In these
verses, Paul wrote to encourage the Philippians who apparently were concerned
for him. He not only had opposition from without, but was also misunderstood
from within. Out of jealousy many had maligned him. The Philippians knew the
tremendous hardship he endured in the works of the Gospel. They knew that he
did not flinch from his calling but had instead dutifully and responsibly
discharged them joyfully for the Lord. Not wanting the Philippians to be
discouraged, Paul penned these verses to encourage them. In a nutshell, he
wrote to tell them that the Sovereign God can bring wonderful results out of
bad circumstances.
As far as Paul
was concerned, God has all things under His control. Events in Paul’s life
didn’t just happen without a purpose. God’s designs were seen through each one
of them. Hence his bondage did not put any restrain on his ministry. In fact it
had brought about positive results. Firstly, the Gospel advanced to the whole
praetorian guard. These were the elite guards from the governor’s palace. And
all who came in contact with him had the Gospel preached to them. Secondly, his
confinement goaded some to speak out for Christ courageously.
Here Paul
pointed out that those who began preaching fearlessly might have differing
motives. One group preached out of envy and selfish motives, while another out
of good will and pure motives. Regardless of the motives, however, Paul’s joy
and delight was that the Gospel was advancing.
Like Paul we
should seize every opportunity, even tough and hard circumstances, making the
best use of them to advance God’s glory. Let’s not be afraid of rivalry. Let’s
learn to look beyond them to the plan and purposes of God, and the advancement
of the Gospel. We must learn from Paul. We cannot instill faith into the hearts
of the people because that is entirely God’s prerogative. But we, on our part, can
live in such a way that we leave a good impression about Christ, in the people
whom we come in contact with.
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