things come out of Bad situations! (Phil 1:12) – “But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel.”

 

The gospel was going forward. Jesus Christ was being preached. In fact, Paul recognized that he, at that time, had a listening ear at his disposal. He would have never had the opportunity to speak to these high level Roman guards had he not been incarcerated. Think about it. Can you imagine what it was like to be chained to a “FOOL for CHRIST”?? Many turned and trusted in Jesus!

 

 

Remember the ruthless ruler named Nero who had CHRISTians burned to the stake to light up his garden. These Roman converts probably consisted of high ranking officials, guards, and servants. Basically, a revival broke out! Many heard the unadulterated Word of God from a flaming evangelist who had a real encounter with Jesus Christ – and he couldn’t get over it!! Have you gotten over it?

 

Conclusion: Clearly, Paul had a winning Attitude while others would claim he was losing. But in “heaven’s record book” – He WON!

 

Love y’all,

Pastor Randy Reese