In Chains For Christ
Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has
happened to me has actually 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. And because of my chains, most of the brothers and
sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the
gospel without fear.
It
is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of
goodwill. The latter do so out of 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 God’s
provision of 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.
Philippians 1:12-20
We
should be prepared for persecution. It is inevitable. It should be a matter of
serious concern for all believers. In fact, at the very moment, fellow brothers
and sisters in Christ around the world are suffering in Jesus’ name.
Pray
for God to comfort them in their suffering. Aid families left without support
when loved ones are imprisoned. Pray now for the courage should we ourselves be
faced with persecution. When the apostle Paul was put
in jail for his faith, his courage led others to be bolder in their witness.
We find courage to stand when we kneel before the Lord.
Our Daily Bread –