Hello everyone!!!
Sometimes Circumstances can worry us and make us forget that God is in full control.
Paul talked in great detail about how his unfavorable circumstances – instead of creating room for “pity-party” --- became the catapult for gospel sharing. He found joy in his imprisonment because he had a perspective of faith– that viewed his dire situation through God’s eyes.
Now I want you to know, brethren, that my circumstances have turned out for the greater progress of the gospel, so that my imprisonment in the cause of Christ has become well known throughout the whole praetorian guard and to everyone else, and that most of the brethren, trusting in the Lord because of my imprisonment, have far more courage to speak the word of God without fear. Some, to be sure, are preaching Christ even from envy and strife, but some also from good will; the latter do it out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel; the former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition rather than from pure motives, thinking to cause me distress in my imprisonment. What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed; and in this I rejoice.
Yes, and I will rejoice, for I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayers and the provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, according to my earnest expectation and hope, that I will not be put to shame in anything, but that with all boldness, Christ will even now, as always, be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.
-Philippians 1:12-20
New American Standard Bible
Paul makes mention of the praetorian guards –the elite group of Roman soldiers guarding him. Generally called the “kingmakers” in history, these highly trained military men were Paul’s audience for the gospel story! More importantly, Paul also took note of the believers who became even more courageous to share their faith because of Paul’s imprisonment. The result? The good news about the saving work of Jesus Christ, His death and resurrection, began to spread throughout the only world power back then, the Roman Empire.
In Romans 8:28-29, Paul gives this perspective: God works all things together (the good, the bad, the dangerous, or even the disappointing) for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose! To Paul, as long as Christ is proclaimed, he will rejoice, even if there are ill-mannered people preaching in his absence! We see in this narrative that Paul’s joy is truly made complete in Jesus Christ. His presence in his life was enough to keep the candle in Paul’s heart burning. David, in Psalm 16:11, notes that in God’s presence, one can find “fullness of joy”. There is only one secret to a life of complete, unwavering joy: if we live Christ-centered lives, we live truly happy lives no matter what! God Bless and have a great day in God’s Word.
Scene From the Movie: "Jojo Rabbit"
My smartphonephotography collections.
Photos are mine and taken by me using my A10s
Taken at City of Pines, Baguio City, Philippines
©️Ptr. Peter Tan-Chi | CCF Main
© Christ's Commission Fellowship
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