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Paul’s Perspective From Prison (Philippians 1:12-20)
“…but that with all boldness, Christ will even now, as always, be exalted in my body…” Philippians 1:20b NASB
The question I ask myself, is Christ being exalted through my body, my life, my interactions, my reactions to what is going on now? As we read through these verses, Paul is sharing with us about his circumstance. That even though he sits in a prison (1:13), unable to walk freely, he is still free to share the gospel. Those around him know who he is and what and who it is he lives for. His brethren feel more emboldened to share the gospel because of his imprisonment.
He uses that word three times in these few verses. It stresses his circumstance. We can do great things even in unpleasant circumstances. We can encourage those around us and even those distant from us. With the many ways to communicate today, there are so many that we can reach without leaving the homes we live in.
I know it is not the same as being in the presence of each other, presence gives so much meaning to the words we express. God can still do a good work through
words and prayers. Paul lets the Philippian people know what their prayers mean to him. 1:19
Then Paul touches on the two types of people that are sharing the gospel. You have those that are doing it out of love, it always comes down to love. Then you have those that are doing it for selfish reasons. But how does Paul respond, “What then? Only that is every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed; and in this I rejoice. Yes and I will rejoice,” 1:18 Christ can use this for the furtherance of the gospel, and that is what Paul lives for.
Paul speaks of hope. Paul rejoices. Paul is imprisoned. Like Paul you may feel closed off from family, your friends, your communities, I know I do. We can rejoice. We can hope in the Lord. We can share that hope and rejoice with everyone we talk to or share a post with. Christ will be exalted. Always remember that the reason you share this hope, that only Christ can supply, is love.
Love for God and His people.
I look forward to the day that we can all be together again and share the stories of our lives with each other. To be comforted by the presence of each other again. I pray that you feel the prayers of our family, and that it may bring you grace and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
– Blessings from the Mattes family
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