Philippians 1:7-19

Philippians 1:7-19 (NIV)

7 It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart; for whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God's grace with me.
8 God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.
9 And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight,
10 so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ,
11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ--to the glory and praise of God.
12 Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel.
13 As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ.
14 Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly.
15 It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill.
16 The latter do so in love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel.
17 The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains.
18 But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice,
19 for I know that through your prayers and the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance.

Continuing in our series on Philippians, I was preparing thoughts on the verses above. I really struggled over what to say/write. I looked at it critically (this passage comes from the “thanksgiving section” of Philippians). I researched prison conditions in Paul’s day (imprisonment was not a punishment; it was only for holding awaiting sentencing of either acquittal or death). I did all that because I was avoiding the nagging thought that I didn’t want to deal with: my situation is almost the complete opposite of Paul’s. He was imprisoned for being a Christian and preaching the gospel. He suffered negative worldly consequences for following Christ. I, on the other hand, reap earthly rewards for following (or at least looking like I am following) Christ. I work for a Christian employer. My family and friends are mostly people who are Christians. All of the external pressures in my life are to keep the faith, not abandon it - at least to keep it outwardly. It is only when it is between God and I, and no one will ever know, that I am faced with the decision to “consider the cost”.

This situation puts fear into me sometimes because I am faced with the thought of “would I still be a Christian if it didn’t benefit me so much here.” I have to constantly focus not on appearing Christian but following after God in my own heart. Paul’s faith was put to the test by outward forces. I need to work out my own faith in my own heart “with fear and trembling”. Paul was faithful in the face of opposition. I am in danger of being complacent in the face of peace and comfort.

Notice Paul says that even the ministry of those who preach out of selfish motives can be used by God. I can’t even use ministry effectiveness as a sign that I am right with God. I don’t want to “play church” or “play pastor.” I want my relationship with God to be real. Those around me will never be able to validate it. Only God, who the relationship is with, can give me that comfort and validation.

Prayer:

Lord, help me to focus on you. Help me to not worry about what others think about my relationship with you but to make the relationship real. My situation is one where perceived piety will be rewarded. Help me to be real with you. I need you Lord. Help me never to forget it.

Mark Wallace