Christ Will Be Exalted In
My Body
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.
It is true that some
preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. The latter
do so in love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The
former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that
they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. But what does it matter?
The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true,
Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.
Yes, and 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. For to me, to live is
Christ and to die is gain.
Philippians
1:12-21
It is believed Paul
was beheaded. He was probably buried in
As we read Paul’s
words today, they challenge us to examine our own hearts. Are we as passionate
as he was about Jesus Christ? Is it our goal to honor Him in our everyday life?
Long after we are
gone, those who knew us will remember our hearts. May we, like Paul, create a
legacy of hope and encouragement centered around Jesus
Christ.
We are
Christ’s “letters of recommendation” to all who read our lives.
Our Daily Bread –