Posted by Lisa Laree to Beer Lahai Roi
Testimony in Time of Suffering: Philippians 1:12-29
1. The Gospel Advances - Phil. 1:12-18a
After his greetings, Paul immediately begins reassuring the Philippians about his condition. Sure, he's imprisoned and in chains, but he is quick to point out that those very circumstances have served to spread the Gospel - even the palace guards have heard the message of Jesus! And other brothers -- those not in prison -- have become more courageous in sharing the Gospel as well. Sure, Paul says, some of those folks weren't preaching from the best motives, but, so long as the Gospel is getting out, he's happy.
What a ministry model. Paul had no turf to guard, no agenda to protect. He didn't care if he got any credit for anything. So long as the Gospel was preached, he was happy. But, beyond that, even though he was shackled, he was actually able to share the Gospel with soldiers...men who otherwise might not have been able to hear it. He didn't complain about his unjust imprisonment; on the contrary, he saw it as an opportunity.
Friends, that's pretty amazing. I've got a long way to grow before I will be at that level. I'm just sayin'.
2. Paul Expects Freedom - Phil. 1: 18b - 25
So, Paul's rejoicing because the Gospel is spreading, and he's also rejoicing because he expects to be released. It's interesting to note that he freely recognizes that release could either be freedom from his prison, or it could be that he is killed for his stand in Christ. But look at what he says about those possibilities:
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. (v. 20)
He's talking about having courage when the executioner comes, if that's the outcome. He even admits in the next verse that it would be gain to him if he dies. But, he recognizes that it would be difficult for the Philippians, who love him, if he dies. So, he says, so long as it is necessary and expedient for him to live, he's sure he will. He even states that he expects to be reunited with them at some point in the future....since they have been praying for him (v. 19).
3)Living the Testimony of Suffering - Phil. 1:27 - 29
Still, Paul cautions them, 'Whatever happens...' He had confidence that he would be restored to them, but he also knew that God's plans might not go that way. He wanted to make sure the believers at Philippi did not get discouraged if he were not released, or, worse, if he were executed.
'Conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ,' he instructs them.
Let's look at how he describes a 'manner worthy of the Gospel':
-- stand firm in one spirit
-- contending as one man for the faith
-- not frightened in any way by the opposition
Living this way points to the grace of Christ, which empowers believers to maintain that lifestyle even in the face of suffering. It's a sign to those who oppose the Gospel message. It's the reason Paul's testimony has reached so far from his confinement...and the Philippians, who have shared Paul's struggle, have the same opportunities.
Final Thoughts: Paul's circumstances became a ministry tool; what unfavorable situations are in my life about which I need to shift my paradigm to consider them opportunities? To whom might such a shift testify about God's grace?
The Study so far:
Feb. 5 Intro
Feb. 12 Lesson 1 Phil. 1:1 - 11 Affectionate Greetings
Feb. 19 Lesson 2 Phil. 1:12 - 29 Testimony in a Time of Suffering
Feb. 26 Lesson 3 Phil. 2:1 - 16 Exhortation to Humility
March 5 Lesson 4 Phil. 2:17 - 30 Commendations of Coworkers
March 12 Lesson 5 Phil. 3: 1 - 16 Warnings Regarding Legalism
March 19 Lesson 6 Phil. 3:17 - 4:7 Instruction on Living as Citizens of Heaven
March 26 Lesson 7 Phil. 4:8 - 23 Gratitude for Concerned Support
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