Philippians 1:12-30
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"Yes, and I will continue to rejoice..." (1:18b).
Paul's attitude in this section of Philippians is very positive despite his imprisonment (1:13), some rival preachers (1:15, 17), and the troubles the Philippians are experiencing (1:30). I thought about entitling this blog "Determined to be Positive" but then decided not to because I don't believe it is sheer determination that is the source of Paul's joy.
What is it then?
Jesus Christ and the advancement of the gospel. "...what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel" (1:12); "But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way... Christ is preached." (1:18) "For me to live is Christ and to die is gain." (1:22)
A prayer that I've heard recently embodies Paul's desire.
Lord,
May everything that happens to me today
be for my sanctification and the salvation of the world.
The redemptive framework that this prayer implies allows us to see circumstances of life in their best light. To see how Jesus is being revealed in them. And it motivates an expectation that God will be exalted whatever happens. Phil 1:20 "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."
How do we get that sort of hope? I think it comes by living in reponse to the gospel. See Paul's exhortation to the Philippians, "Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ." (1:27)
As I'm writing this, questions are arising: How would my perpective on my life change if I adopted this attitude? What would happen to my level of joy? I think I need to go talk to God about a few things. Maybe you do too.....
"Yes, and I will continue to rejoice..." (1:18b).
Paul's attitude in this section of Philippians is very positive despite his imprisonment (1:13), some rival preachers (1:15, 17), and the troubles the Philippians are experiencing (1:30). I thought about entitling this blog "Determined to be Positive" but then decided not to because I don't believe it is sheer determination that is the source of Paul's joy.
What is it then?
Jesus Christ and the advancement of the gospel. "...what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel" (1:12); "But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way... Christ is preached." (1:18) "For me to live is Christ and to die is gain." (1:22)
A prayer that I've heard recently embodies Paul's desire.
Lord,
May everything that happens to me today
be for my sanctification and the salvation of the world.
The redemptive framework that this prayer implies allows us to see circumstances of life in their best light. To see how Jesus is being revealed in them. And it motivates an expectation that God will be exalted whatever happens. Phil 1:20 "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."
How do we get that sort of hope? I think it comes by living in reponse to the gospel. See Paul's exhortation to the Philippians, "Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ." (1:27)
As I'm writing this, questions are arising: How would my perpective on my life change if I adopted this attitude? What would happen to my level of joy? I think I need to go talk to God about a few things. Maybe you do too.....
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