I'll ask you to stand. You can follow along as I read. If not, that's all right where you're seated.

We'll begin in verse 12, where the Apostle Paul, by the Spirit of God, is writing to the church in Philippi and says,

Now, I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance

the gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone

else that I am in chains for Christ.

And because of my chains, verse 14, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident

in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear. It is true, verse 15, that some preach Christ

out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel.

The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I'm in chains.

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.

For I know, and I want to draw your attention to this word no.

We're going to be talking about this word no. Notice he doesn't say, I hope,

I pray, I think, no, I know. I know that through your prayers and God's provision, and

I love this, of the spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me,

will turn out for my deliverance. I know it. Let's pray if you would join with me.

Loving Heavenly Father, thank you so much for this portion that we have here before us this

morning in your word. Thank you for the Apostle Paul. Thank you for inspiring

Him by the Holy Spirit to write this letter so that we almost 2,000 years later would be here

in this your church as your people being ministered to and blessed by these

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