Furtherance Of The Gospel

But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel,

So it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ;

And most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.

Some indeed preach Christ even from envy and strife, and some also from good will:

The former preach Christ from selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my chains;

But the latter out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel.

What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretence or in truth, Christ is preached; and in this I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice.

What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretence or in truth, Christ is preached; and in this I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice.

For I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayer and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,

According to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death.

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

Philippians 1:12-21 Gideon’s International Version

Our earnest expectation and hope should be that Christ will be magnified in our body, whether by life or by death.

We all have expectations. We expect people to be nice to us, that we will have good health, wealth, and marriage, faithful friends, and successful careers. It doesn’t always work out that way.

Paul was stuck in prison, not a great place to be then or now. We too can get stuck due to health, wealth, career or family issues. When we do, it will feel like we are in prison.

There will be those who do not live up to our expectations. It happened with Paul, as well. He probably thought others would encourage him, and yet some were probably glad he was in prison.

We all have uncertain futures in some way, but regardless of what we go through, and how we come out of it, make sure you honor Christ no matter what.

You can expect to enjoy God’s presence

when you honor Him with your life.

Our Daily Bread – December 3, 2008