For the Furtherance of the Gospel

29. September 2011 by Bernice Davis.

Grace and Peace be unto you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

Hello Everyone:

Our memory verse for the week is as follows:

Philippians 3: 13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended : but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

Our text for today is:

Philippians 1:12 Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel. 13 As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. 14 Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly. 15 It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. 16 The latter do so in love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17 The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. 18 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, 19 for I know that through your prayers and the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. 20 I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.

If you recall from our study Paul is imprisoned at the time of this writing.  Can you imagine your pastor who you really love and trust and have been instrumental in your spiritual growth being imprisoned on a false charge?  Think about how your heart would ache for him.  Paul is letting the saints at Philippi who loves him dearly and he loves them know that what has happened to him is for the advancement of the gospel.  

He tells them that this present trouble will cause the gospel to be furthered.  He also indicates that already because of his chains, he has heard that brothers of the faith have come forward and are preaching the gospel with courage and without fear. 

While Paul is clear that some are taking the opportunity to preach Christ with an impure motive and to cause trouble for him while he is prison but his position is that the end result is that the gospel is being preached.   The gospel is going forward.  

Jesus is being preached and that keeps Paul encouraged. 

Think about what is happening in your life right now.   Could it be that whatever is happening to you is so that the gospel can be furthered?   Somebody is going to see Jesus in your situation.  Someone will know that Jesus is a healer.  Someone will know that Jesus can deliver.  Someone will experience the power and love of Christ through your situation.  It is not designed to kill you.  You are a part of something bigger than yourself.  It is so that the gospel can be furthered. 

What is this gospel?  It is the birth, life, death, burial, power and resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.    Someone is going to experience the power of God through your situation.   God is in control.  HE is not trying to destroy you nor hurt you but your journey will not only take you into the place that God wants you to go in him but others will also be blessed by your experience.  It is so that the gospel can be furthered. 

Whooh…………  I’m tearing….  God I love you…

Be encouraged everyone…  God is in control…  He has not abandoned us.  Stay prayerful.  Stay in HIS face and worship before him and find comfort in reading HIS word.    Things do get better.  Seasons CHANGE..

Stay encouraged everyone and don’t forget to pray and read God’s word daily.

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