Pastor Chris’ Corona Quarantine Epistles to the Flock of AIC Ngong Road, in Dispersion and Isolation. 22nd. Edition.
Dear Servants of the Risen Christ,
Christ is risen indeed! I am reminded of a great song by the group Second Chapter of Acts, also sung by their cousin, Keith Green, “Hear the bells ringing they’re singing Christ is risen from the dead…” And another, I don’t remember who sang it, “Because he lives, I can face tomorrow.” I feel like changing that to, “Because he lives, I can face Corona!”Yesterday, we looked in Philippians 1:14-18 at Paul’s unusual attitude towards some of his fellow evangelists, who preached the gospel to spite him and Paul simply responds, “Preach away!”
Today, we look at verses 19-26. Three things stand out in this passage:
1. Paul Is Convinced that he will be released, verses 19,25,26. This is not necessarily a prophetic utterance, yet there are times when our inner spirit senses the direction God is taking things. In such situations, it is wise to be cautious. Unless God has spoken clearly, don’t put words in his mouth. Act on your hunch but make allowance for the possibility that you read it wrong. In Paul’s case, we have historical evidence that he was indeed released not too long after this.
2. Paul Is Conflicted, verses 22-24. Paul desires one thing but knows another. He desires to be with Christ but also knows that the Christians still need him. Left to him, he would find it difficult to choose. This is because the conflict is not between good and evil but between good and good! Such a conflict is indicative of a level of maturity that each of us should desire.
3. Paul Is Controlled in his choices by two passions;
a. What would bring the most Glory to God? verses 20,22. Paul expresses that he will not be shamed, not at all for his own sake, but because he doesn’t want to put the name of Christ to shame. He declares that his life’s purpose is to do what Christ wants and should he die, that would be gain, not a loss. Someone has said that the opposite of this verse is also true; if to live is not Christ, then to die is a loss.
b. What would bring the most Gain to the Christians? Verses 24,25. Paul’s concern for the spiritual welfare of the Philippians is so great that he is willing to delay his “Going home to be with Christ,” so that he can help them grow in their faith. What drives you? That so many people are dissatisfied and unhappy is a credit to their selfish drive. Nothing can ever satisfy a selfish heart. On the other hand, a selfless heart is by its very attitude, already content.
No wonder Paul later in this letter says, “I have learned to be content, whatever state I am in.” Choose contentment – it comes packaged in selflessness.
Your loving Pastor Chris.