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Reading - Whatever happens. (Philippians 1:12-14)
Paul probably wrote this letter to the Philippian believers from Rome in c.61AD where he was under house arrest (Acts 28:14-31). Already he had written to the Saints in Rome, c.57AD, and told them of his desire to come and minister the gospel to them (Ro.1:10-13), but his commitment to personally deliver the collection taken among the Gentile churches to the needy church in Jerusalem took precedence (Ro.15:25-28). His plans, however, were clear:
"So after I have completed this task and have made sure that they have received this fruit, I will go to Spain and visit you on the way. I know that when I come to you, will come in the full measure of the blessing of Christ" (Ro.15:28-29)
Paul had an itinerary and who doesn't know how it feels when our plans go awry? He took the collection to Jerusalem to find the city was soon in an uproar over his presence. "The whole city was aroused" and Paul's testimony of his conversion only served to arouse them further. He was to be flogged when he declared his Roman citizenship and found himself bound in chains and bound for Rome (Acts 22). It was from here that he wrote those remarkable words to the Philippians:
"Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really 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. Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly."
This is not simply "positive thinking". Paul was not making lemonade from the lemons life had handed him. He was trusting in the providence of God to make every situation turn out for His glory and the deliverance of the Saints:
"I will continue to rejoice, 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. I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death." (v.v. 18(b)-20)
Paul saw opportunity in his predicament - "it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ."
Paul saw encouragement for others in his chains - "Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly."
Paul saw an opportunity to teach by example - "I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted."
And urged the Saints of Philippi to do the same:
"Whatever happens, conduct yourself in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm…" (v.27)
As you go into this week whatever plans you have
may not work out as you hoped. Will you, with Paul, see God working in
your circumstances anyway and conduct yourself, whatever happens, in a
manner worthy of the gospel of Christ?