Joy: Week 1 - Day 1
OPENING PRAYER:
Father, I ask for eyes to see and ears to hear as I spend time in your word. Give me a heart ready to know your will and strength to do it. In Jesus name. Amen
READ:
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 preached 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.
27 Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel 28 without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God. Philippians 1:12-28
REFLECT:
Paul was not being facetious when he wrote about rejoicing in his suffering. The basis for his counter-intuitive viewpoint is framed in the opening verses of today’s text, particularly verses 12-14 which say, “And I want you to know, my dear brothers and sisters, that everything that has happened to me here has helped to spread the Good News. For everyone here, including the whole palace guard, knows that I am in chains because of Christ. And because of my imprisonment, most of the believers here have gained confidence and boldly speak God’s message without fear.” (New Living Translation)
The idea that there is good in suffering is certainly outside the philosophy of most Americans. We strive with great effort and zeal for every freedom we can lay claim. Yet Paul suggests there is merit in suffering. How could Paul consider imprisonment a positive experience?
The principle of reward in suffering is found throughout scripture. In this text, Paul focuses on two that apply to his situation. First, he considers his imprisonment a good trade for his freedom because his mission field to preach the Gospel has been expanded. Not only do the Roman soldiers guarding the prisoners hear about Jesus but also other prisoners who don’t know Jesus. Secondly, Paul sees that fellow believers imprisoned with him were emboldened to speak about their faith.
APPLY:
Few of us have been imprisoned because of our faith in Jesus. But should that day come, we can take heart and find encouragement in Paul’s experience. When life has us in uncomfortable, difficult and even painful experiences, it is good to remember that we don’t face them alone and in the midst of our suffering there is potential for the Gospel to flourish.
CLOSING PRAYER:
Lord God, strengthen me and encourage me. Help me live with the attitude of Paul and be willing to face any circumstances with faith that rejoices in spite of my circumstances. Amen.