Philippians 1:1-26.  Things were getting bleak for the apostle Paul. He had been arrested and imprisoned in Rome with no knowledge of when — or if — he would ever go to trial. Even if he went to trial, the most likely outcome would be his death. Meanwhile, the churches he planted throughout the empire were facing persecution from without and schism, hypocrisy and heresy from within.

Paul had experienced times like this before. His first trip to Philippi resulted in he and Silas being jailed (Acts 16).  They responded to this bleak outcome by singing hymns of joy, and were interrupted by an opportunity to lead their jailor to Christ.

So Paul has reasons to be optimistic about this situation as well.

1. He is confident that God will continue the good work he has begun in the lives of the Philippian Christians (6). 
2. He is confident that the gospel will be advanced through his witness to the imperial guard (12-13).
3. He is confident that the gospel will continue to be proclaimed by the Philippians, whether from good motives or bad (14-18).
4. Although he thinks he will be released*, he is confident that whether this situation ends with his release or with his death, Christ will be honored, and that will be gain for the gospel (19-26).

LORD, no matter what the circumstances, may we spread thanksgiving and joy from confidence in you and your word.

*It appears that Paul was right in assuming that he would be released from this imprisonment. Some evidence suggests that he was released, only to be arrested and imprisoned again before his execution some years later.