READ: Philippians
1
Throughout this chapter we see Paul’s tender love toward the people at
Philippi. He counts them as partners in the gospel. Right from the beginning
the Church at Philippi has remained involved with Paul. They’ve obviously
continued to correspond, however, there is a deeper relationship Paul refers to
here.
He has had their support while in prison as well as keeping up the
spreading of the gospel while he’s been away. The partnership in imprisonment,
though, is significant. Paul clearly encourages them by letting them know how
their support of him in prison, their prayers and continued spreading of the
gospel is having great effect on the ministry he has in prison. He counts them
as part of the success. Paul does not see himself as a lone ranger. He is giving
them the good news from prison so they can be encouraged and motivated to keep
on keeping on.
Paul is also very honest about how difficult it is to be in prison. We
could entitle this chapter ‘Joy in Suffering’. He really would rather die. Yet
he communicates to his converts how effective persecution is for the furthering
of the Kingdom of God. Even the Imperial Guard has noticed Paul and knows he is
there because of his faith. Paul has been busy. His time in prison has been
difficult, full-time ministry. He explains with his life how he wants to live
so as not to be ashamed, even in the most dire situation, when most would
excuse bad behavior. He would prefer to die and be with Jesus, yet his longing
to see others saved becomes a solid reason to stay alive. He is completely
submitted to God… whether in life or in death. We might call this a gospel of
suffering as Paul explains that his joy still comes from the Lord.
He raises a difficult issue, one many struggle with today. Paul talks
about preachers and evangelists who are doing it for all the wrong reasons.
They have selfish and sinful motivations. Yet people are still being saved
while he, the genuine article, sits in jail. They are purposely doing it to
offend him while he is in prison. Paul could have been angry, even be tempted
to give up all together. Instead, though, he is joyful and praising God that
even though the methods are not good, people are still being saved.
JOURNALING
AND PRAYER
1. Paul makes a very deliberate effort to let the
believers at Philippi understand how much of a difference their prayers make,
not only for his endurance and ability to stay alive, but also for the
furthering of the gospel. Ask the Holy Spirit to bring to mind situations, or
countries, or specific people you have heard are suffering or in prison for
their faith. Perhaps they are not in prison, but they have been held back from
gainful employment or education, etc. because of their faith. Spend some time
praying for their endurance and the furthering of the gospel among those who
persecute them. Consider going to www.persecution.net to find
people to pray for (Voice of the Martyrs Canada).
2. Reflect on a recent difficulty you have faced.
Could you say along with Paul that you are completely submitted to God, whether
you live or die there is truly benefit for you? Ask the Holy Spirit to speak to
you about how prepared you are to suffer for your faith in such a way that your
suffering would be a catalyst to growth in the Kingdom.
3. Do you have a mentality about your church or your
pastor or your way of doing things that it is the only way to lead
others to Christ and into growth? Confess this as sin and ask the Lord to show
you how it is His work to bring people to Him. Ask Him to speak to your heart
about the unity of those who truly come to Christ no matter who led them to
Christ. Thank Him for the miracle of unifying people across borders,
denominations, language and race through the work of the Holy Spirit.
