Advance The Gospel

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…

Philippians 1:12-18

When the apostle Paul found himself on the “wrong” side of freedom, he didn’t lament his situation. In a powerful letter to the church at Philippi, he wrote, “I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel.” Paul noted how his chains had led to “the whole palace guard” learning about Christ. And others had gained confidence to share the good news of Jesus.

Despite obstacles, the apostle Paul found God showing them new ways to work in their crises. What might God be doing in our own challenging circumstances today?

God is at work in the mess. That’s the message of the Bible.

Our Daily Bread – November 20, 2018