Bible, Fruit, Heaven, Ministry, Scripture

DECISIONS, DECISIONS!

PHILIPPIANS 1:22

“But, if I am to live on in the flesh, this will mean fruitful labor for me, and I do not know which to choose.”

I have been a decision maker for quite some time now. As my ministry progressed, I was given more and more decisions to make. Some big and some small, but all were decisions that had to be made by me. “The buck stops here” is really true if you are in leadership.

Paul was torn between the desire to continue to minister, even though that meant being held in a prison, and the desire to be called on to heaven. Paul had “tasted” a little bit of heaven before (read 2 Corinthians 12:4). He was looking forward to his heavenly reward, yet he still had more work to do.

APPLICATION

If you were given the choice to either stay here and continue to labor for the Lord or go on to heaven, what would you choose? Staying here for your kids or grandkids is admirable. No one wants to leave them behind, especially before knowing they are secure in the Lord. But our reason for staying needs to go beyond just our families. What has the Lord called you to do?

Look what Paul says here. He says living “will mean fruitful labor.” In other words, if he is alive he can continue to live out John 15:16 which says, “…and appointed you, that you should go and bear fruit…” We are called to bear fruit. Paul had never forgotten his calling to reach the Gentiles. He wasn’t done yet.

Stop being so heavenly minded that you are no earthly good. Look around you. How can God use you today to produce fruit that will last for His kingdom? When it’s time to go to heaven, He’ll call you. I say often that I am immortal until God calls me home. He knows the number of my days. Until then I want to be used by Him. How about you?

Father, use me up to my last breath to produce fruit for Your kingdom.

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Bible, Christ, Death, Life, Scripture

LIFE AND DEATH

PHILIPPIANS 1:21

“For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”

This verse has a special place in my heart. My wife and I had the verse reference inscribed on our daughter Cathleen’s headstone. Cathleen only lived six hours and died back on 9/11/87. We did not lose a child. We know exactly where she is. And one day when her mom and I get to heaven, she will introduce us to Jesus (rather than the other way around). She is not dead. She is fully alive!

Paul was ready to die for Christ. He was trusting in His all sufficient mercy and grace to release him from prison. But if not, he was ready to die. God did indeed have mercy, and Paul was released after two years of his house arrest imprisonment. Of course, we know Paul was arrested a second time and was martyred sometime in A.D. 66. Paul was ready to live or die for Christ.

APPLICATION

Most, if not all, of you reading this blog today will not have to make the decision to live or die for Christ. What exactly does it mean for us then? What did Paul mean when he said, “to live” and “to die” for Christ? First, Paul says “to live is Christ.” His reason for living was to glorify Christ. Albert Barnes gives four purposes for Paul’s living for Jesus. “1) a purpose to know as much of Christ as it was possible to know, 2) a purpose to imitate Christ, 3) a purpose to make his religion known, as far as possible, among mankind, and 4) it was a purpose to enjoy Christ.”

Then Paul says, “to die is gain.” Now, humanly speaking that makes no sense, does it. We tend to see death as final. We even say someone has “checked out” when they die. But Paul saw it differently. The word “gain” is kerdos and it means a profit or advantage. Paul knew all he had invested in this life would produce a profit – eternal life with Christ. Who could ask for more?

While we are here, we should live every day with a purpose (as Barnes mentioned above). We should seek to glorify the only One worthy of glory. And then when the day comes to “cash in our chips” we should lay it all down without pause. We are about to enter our reward. To live or die – it’s all for Christ!

Father God, give me the courage and peace to live or die for Christ each and every day.

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Ashamed, Bible, Boldness, Freedom, Jesus, Scripture

NOT ASHAMED

PHILIPPIANS 1:20

“according to my eager expectation and hope, that I will not be put to shame in anything, but that with all boldness, Christ will even now, as always, be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.”

Feeling ashamed for something you have done wrong is normal. I won’t begin to tell you about the things I have done in the past that were shameful. Some of those things might curl your hair. My BC (Before Christ) days were not exactly things I want to talk about. I try my best, with the help of the Holy Spirit, to avoid shameful behavior today. Sometimes, however, I will say or do something that makes me feel ashamed. Let’s see what Paul was saying about this in today’s verse.

Paul was not ashamed of his life there in that prison. He was actually still doing what he was imprisoned for – preaching Jesus. The verb used here, “be put to shame,” is the Greek word aischunó which in only used five times in the New Testament. In four of the five times, it is used like it is here in Philippians, in a negative reference. The other time is in Luke 16:3 in the story about the unrighteous steward. The steward says he was “ashamed to beg.” Elsewhere, we are told to “not be ashamed.”

APPLICATION

In 2 Corinthians 10:8, Paul says, “For if I boast somewhat more about our authority, which the Lord gave for building you up and not for destroying you, I will not be put to shame,” Paul would never feel ashamed because of what the Lord had called him to do. Nor should we, no matter what that is. Perhaps the Lord has called you to sweep streets. Then be the best street sweeper in the world for the glory of Jesus.

Peter uses this word in 1 Peter 4:16 as he is discussing the privilege we have in suffering for Jesus. “but if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name.” We are to glorify God in the midst of the suffering. That sounds crazy, I know, but that is exactly what our attitude should be.

We see aischunó used once more in 1 John 2:28. “Now, little children, remain in Him, so that when He appears, we may have confidence and not draw back from Him in shame at His coming.” We should be walking with Him in such a way that no matter what we are doing when He appears, we will not be ashamed. Is that you? Are you living unashamed? Let Jesus rid you of any shame you are feeling today and walk in victory.

Father, I am thankful for the freedom I have from shame. You have cleansed me and made me unashamed in Christ.

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Bible, Deliverance, Prayer, Scripture, Trust

THE EFFECT OF PRAYER

PHILIPPIANS 1:19

“for I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayers and the provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,”

We have probably all heard testimonies about how someone prayed for something, and God answered their prayer. We have also heard from people who said God never answers their prayers. Which is it? Does God always answer our prayers? Is He really listening? Psalm 5:3 answers that pretty clearly. “In the morning, O LORD, You will hear my voice; In the morning I will order my prayer to You and eagerly watch.”

Paul is stating a fact in today’s verse, not just dreaming about what he wishes would happen. He said, “I know.” The Greek verb there, oida, is in the Perfect tense. That is important because it meant this was a past event that has lasting results. Paul knew from his past knowledge of prayer that this would end exactly the way God intended. He believed he would be delivered or rescued from his present circumstances. Why? Because of the Philippians’ prayers for him.

APPLICATION

I could give you dozens of examples of answered prayers in my life. That does not make me more spiritual. It just means I have learned to look for the answer when I pray. Does God always answer my prayers? Yes. Sometimes it is a yes. Other times it is a no, and most of the time He says, “Not now.” But God has always answered my sincere attempts to hear from Him. I am a slow learner, though. He often has to repeat His answer several times for me to hear it.

These prayers that were being offered up were specific prayers. The Greek word there is deésis. This word “is used to describe prayers that are specific and fervent, often in the context of seeking divine intervention or assistance.” (Strong’s Lexicon). Don’t pray flippant and non-specific prayers. Pray exactly. Pray intently. Pray fervently.

Your prayers can change things. Does it change God’s mind? No, it is meant to change our hearts to see things God’s way. Our prayers for others are meant to draw us closer to Him. As we beseech God for someone’s salvation or healing, we are coming before the One who has the power to answer. Pray and trust. Read Psalm 5:3 again. Practice this daily.

O Lord, I know You are listening and are intent on meeting my deepest needs.

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Bible, Gospel, Motive, Rejoicing, Scripture, Truth

REJOICE IN CHRIST

PHILIPPIANS 1:18

“What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in this I rejoice. But not only that, I also will rejoice,”

Sometimes people’s motives for doing something is outweighed by the result they have. Case in point – today’s verse. We’ll get there in a second or two. “The end justifies the means” is NOT what Paul is saying here. That is an unbiblical statement. We can’t do anything we want any way we want as long as we point to God. I could name examples I know about, but I shall refrain from doing so. That in itself would do exactly what I am saying we should not do.

Many scholars say this about what Paul says here. “Of course, this rejoicing does not refer to the impure intention of the preachers, but to the objective result.” These Jewish believers in question were preaching Jesus but were holding the Gentiles to the Mosaic Laws regarding festivals and ordinances. They were attempting to “steal away” Paul’s followers and build their own. BUT they were preaching Jesus as the Messiah Who had come to save all mankind. For that, Paul is rejoicing.

APPLICATION

Matthew, Mark and Luke all use the word for “pretense” when they quoted Jesus as He taught against the Pharisees and Scribes. Luke 20:46-47 says, “46 ‘Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and love personal greetings in the marketplaces, and chief seats in the synagogues and places of honor at banquets, 47 who devour widows’ houses, and for appearance’s sake offer long prayers. These will receive all the more condemnation.’” (See also Matthew 23:14 and Mark 12:38-40)

Notice Jesus wasn’t condemning their prayers. He was condemning their motives for the prayers. Perhaps there were those in the synagogues who were moved by their prayers, the mentioning of the name of Yahweh or the recitation of God’s Word in their prayers. Jesus didn’t say they shouldn’t pray. He warned of their motives.

How can we apply this to our lives? Don’t judge the eternal results of someone’s ministry. That’s for God to decide. We should be careful whom we support to ensure they are not teaching false doctrine or anything that would lead someone away from Christ. We have way too many Christian denominations with way too many traditions and teachings. Not all line up with the Word. But if someone of another denomination leads someone to Jesus, let’s celebrate that. Let’s rejoice in Christ as Paul did.

Father, help me ensure that I focus on the eternal results of anything I teach about Jesus.

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Affliction, Bible, Distress, Scripture, Tribulations

CAUSING ME DISTRESS

PHILIPPIANS 1:17

“the former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition rather than from pure motives, thinking that they are causing me distress in my imprisonment.”

Have you ever been “between a rock and a hard place”? Do you know what I mean? There seems to be pressure mounting from every side. There is no escape. I have experienced that a few times in my life. Let me just say – I did not enjoy it! Lol. People were clamoring for things to be done. I had family responsibilities. One thing after another was demanding my time, and I had no help. (or so I thought)

Why am I talking about that? Because Paul uses a word today that could be described in that fashion. The word “distress” is the Greek word thlipsis, which Strong’s Lexicon describes this way. It “is used in the New Testament to describe a state of severe distress or suffering, often due to external pressures or persecution. It conveys the idea of being under pressure or in a state of affliction, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual.” Paul had the pressure of imprisonment and these “no-gooders” were trying to take advantage of the situation, hoping to hurt Paul even more.

APPLICATION

Thlipsis is used in Mark 4:17 to describe the afflictions that come upon the seed sown in the rocky soil. We know what happened there, don’t we? The seed could not survive. Neither can you if you remain there. We need nourishment. We need watering. I am planting a couple of new shrubs in our yard right now. The soil is not the most favorable. It’s hard and clay like. I had to dig a larger than necessary hole to make sure there was enough room for the roots of that plant to survive. I had to go deep. Hmmm, that might just apply to us, don’t you think?

In Romans 5:3-4, Paul gives us an interesting take on this word, thlipsis. “3 And not only this, but we also celebrate in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; 4 and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope;” Paul actually has the nerve to say tribulations (thlipsis) can produce something good. How dare he! Lol.

I know in my life, that has been true. It takes a lot of pressure and time to produce a diamond, doesn’t it? God allows this distress, these tribulations in our lives to make us into His diamonds, His precious gems. He loves you enough to allow that. When we learn to embrace it, like Paul, we will begin to see the benefits.

O Lord, it’s hard to say “Thank You” for the tribulations of life, but I trust You know how best to make me into what You want me to be.

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Bible, Defense, Love, Prison, Scripture, Witnessing

OUT OF LOVE

PHILIPPIANS 1:16

“the latter do it out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel;”

Why do we do the things we do for others? I have been helping my wife care for our 9 month old grandson these past several months. Let me say first and foremost what a privilege that is. I believe grandparents have a higher calling for this. My wife and I know that we are not just babysitting. We are investing in a brand new life who is part of our legacy. Along with his parents and other grandparents we are pouring our lives into him to help make him into a godly man, husband, father, etc.

Paul continues his line of reasoning, tying this verse back to the last phrase in the previous verse, “but some also from good will.” There’s a little Greek word that does not appear in this translation. It’s men which can be translated as “indeed” or “on the other hand.” It’s a word written to draw a contrast to another statement. In this case, Paul was contrasting those who were preaching for ill reasons against those who did it out of love, God’s agape love, benevolent love, what is good for others.

APPLICATION

What have you done out of love for others? Now, before you answer that, let me clarify. What have you done out of love for others knowing you will receive nothing in return? Hmmm, that puts a different slant on it, doesn’t it? It is easy to love when we know that love will be reciprocated. These Philippian believers who were preaching out of love were doing this to aid Paul’s ministry and further the Gospel, knowing that 1) their lives were endangered by doing so and 2) they may never see the fruit of their labors.

They were doing this because of what they saw Paul doing – defending the Gospel. The Greek word for “defense” is apologia where we get our word apologetics. Strong’s Lexicon says this word “refers to a formal defense or justification of one’s beliefs, actions, or position. It is often used in the context of defending the Christian faith against accusations or misunderstandings.”

It was really out of love for Jesus that Paul did this and now why the Philippian believers were doing this. They stood tall and proud to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ to whomever would listen. Are we as bold? Do we do it out of love? Do your own self-assessment. I’ve done mine and I know I have room for improvement.

O Lord, give me a heart full of the love of Jesus that just overflows on others.

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Bible, Envy, Gospel, Motive, Scripture, Strife

THE RIGHT MOTIVE

PHILIPPIANS 1:15

“Some, to be sure, are preaching Christ even from envy and strife, but some also from goodwill;”

If you turn on the television, especially on Sundays, you can find some preachers who are, to say it politely, a little questionable. One may ask themselves what their motive is for preaching the Gospel. My paternal grandmother was hooked by a televangelist back in the 80’s. After she passed my dad found where she had sent him a good bit of money, hoping for some miracle. That has always made me check my ego at the door when I share the Word.

This issue isn’t anything new. Today’s verse has Paul discussing this very thing. While some were stepping up and preaching the Word boldly while Paul was imprisoned, others were taking advantage of that void in the early Christian world. They were pursuing all the wrong things in their preaching. Paul says they were “preaching Christ even from envy and strife.” That’s pretty bold, don’t you think? Some things never change.

APPLICATION

Our application today is pretty clear – check your motive. When you share the Gospel, when you witness to someone, check your motive. Make sure you are doing these “kingdom works” for His glory and not your own. Remember 1 Corinthians 3:12-13? “12 Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, or straw, 13 each one’s work will become evident; for the day will show it because it is to be revealed with fire, and the fire itself will test the quality of each one’s work.”

Many scholars believe these people in question were the Judaizers who were always opposing Paul. They taught that you had to keep the Mosaic Law even after receiving Christ. They even tried to force the Gentile believers to embrace this. They were all about building themselves up in front of the people, not Christ.

Now, your methodology may not be envious or strifeful, but if the motive is not purely to glorify Christ, you’ve got the wrong motive. Ask yourself If I receive no credit for this, would I still do it? Ask the Lord if your motive is pure. He will definitely tell you. Preach the Word. Share the Gospel. But do it for Jesus and no one else.

O Lord, keep my motives pure as I share the Gospel with others.

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Bible, Encouragement, Prison, Scripture, Suffering, Testimony

ENCOURAGEMENT THROUGH SUFFERING

PHILIPPIANS 1:14

“and that most of the brothers and sisters, trusting in the Lord because of my imprisonment, have far more courage to speak the word of God without fear.”

have mentioned several times about my two stem cell transplants I underwent for my Amyloidosis treatment. Both involved a considerable amount of suffering that I had rather not endure again. But both of these experiences served to encourage others in their own walk of faith. I can’t begin to tell you the number of people who were praying for me worldwide and the cards and letters I received from friends and family. Many even sent money to help with our expenses. These people experienced my suffering by praying and supporting us.

Paul is in prison, but he is still encouraging these believers. How can that be? How can one man’s suffering encourage others? Paul uses a Greek word here to describe what these Philippian Christians were doing. The verb “have…courage” is tolmaó, and it means “to show daring courage necessary for a valid risk (putting it all on the line); courageously venture forward by putting fear behind and embracing the fruit that lies ahead for taking a necessary risk.” (HELPS Word Studies)

APPLICATION

So, how do we do that? By doing exactly what the Philippians believers did. Here is what Albert Barnes said about their courage to speak forth about Jesus without fear. “This might have been either: (1) that from the very fact that so distinguished a champion of the truth had been imprisoned, they were excited to do all they could in the cause of the gospel. Or, (2) they were aroused by the fact that the cause of his imprisonment had become generally understood, and that there was a strong current of popular favor setting toward Christianity in consequence of it. Or, (3) they had had contact with Paul in his own ‘hired house,’ and had been incited and encouraged by him to put forth great efforts in the cause. Or, (4) it would seem that some had been emboldened to promulgate their views, and set themselves up as preachers, who would have been restrained if Paul had been at liberty.”

Any of those speculations could have been the truth. The bottom line – they were encouraged by Paul’s suffering. When you see others suffering, what is your response? I pray it is not just to have pity on them. No! We should immediately begin to pray for them. By doing so, God builds our own faith. We can see Him work through difficult situations. We can experience a deeper faith by trusting in His divine will.

In Mark 15:43 when Jospeh of Arimathea went up to ask Pilate for Jesus’ body, this same word is used. It says, “…he gathered up courage and went in before Pilate…” That took courage. That was daring. Pilate had just crucified Jesus. But Joseph’s faith in Jesus as the Messiah had been strengthened by Jesus’ suffering and death. Thus, we have the empty tomb which was provided by Joseph.

How can you encourage others in your suffering? How can you be encouraged by someone else’s suffering? Think about that.

O God, no one likes to suffer or see suffering but use it to strengthen our faith or the faith of others.

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Bible, Faith, Influence, Prison, Scripture, Witnessing

UNEXPECTED INFLUENCE

PHILIPPIANS 1:13

“so that my imprisonment in the cause of Christ has become well known throughout the praetorian guard and to everyone else,” 

Has anyone ever come up to you and said, “You probably don’t remember me, but you made such an impact on my life when…”? That’s happened to me a couple of times. I am always humbled and usually surprised. My favorite story is of a teen I had in a church in South Georgia while I was home from college one summer. He rarely came and often sat in the back of the group. To my surprise, God called that young man to the ministry. I had an unexpected influence in that man’s life that summer.

So, here is Paul in prison in Rome surrounded by Roman soldiers. But God gives him influence in their lives through the knowledge of why he was imprisoned and his attitude while he was there. We know from history that there were many Christian Roman soldiers. Perhaps Paul was the initial influencer of that while he was in prison. It’s just a reminder that God can use you no matter where you are – in prison or not.

APPLICATION

The Greek word used by Paul here for “well known” is phaneros, which comes from phaino (to shine). This reminds me of Matthew 5:16 where we see Christ saying, “‘Your light must shine before people in such a way that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.’” Paul was letting his light shine there in that Roman prison as he testified to why he was there and what Christ had done.

Now, don’t think this Roman praetorian guard was easy pickings. They were a tough bunch. These men were often used as the personal bodyguards of the emperor. They had more privileges than the normal Romans soldier, served fewer years and received a higher pay. These were an elite fighting force and the only ones allowed to carry a sword in the presence of the emperor. So, don’t think God will only give you easy audiences with whom to share your faith.

Paul was willing to be imprisoned for his faith and then looked for ways to continue sharing it, even if it meant sharing it with those who imprisoned him. Do you remember when the Philippian church was established? Paul was in a Philippian jail and led the jailer and his family to Christ. I bet the church got a real kick out of reading how God was using Paul now in a Roman prison. You just never know who God will allow you to influence.

Father, place unexpected people in my path so that You can influence them through me.

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