Paul's Circumstances: Philippians 1:11-26

Tonight I talked with my neighbor, a French woman married to a Russian guy. In France, she was employed in civil service, her role, to screen refugees from eastern Europe (Bosnia, Chechnya, Yogoslavia etc) seeking residence in France. She listened to countless stories of suffering, especially of women at the hands of evil people. Because of all the pain, she is convinced there is no God, for God would not allow human beings do the evil things to fellow humans. For her, we are all on our own on this pitiful planet so we can do what we like.

What a contrast once again to Paul’s attitude as seen in this passage! Here are some insights:

Paul is convinced all things work out for the good of those who love the Lord, and so he rejoices—vs 12-18, cf. Romans 8:28. The good here is that the gospel is heard by even those in the highest levels of government. At that time Christianity was a new and strange religion so even palace guards were curious. I suppose they were also bored so hearing Paul was good sport (I think being a security guard is a most boring job; all due respect to guards). There is an interesting story in Acts 24, 25 and 26 of Governor Felix and King Agrippa who initially listened to Paul out of curiosity, though Paul was defending himself. As he spoke their consciences were smitten but of course they did not believe. This must have happened a lot in Rome as Paul was in jail. Even the believers were encouraged to preach fearlessly beyond the prison walls. So the gospel spread. It's like the old African riddle, "out of the stinger comes the sweet"-what is that? The bee and honey.

God is at work, whether through good or flawed motives of his servants: Vs 15-18: Paul knows of contentious preachers that mean to stir up trouble for him. But also sees beyond trouble to the good, redemptive outcome of their message about Christ. Jesus saw things the same way. The disciples once saw a man who was not a disciple casting out demons in Jesus’ name. They stopped him. Jesus told them, “Do not stop him, for whoever is not against you is for you” (Lk 9:49). So long as their message is correct, let them be. At least they are not in league with the kingdom of darkness. It makes our work less hard. So what do we look for? That in our lives Christ is honored, that we are walking in obedience, and that we are a good example even to those with not so noble intentions in their work for God. Pray for them but do not stand in judgment over them. Leave it to God to judge their work and determine whether it is grass to be burned or silver to be purified.

Hope is maintained amidst suffering vs 19-24: Any sort of prison, be it self-imposed or forced on us is a miserable place. And though he adopts an attitude of joy, Paul does not enjoy being in prison. He is capable of doing so much more if he were free, planting new churches, building up believers. So he is not settling for preaching to the guards. He hopes and prays that something better will come up soon. That something better may be death, which will take him to be with Christ. He actually longs for death. It reminds me of a song of the 90's by Sandi Patti, "another time, another place"

“so I’m awaiting, for another time and another place,

where all my hopes and dreams will be captured with one look at Jesus face,

oh my heart keeps burning my soul, keeps yearning,

sometimes I can hardly wait for that, sweet, sweet-some day,

when I will be swept away to another time and another place”

Ever imagined that the greatest pleasure on earth will never compare with the pleasure of being with the Lord in heaven? That is the best reason to never compromise your walk with the Lord. You dont want to miss heaven.

Paul's resolve is rekindled vs 25-26: Paul does not just hope for death. For the sake of the church, his hope shifts from death to life, that he would rather be released. He renews his resolve to continue to nurture the young churches he has planted. His new energy is an encouragement to the Philipian church that is discouraged by his being in prison. Paul always inspires hope and energy.

Here is a thought: We can and should adopt a positive, joyful attitude amidst negative circumstances, but it does not mean that God wants us to remain in them. Like Paul, our sights should be set high on what things should actually be, on how good they can be. That is hope which then gives us impetus to pray and work hard for a better reality.

What is your take on this devotional? Please post your comments.