Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear through the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. 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.
Philippians 1:12-14 New International Version (NIV)
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. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body.
Philippians 1: 20-24 (NIV)
“For you are perfect, no matter what, in the joy or the suffering, I sing it loud”
“You are good when life is not”
“I Choose to Worship” BY REND COLLECTIVE
“God is good when life is not”
Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one Spirit, striving together as one for faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you.
Philippians 1:27 (NIV)
- Surrender of positions of honor, comfort and authority for
the good of others - Sacrifice of our own purposes or goals for the good of the kingdom of God
- Love so powerful that even in the midst of sacrificing his very life,
Jesus could beg God to forgive those crucifying him - Grace so powerful that even though Paul had actively worked to have Christians arrested and put to death for their faith, when he came to understand and believe in Jesus himself, the apostles accepted him and supported his ministry
- The life, death and miraculous resurrection of Jesus that invites us
– yet sinners – into an eternal relationship with the living God.
…to be transformed by the renewing of your minds…
Romans 12:2 (NIV)
how can the gospel be advanced even in this?
Are we living lives worthy of the gospel?
Lives that are in balance with the greatness of God
and the sacrifice of Jesus?