Page 8 - Living Light - A Message of Joy!

THIS WEEK’S BIBLE INSIGHTS ARE BY:
Helena Wilkinson and are based on Philippians 1:12-20 (NIV)
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO READ MORE ON THIS WEEK’S MAJOR THEME:
Romans 5
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 defence 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. 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.
Sunday December 3 - Powerful impact of suffering Now I want you to know... that what has happened to me has actually
served to advance the gospel... I am in chains for Christ. Philippians 1:12-13
The believers in Philippi had heard of Paul’s arrest and imprisonment for his faith, and no doubt, at first, it was deeply challenging for them. After all, it wasn’t as if Paul had done anything criminal! However, Paul reassures them that what has happened to him actually serves to advance the gospel.
It’s so easy, when we are in the midst of difficult circumstances, or suffering, to focus on ourselves and what we need, rather than on proclaiming God’s word. Many people think that if they follow Christ then they shouldn’t have problems or difficulties. Jesus says differently: “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
Paul implies that proclaiming the gospel is what is important, not his own comfort. In the world in which we now live, comfort is high on people’s agendas; in contrast, proclaiming Christ is high on Paul’s agenda! He explains to the believers in Philippi, ‘... it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ’ (Philippians 1:13). The guards no doubt see a big difference in how Paul responds compared to the other prisoners. Both his afflictions and reactions promote the gospel. When you are in difficult circumstances, do you think people see your stress more than your trust in God?
Father, I ask that you give me faith, courage, strength, and boldness to be more like Paul. Amen.
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PRAYER FOR TODAY