Philippians 1:12-22
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. d 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![1]
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What is striking in this passage is Paul’s conviction that the negative things that have happened to him – specifically, being thrown in prison – will turn out for good. He is convinced that they will in fact turn out for his “deliverance.” One example he gives is that his imprisonment has led others to proclaim the gospel more boldly.
Paul’s conviction that His life is in Christ’s hands entirely also leads him to have a rather charitable attitude toward those who are preaching Christ for less than noble reasons. He rejoices, no matter their motivation, because Christ is being proclaimed. He is convinced that Christ’s will ultimately will be done.
As a result, we see Paul here is full of hope and lacking in bitterness despite the circumstances in which He finds himself. But Paul would point out that this is because the circumstances of life are immaterial. Christ is all in all to him. “To live is Christ and to die is gain.”
I will admit that my attitude too often falls far short of Paul’s example. Too often I let the circumstances of the day, and the setbacks that affect me and others weigh me down. So my prayer today is to rejoice as Paul does. To rejoice no matter the circumstance. To boldly trust in the Lordship of Christ, and the advance of the Kingdom. I pray that for me this day, Paul’s words would apply: “To live is Christ.”
What is the Word leading you to pray about today?
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[1] The New International Version. (2011). (Php 1:12–22). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.
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