Day 2 - Philippians 1:12-26

12 And I want you to know, my dear brothers and sisters, that everything that has happened to me here has helped to spread the Good News. 13 For everyone here, including the whole palace guard, knows that I am in chains because of Christ. 14 And because of my imprisonment, most of the believers here have gained confidence and boldly speak God’s message without fear.

15 It’s true that some are preaching out of jealousy and rivalry. But others preach about Christ with pure motives. 16 They preach because they love me, for they know I have been appointed to defend the Good News. 17 Those others do not have pure motives as they preach about Christ. They preach with selfish ambition, not sincerely, intending to make my chains more painful to me. 18 But that doesn’t matter. Whether their motives are false or genuine, the message about Christ is being preached either way, so I rejoice. And I will continue to rejoice. 19 For I know that as you pray for me and the Spirit of Jesus Christ helps me, this will lead to my deliverance.

20 For I fully expect and hope that I will never be ashamed, but that I will continue to be bold for Christ, as I have been in the past. And I trust that my life will bring honor to Christ, whether I live or die. 21 For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better. 22 But if I live, I can do more fruitful work for Christ. So I really don’t know which is better. 23 I’m torn between two desires: I long to go and be with Christ, which would be far better for me. 24 But for your sakes, it is better that I continue to live.

25 Knowing this, I am convinced that I will remain alive so I can continue to help all of you grow and experience the joy of your faith. 26 And when I come to you again, you will have even more reason to take pride in Christ Jesus because of what he is doing through me.


Terrie's Comments:
Have you ever had the thought "does it even matter if I pray?"  In verse 19 Paul talks about knowing that as the body in Philippi prayed for him the Spirit of Jesus helped him and led to his deliverance.  Prayer is powerful.  I think most of the time I don't remember how powerful my prayers are.  

Paul had a confidence in Christ that was unshakable and one to be learned from.  He had ONE focus in his life... to bring honor to Jesus Christ!  His heart was for the body of Christ and for those who were not yet believers.  He knew that he had purpose and that is what drove his life daily.  

The balance between living or dying was a matter of what Jesus wanted Paul to do.  It was not a self focused dilemma for him.  I know that there have been times that I have wrestled with similar thoughts to what Paul talks about in verse 20-25 and have come to the same conclusion that he did...

" 24 But for your sakes, it is better that I continue to live.


25 Knowing this, I am convinced that I will remain alive so I can continue to help all of you grow and experience the joy of your faith."

There is no better feeling than to be a part of seeing people grow in their faith and to know that God used you to help encourage them in their journey.  Our work here on earth as ambassadors for Jesus Christ is far from over!



Tori's Comments:

This passage makes for an interesting comparison of my life. Do I speak of the gospel boldly and without fear? Do I seek to honor God with my life daily?

Even more, is there any hint of shame in me at the thought of telling someone what God has done in my life? That would easily be identified as something not from God.

The people needed help to "experience the joy of your faith". Am I experiencing that now? Do I keep in mind the freedom I've been given and what's been done for me, or do I let things block my light? 


Take our personal comments or leave them. We would love to hear what stood out to you about today`s passage and how it encouraged you. Tell us in the comments below!