February 20, 2005
As we continue to study Paul’s letter to the Philippians we come face to face with the fact that Paul was faced with some pretty brutal circumstances.
Take a few minutes and read Philippians 1:12-18, and as you read remember the circumstances that Paul faced.
In Romans 1:15 we read, “So for my part, I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome.” Paul had a burning desire for the gospel of Jesus Christ to spread in Rome. Rome was a thriving city in many ways including politically, economically, and socially. I imagine that Paul felt strongly that if the gospel could take hold of Rome then it would have a profound impact throughout the world.
But Paul’s circumstances kept him from preaching, teaching and ministering publicly. Paul was in Rome, but he was under house arrest and chained to a prison guard.
Paul, however, didn’t allow his circumstances to keep him from serving Christ whole-heartedly.
Paul writes, “Now I want you to know, brethren, that my circumstances have turned out for the greater progress of the gospel, so that my imprisonment in the cause of Christ has become well known throughout the whole praetorian guard and to everyone else, and that most of the brethren, trusting in the Lord because of my imprisonment, have far more courage to speak the word of God without fear.”
Paul had the proper VIEW of his circumstances and Paul had the proper RESPONSE to his circumstances.
Everyday we are faced with different circumstances. We are faced with circumstances at home and in our families; we are faced with circumstances at work and with our friends. How we view our circumstances reflects what we believe about God. And how we respond to our circumstances demonstrates whether or not that belief is real.
As we worship together on this Sunday we are going to look at how we can find joy in the midst of all of our circumstances.
Father, let us see things as you see them and Father may we respond to our circumstances in a manner that demonstrates our passionate pursuit of You…
