I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart and, whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me. God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.

And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.

-‭‭Philippians 1:3-11

In a Dark Prison

"... whether I am in chains" (vs 7); "my deliverance" (vs 19)''; "to live is Christ and to die is gain" (vs 21). This is the point that Paul is at in his life. He is many years into his ministry, and he is facing the possibility of death in prison. There is just reason for him to be weighed down by his situation.

How might we get through hard times?

A Gift in Prison

"It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since [...] whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me." (vs 7)

Grace given to the unworthy, without any regard to any human systems of worth. God's grace was creating radically new communities, inclusive of all, fulfilling God's promises to Israel. Through God's grace, Paul was part of an amazing story that gave new meaning and new purpose to his life.

This is the gift that Paul is thinking about while in prison.

What story are you living in?

Meaning and Joy

Paul finds meaning in doing God's will. He is advancing the story by sharing the Good News. "Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. " (Philippians 1:12-13)

The choices we make, whatever situation we find ourselves in, matter.

Paul also finds joy. "I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now" (vs 3:5). One reason Paul can have joy in prison is because he can remember the fellowship of believers that he is part of. Through Jesus, Paul made friends in Philippi, who when he remembers, it brings him joy.

Some Final Words

  • In Christ, be united by the Gospel and serve one another (Philippians 2:2-7)
  • In Christ, do right especially when it's hard (Philippians 2:12-13)
  • In Christ, be content with what you already have (Philippians 4:12-13)
  • Give your worries to God, because in Christ you are God's child, and God loves you (Philippians 4:6-7)

 

Missed this Sunday's sermon? Watch it here!

 

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