Philippians - Chains (Lesson 2 - Post 1)

This week, our scripture focus will be Philippians 1: 12 - 26.  Today, let's examine  verses 12 - 14.

After Paul has shared his heart-prayer for these people with whom he feels a close partnership, he moves into a section where he talks about his own circumstances and how they are proving helpful.  But wait, he is writing from a Roman prison.  He is chained to a Roman guard under some kind of house arrest.  He is not free to come and go at will.  He is awaiting a trial that will determine whether he will live or die.  Helpful?  These circumstances helpful? 

Yes ... and the reason he could view them through that lens was because of his singular purpose.  We find it in verse 12.  Advancing the gospel was Paul's passionate driving goal.  That's the preeminent task.  And he explains how his current circumstances were helping that goal. 

What is the gospel?  Very often we get its definition all tangled up with religion and religious practice.  Paul defines it for us himself.  In 1 Corinthians 15: 1 - 8 Paul reminds the Corinthian believers of the gospel that he has preached to them.  And he wants to clarify it so that there is no confusion.  So he says:

"Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Peter, and then to the Twelve.  After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep.  Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born." 

 That's the gospel.  The life - death - resurrection - and continued life and presence of Jesus, Son of God.  Advancing that gospel message was everything to Paul. 

He gives us 2 reasons why his chains have been helpful to his goal.  First, a whole new group of people are hearing the message of Jesus and his sacrificial death.  The guards chained to Paul were a captive audience ... and they thought he was the captive!  And secondly, other believers were speaking about Jesus more boldly because of Paul's chains.  I think it must have been the "If he can do that ... I can certainly do this" syndrome.  Because of what Paul was enduring and still spreading the gospel (no self pity!) than they gained courage to speak up about their faith and their Lord.  Result ... the news of Jesus was spreading.

God has used interesting things throughout the ages.  He used Moses' staff.  He used David's sling.  And He used Paul's chains. 

So my question for you and me:  Do I view difficult circumstances as opportunities for God to work, for God to be seen and revealed?  Is my driving passion more about my comfort than about the honor of God? 

Warren Wiersbe:  "When you have a single mind - you look on circumstances as God-given opportunities for furtherance of the gospel; and you rejoice at what God is going to do instead of complaining about what God did not do."

Lord, help us have eyes to see the difficulties in our lives as opportunities for Your name to be glorified and honored.  Guard us from self-pity.  This difficulty I am facing right now (name yours!).  Show me how I can honor You as I walk in it.  Give me boldness and courage as I speak Your name in the midst of it.