Philippians 1
August 9, 2022
“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 throughout 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. (v12-14)
Throughout this chapter, Paul testifies to how he is rejoicing, even “in chains” (v18) - because his chains have provided an opportunity to be an even more effective witness to unbelievers, and inspiring witness to fellow believers. It seems counter-intuitive, but my experience (personally and pastorally) is that our “chains” (circumstances we wouldn’t choose for ourselves) often increase the credibility of our witness to both believers and unbelievers, because for some reason – people are more inclined to listen to our words when they can see our wounds.
Father, I praise You that You are able to use pain, hardship and circumstances that I would not choose for myself - to both work in me and through me. Not that I’m a prisoner in a first century Roman jail cell. But I do find myself in a painful situation that I would not have chosen for myself. Instead of slipping into self-pity, though, remind me that these “chains” can serve Your purpose of increasing the effectiveness of my witness to both believers and unbelievers. May Christ, indeed, be lifted up and seen more clearly through my chains!
— Pastor Joshua Brooks
Use the following steps to guide your daily time with the Lord…
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Start with prayer. Ask God to open your heart to help you understand and receive His Word.
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Read and observe the passage carefully. As needed, read a second Bible version to help with understanding.
➡️ What does it say?
What does this passage teach me about God? What does it say about my sinful nature and my need for God’s grace? How does this passage point to Jesus?
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➡️ What am I going to do about it?
Does this passage include a promise to claim, an action/attitude to avoid/embrace, or a principle to apply? How can this truth apply to my life? What could my next step be? How can I share this with others? Is there a verse or section of Scripture I need to memorize?
