READ: Philippians 1:1-26.
Verses chosen for
reflection: Philippians 1: 12-14.
12 I want you to know, brothers, that
what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, 13 so
that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to
all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ. 14 And
most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment,
are much more bold to speak the word without fear.
REFLECT
The Apostle Paul wrote this letter to his close friends, the Christians
in Philippi, from his house arrest in Rome (cf. Acts 28:30-31) as he waited for
his court appearance before Caesar around A.D. 61. Paul wrote this letter with his
overflowing love and affection for the Philippian believers and to thank them for
the gift they had sent him.
In his letter, Paul manifested a reaction that inevitably makes us take
notice with his attitude. Paul answered a concern of the Philippians. He wanted
them to know that God’s blessing and power were still with him, even though he
was in prison. When Paul was with the Philippians, there were amazing examples
of the sovereign power of God, culminating in a divine jailbreak and their
vindication before civil magistrates (Acts 16:11-40). In the end, all these adversities
turned out good for the furtherance of the Gospel.
Ordinary person would be discouraged that the imprisonment would hamper
the work of God. But Paul encouraged the Philippians that his situation was not
out of the will of God, and God’s work continued. In contrast, Paul understood
that God was in control throughout and that his adversity in fact has advanced
the Gospel.
RELATE
Being in prison, Paul was in a sticky situation. In verse 17, he has expressed
a concern in that his imprisonment has left a void for the work of the Gospel.
In fact, it seems that some of the people who stepped up to spread the Gospel
in Paul’s absence were doing it with bad motives, as he writes, “supposing that
they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains.” Yet, he could rejoice
because Christ is preached, when he said, “whether in pretence or in truth,
Christ is proclaimed.” (v.18).
And as a result of the divine jailbreaks, all observers were astonished to
know that he was not an ordinary prisoner, but that he was an emissary of Jesus
Christ. Conversions even took place with palace guards. Freedom or imprisonment
was not too great a concern for Paul. He was not in despair at all. Instead
of complaining, or focusing on his problems, he was
thinking about others, and ways to glorify God. He was concern with
the lives of the Philippian Christians, if they were able “to stand firm in one
spirit, ... “What a beautiful heart Paul has!
Paul’s unwavering commitment to glorify God and serve others
during times of adversity is an example that we can
all learn from. Very often, we allow our problems, sufferings and
difficulties to bog us down. We lose our joy and start to blame everyone,
including God. Paul had even considered losing his life as a gain, if it is for Christ's sake (v.21). Indeed, Paul’s attitude and behaviour is extraordinary because he
had joy in the midst of trials. It is a powerful thing to watch
somebody who is suffering continue to have hope in Jesus. It is
powerful because it is not what we usually see people
do in these situations.
Doreen is one such wonderful Christian sister. Having to cope with all
the side effects from her cancer treatments for years, Doreen has only asked for
prayer support from her siblings and friends. She did not blame God or stop
serving people and the Lord altogether. She continues with her usual lifestyle,
giving time to praise God, earnestly sharing the Gospel and serve whoever in need.
In fact, we receive more encouragement notes from her than we send to her.
As Christians, our light shines brightest in times of darkness (John
1:5) and that would be a way to advance the Gospel. During times
of adversity, if we continue to have faith and put
our trust in Jesus, others will take notice, and God will
be glorified.
REST
Father, in
the midst of my dark days, help me to find strength and hope through Christ. I
recognize that my confidence come from a quiet resting upon an unchangeable
fact - that Jesus is more than able to meet every adversity. Amen.
Vincent
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