2008-11-13 12:42:00
"Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you" (Philippians 1:27,28).
Last night we had a couple over from York, Rick and Rachel Caldwell, for a Mexican dinner and discussed our common desire to honor Christ and live with a Kingdom purpose. We discussed the challenges that very well may be ahead for the faithful and as we prayed I shared today's verse and considered its application for our lives.
I memorized this verse many years ago. "Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ." I suggest reading the verse in the first person, "Whatever happens, I will conduct myself in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ." In personal application I see it as a challenge to resolve in our hearts that we will stay faithful to Christ, seeking to conduct ourselves in a manner worthy of Him.
Today I am especially drawn to the phrase "Whatever happens..." I have always considered the "whatever" to mean whatever happens to me (Stephen Weber or any reader of the passage.) That is, whether I am having a good day or a bad day, whether things are going well or I'm going down a rough road; whatever happens to me I am to conduct myself in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.
Now this is certainly a valid outlook in life and I will continue to see the passage this way, yet as I consider the contextual interpretation, I consider another intention that Paul likely had.
Just prior to this verse Paul had written concerning his own realization that he would continue to live for Christ or he might die for Him (martyrdom). When Paul originally wrote this passage I believe he was instructing the Christians at Philippi, "Whatever happens to me (Paul) you are to conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ."
He goes on to write, "Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence..." Now what really intrigues me is that Paul had every intention of seeing the Philippian believers if it was God's will that he remain alive.
However it was also his firm expectation that should this not be the case, I will "only hear about you in my absence." The "absence" in this context would be his departure to be with the Lord (his death). This is similar to his statement in 2 Corinthians 5:8, "We are of good courage, I say, and prefer rather to be absent from the body and to be at home with the Lord."
He is confident that if that were the case (his being with the Lord) he would still hear the good report that the Philippians were "standing firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you."
Our service for the Lord Jesus Christ has eternal consequences. When we, in our divinely appointed time, are absent from the body and at home with the Lord, like Paul we will see the ongoing results of our ministry. Let us stay faithful and rejoice in the fruit of our labor as we daily seek to conduct ourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ!
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily Prayer: Father, we praise You and give thanks for the freedoms we enjoy and most especially the freedom to worship You. But we know that there are many regions in our world where Christians are persecuted and suffer martyrdom at the hands of those who are enemies of the cross. We lift them up to You in prayer and ask that You will give them supernatural strength and unyielding resolve to stand up for You in the face of evil surroundings and conduct themselves in a manner worthy of the gospel. May they never return evil for evil, but rather good for evil. Though wicked men may destroy the flesh, they cannot rob the soul of inner peace and the uncompromising determination to "stand firm unto the end." Sustain those who have endured the painful loss of loved ones as well as those whose family members are being held captive and are presently enduring persecution. May You be glorified in the midst of these horribly adverse circumstances and may souls be saved for the kingdom. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.
Tags: daily encouragement,archive,blog
|
