We’ve been reading and re-reading Philippians 1:12-18 this week.
Philippians 1:12-18
The Advance of the Gospel
12 I want you to know, brothers,[e] 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[f] 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[g] without fear.
15 Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will. 16 The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17 The former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment. 18 What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice.
(taken from the ESV)
Questions to ponder…
What effect did Paul’s imprisonment have on other believers?
Why didn’t Paul care if some people preached Christ out of envy or rivalry?
Paul refused to dwell on the negative aspects of his situation. How can a person develop this habit?
A few thoughts that jumped out at me.
I really like verse 18. It kinda sums it all up, but it is a strong statement:
“…in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice.”
This was Paul’s ultimate goal. He cared little about other things. That is a desire of mine…to be so caught up and focused on Jesus that telling others about Him is my main priority. I have such a long way to go in reaching this goal!!
I’d like to hear from you —
What caught your attention?
All-of-a-kind Mom 