Philippians 1:12, “But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel;”
Everything in Paul’s life was centered around Christ. Here he was in prison, held in bonds. Instead of complaining, he is praising God. Philippians 1:14 says that because of what he was going through many of the brethren had become bolder in speaking out for the Lord. This cannot have been a very pleasant way to live, but Paul is not focused on the ‘woe is me’ syndrome. He is thankful that He can serve the Lord and the gospel is being furthered.
Joy in the midst of turmoil. Praising God in the times of hardship. It is not our natural tendency to do this. Often minor inconveniences can cause us to gripe and complain. We can question God with a list of ‘whys’. Paul had his eyes in the right place – not on what was going on around him but Who was in control of what was going on around him. Because his attitude was right, he was being a testimony for Jesus and the gospel was being advanced.
Paul sums it up nicely in Philippians 1:27, “Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: …….that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel.”
This is what the Christian life is all about – living right, standing together with other Christians – being in agreement and working together for the cause of Christ. People are watching how you live and how you react to adversity. Ask God to help you to be the example you should be so that others will be encouraged to stand and serve no matter what is going on in their lives. People need to know that Jesus saves — and we need to be the ones to tell them!
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