Philippians is the joyful epistle of the Bible.
Throughout Paul talks of a joy. Today again we see a joy that seeks us through pain.
Philippians 1:12-26 CSB
[12] Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually advanced the gospel, [13] so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard, and to everyone else, that my imprisonment is because I am in Christ. [14] Most of the brothers have gained confidence in the Lord from my imprisonment and dare even more to speak the word fearlessly. [15] To be sure, some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of good will. [16] These preach out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel; [17] the others proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, thinking that they will cause me trouble in my imprisonment. [18] What does it matter? Only that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is proclaimed, and in this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice [19] because I know this will lead to my salvation through your prayers and help from the Spirit of Jesus Christ. [20] My eager expectation and hope is that I will not be ashamed about anything, but that now as always, with all courage, Christ will be highly honored in my body, whether by life or by death. [21] For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. [22] Now if I live on in the flesh, this means fruitful work for me; and I don't know which one I should choose. [23] I am torn between the two. I long to depart and be with Christ-which is far better- [24] but to remain in the flesh is more necessary for your sake. [25] Since I am persuaded of this, I know that I will remain and continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, [26] so that, because of my coming to you again, your boasting in Christ Jesus may abound. …
Paul experienced real joy stealers. They were people problems.
There were unpleasant circumstances
Imprisoned.
Charged.
An uncertain future
Brooks.
First, The afflicting hand of God hath been hard upon myself, and
upon my dearest relations in this world, and upon many of my
precious Christian friends, whom I much love and honour in the
Lord, which put me upon studying of the mind of God in that
scripture that I have made the subject-matter of this following
discourse. Luther could not understand some Psalms till he was afflicted; the Christ-cross is no letter in the book, and yet, saith he, it hath taught me more than all the letters in the book. Afflictions are a
golden key by which the Lord opens the rich treasure of his word to his people's souls; and this in some measure, through grace, my soul hath experienced.
There was unfair criticism
Causing him trouble in his imprisonment? Putting the boot in.
Stabbed in the back by so called friends.
Brooks the smiting rod
" Man is made to be a friend, and apt for friendly offices. He that is not
friendly is not worthy to have a friend, and he that hath a friend, and doth not shew himself friendly, is not worthy to be accounted a man.
Friendship is a kind of life, without which there is no comfort of a
man's life. Christian friendship ties such a knot that great Alexander
cannot cut. Summer friends I value not, but winter friends are worth
their weight in gold; and who can deny such anything, especially in
these days, wherein real, faithful, constant friends are so rare to be
found? 1 Sam. 22:1–3. The friendship of most men in these days is like Jonah's gourd, now very promising and flourishing, and anon fading and withering; it is like some plants in the water, which have broad leaves on the surface of the water, but scarce any root at all; their friendship is like melons, cold within, hot without; their expressions are high, but their affections are low; they speak much, but do little. As drums, and trumpets, and ensigns in a battle make a great noise and a fine show, but act nothing, so these counterfeit friends will compliment highly, bow handsomely, speak plausibly,
and promise lustily, and yet have neither a hand nor heart to act
anything cordially or faithfully. From such friends it is a mercy to be delivered, and therefore king Antigonus was wont to pray to God thathe would protect him from his friends; and when one of his council asked him why he prayed so, he returned this answer, Every man will shun and defend himself against his professed enemies, but from our professed or pretended friends, of whom few are faithful, none can safe-guard himself, but hath need of protection from heaven. But for all this, there are some that are real friends, faithful friends, active friends, winter friends, bosom friends, fast friends; and for their sakes, especially those among them that have been long, very long,
under the smarting rod, and in the fiery furnace, and that have been
often poured from vessel to vessel, have I once more appeared in
print to the world."
1. Personally Commit To Jesus Christ.
For me to live is Christ
"Firmly believing that my times are in God's hand, I here submit myself and all my affairs for the ensuing year, to the wise and gracious disposal of God's divine providence. Whether God appoints for me health or sickness, peace or trouble, comforts or crosses, life or death — may His holy will be done!
All my time, strength, and service, I devote to the honor of the Lord Jesus — and even my common actions. It is my earnest expectation, hope, and desire, my constant aim and endeavor — that Jesus Christ may be magnified in me. In everything I have to do — my entire dependence is upon Jesus Christ for strength. And whatever I do in word or deed, I desire to do all in His name, to make Him my Alpha and Omega.
I have all from Him — and I would use all for Him.
If this should prove a year of affliction, a sorrowful year to me — I will fetch all my supports and comforts from the Lord Jesus and stay myself upon Him, His everlasting consolations, and the good hope I have in Him through grace.
And if it should be my dying year — then my times are in the hand of the Lord Jesus. And with a humble reliance upon His mediation, I would venture into the eternal world looking for the blessed hope. Dying as well as living — Jesus Christ will, I trust, be gain and advantage to me.
Oh, that the grace of God may be sufficient for me, to keep me always a humble sense of my own unworthiness, weakness, folly, and infirmity — together with a humble dependence upon the Lord Jesus Christ for both righteousness and strength." — 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐰 𝐇𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐲, diary entry for January 1, 1713
2. Practically Commit it all to Jesus Christ
To live is Christ
Spurgeon spoke of going through deep waters of depression so he could share the gospel with some who likewise were going through the same deep waters.
3. Profoundly Commit to Jesus Christ.
Are you ready to die?
To die is gain
LORD, IT BELONGS NO TO MY CARE
1. Lord, it belongs not to my care
Whether I die or live;
To love and serve You is my share,
And this Your grace must give.
2. If life be long, I will be glad,
That I may long obey;
If life be short, should I be sad
to rise to endless day?
3. Christ leads me thru' no darker room
Than He went thru' before;
He who into God's Kingdom comes
Must enter by this door.
4. Come, Lord, when grace has made me meet
Your blessed face to see,
For if Your work on Earth be sweet,
What will Your glory be?
5. Then I shall end my sad complaints
And weary, sinful days,
And join with those triumphant saints
Who sing Jehovah's praise.
6. My knowledge of that life is small;
The eye of faith is dim,
But it's enough that Christ knows all,
And I shall be with Him. (RCH 549)
# posted by Groseys messages @ 10:48 AM
