Scripture:
Philippians 1:12-18 NKJV
[12] But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel, [13] so that it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ; [14] and most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much bolder to speak the word without fear. [15] Some indeed preach Christ even from envy and strife, and some also from goodwill: [16] The former preach Christ from selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my chains; [17] but the latter out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel. [18] What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is preached; and in this I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice.
Observation:
After reading the bible for the first time and being inspired by Paul and his letters, it surprised me to find out that a good portion of his letters were written in a prison cell. To read the joy and hope he had found in Christ Jesus even in difficult times was one of the ways that the LORD used Paul to change the lives of those around him. To put it as straight as I know how… even in a jail cell, Paul’s life, and the way he conducted himself spoke volumes to the palace guard. It spoke so profoundly that they would have to change the men who stood guard over him regularly because he would lead them to salvation through Christ. He used every opportunity he had to speak about Jesus. His chains and the prison walls only confirmed in his mind and heart that GOD had a big plan for him. They did not silence him they gave him courage and boldness. However, the group of men that he used to run around with wanted him to stop. The way they understood GOD and HIS plan was not the same as what Jesus Christ had revealed to Paul on the road to Damascus. So they were trying to use what Paul was saying against him. But all it did was strengthen him and increase his faith. Although the Pharisees were speaking against Christ for selfish reasons, the name of Christ was being heard, and everyone was watching the truth unfold in real-time. Paul’s faith in Jesus gave him peace in a chaotic time in his life. A peace that no one really understood but him and those whom he would explain it to. So, to him, it didn’t matter that they had ill intentions. Because he knew that Jesus Christ would prevail over them just like HE did over him. Paul’s life was proof that his encounter on that road with Jesus was absolutely real. His whole belief system changed. It shook the foundation of the religious world at the time. I personally find it houmous that those who wanted to silence him only gave him more courage. Those who wanted to oppress the people were only the catalyst to Paul’s preaching about freedom. Christ and crucified are a stumbling block and a rock of offense to those who do not understand.
Application:
I have a question… do you allow the ridicule of others to silence you? Where is your understanding of the gospel? Do you know who the son sets free? Is, free indeed? There’s no real question there if you have established a relationship with Jesus Christ. You have been set free. Don’t allow the unbelief of others to sway you. I’m just getting back to the simple gospel. I have heard it preach in so many different ways I have heard it preach for selfish gain and from a humble standpoint of a transformed life. The thing is, when the name of Jesus is lifted up, demons flee out of fear. The foundation of hell is shaken, and that hinges on the gate that holds our brothers and sisters captive become a little looser and looser. No matter what the reason for HIS name being preached, HIS fruit will be produced by it. HE does not start what HE will not finish, and if someone is using the name of Christ for selfish gain, they will be brought to the true faith. My point is to let your walk speak. Then speak your walk. It’s hard for someone to discount what you say when you show them first. What people are looking for is real they want to see real believers believing for real. Trusting that GOD is who HE says HE is, and HE will do what HE says HE will do. I say this often, so it must bear repeating that your life is not your own. It has been bought with a price. So preach the gospel, and whenever necessary, use words. When they oppose you, it’s not you, they are opposed to… it’s GOD as long as you stand in the palm of HIS hand. If GOD is for you, no one can stand against you.
Prayer:
Father, we are yours… your workmanship. You have hand-crafted us and forged us by fire. It’s hard to threaten someone with hell who has walked through the fire unscathed. We know that you are with us and we suit up this morning. Knowing that the battle has already been won. We are not asking to speak but asking for your word to speak through the way we conduct our lives. You are our maker and our king. Show out in our lives. Help us to speak with boldness and passion. Knowing that if we are rejected for the truth, it’s not us they reject but you. Our love for you is true let that be seen and heard in our lives. It’s in the mighty name of Jesus I pray amen.