In the uncertainty and chaos of life, it's good to be reminded of the promise you have in Christ.
Read / Listen to the chapter:
Read the chapter in an outlined format
Previous DIG DEEPER posts on Philippians
Philippians 1 Summary
Christianity has always been a tough sell, and it didn't help Paul's early efforts that he was imprisoned and facing execution. After all, why would anybody believe a convict on death row?
But in God's providence, Paul's imprisonment served to advance the gospel, since Paul was able to share the good news with the guards and other prisoners (v12-13)! Plus, rather than being ashamed of Paul's imprisonment, other Christians gained confidence and are much more bold to speak the word without fear (v14).
Paul knows that his deliverance will come soon, and in one of two ways. If he were to be set free he could continue his work of spreading the gospel, but even the other alternative - execution - could be considered deliverance since Paul's life is rooted in Christ.
Notice how Paul frames it in v21, that for him to die is gain! He writes, my desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account (v23-24).
This is exactly how we're commanded to live as Christians. The world defines a worthwhile life as one filled with good things and lots of stuff, but instead, we're called to let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ (v27). In other words, our focus must be outward, for certainly our faith in Christ is a gift, but it's also been gifted that you should suffer for His sake (v29).
Dig Deeper
Verse 6 is an excellent verse to memorize and depend upon:
And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.
Know that in good times and bad, in life and in death, you belong in body and soul to your faithful Savior, Jesus Christ.
AAA Prayer:
ACKNOWLEDGE WHO GOD IS: God, our Father (v2) who began a good work in you and will see it to completion (v6)
ALIGN YOUR LIFE WITH GOD'S WILL: Ask God for the strength to conduct yourself in a manner worthy of Christ (v27)
ASK GOD FOR WHAT YOU NEED:
