UNSTOPPABLE
Opening Prayer
Use Psalm 145 to praise God and to share in a heavenly perspective.
Read Philippians 1:12–26
Paul’s Chains Advance the Gospel
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.
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.
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. 21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. 22 If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! 23 I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; 24 but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. 25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me.
New International Version (NIV)
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
Sometimes it seems that the purposes of God are surging forward. At other times they seem to be at a standstill.Paul had every reason to feel downcast: he was in prison, the Gospel was being usurped by rivals and opponents, and the churches he had planted were vulnerable. Nevertheless, he is full of hope. His imprisonment for Christ has become a talking point (13), the Christian community has been emboldened (14), and the Gospel is spreading despite the mixed motives of its preachers (18). The work of God is unstoppable.
How is this possible? Firstly, Paul embraces his situation with courage (20). The early church did not pray for easier circumstances but for boldness (Acts 4:29). Paul does not want to be ashamed of his behavior (20) and he wants the church to be proud of him (26). Secondly, Paul knew himself to be supported by prayer (19a). Thirdly, he had the direct support of the Spirit of Jesus Christ (19b). These three factors allowed the purposes of God to thrive in unpromising circumstances. Paul’s future is uncertain (20), but he places himself at God’s disposal, whether that means freedom or prison, life or death. Even death cannot stall the purpose of God, for that means being with Christ.
Apply
Take Paul’s three principles and apply them to your own life: choose not to be ashamed of the Gospel, gather others to support you in prayer, and remind yourself that the Spirit of God renews you.
Closing prayer
Lord, give me courage. Be glorified through my life. May others be encouraged by how I live in the power of the Spirit of Jesus.
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