Life Testimony Series

Paul’s Life Testimony

Philippians 1:18b-26

Online Sermon: http://www.mckeesfamily.com/?page_id=3567

While the Christian life is filled with a few glorious mountain tops to stand upon to review one’s blessings and spiritual fruit, far too often one finds oneself in the trenches of trials, tribulations, and persecution. While one might be able to grudgingly become content in some of our bleak circumstances, but is it possible to rejoice in the Lord when our pain is excruciating, long-term and will likely end in our own death? While the Bible teaches us our lives are like a vapor in the wind, whom amongst us does not clamor to be healthy so that we might remain on this earth a little longer to enjoy the pleasures of eating ice cream, home cooked meals, skiing, boating, playing sports and hugging our loved ones? And yet while maximizing pleasure, minimizing pain and longevity are some of our most treasured goals how do they stack up against Apostle Paul’s infamous statement to the church of Philippi, “for to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (21)? Living in a world where the primary focus is on “self” interests and pleasures and where euthanasia is sometimes the preferred option to a low quality of life, Paul’s words, “be content whatever the circumstances,” is not only counter cultural but rather alarming! Paul, from a Roman prison facing likely execution, told the church of Philippi that what mattered most in his deep valley of persecution was not so much a release from prison but keeping “I” crucified with Christ so that his joy, words, thoughts, and deeds might be centered on the Source of his life and spiritual fruit! As I go through this sermon ask yourself where is your identity found, what is your source of joy, and are you content in the face of life or death because in either case you get to serve the Lord with all your heart, mind soul, and strength?

Assurance

Not only does Paul rejoice that his chains were being used to advance the Gospel message but also that whatever the outcome of his trial “will turn out for his deliverance” (19)! Although Paul does not indicate it, he is likely quoting Job 13:16 who contrary to what his accusers were stating, Job knew iniquity was not the cause of his suffering and upon closer examination by God knew he would be saved. Likewise Paul who “had been deprived of his freedom for the past five or so years, first in Caesarea, then in Malta (after the shipwreck), and now in Rome;” realized that in his affliction he too would find deliverance. While Paul is joyfully confident of his deliverance, he does not tell the reader what this word means to him. Even though Paul said, “I know” in verse 25 which seems to indicate he believed he would be released (delivered) from prison this was not revealed to him by God but was merely the product of a faithful expectation. Paul was confident whether he was released from prison or not that whether by “life or death” (20) like Job upon “final deliverance of believers at the last judgment” he would be rescued from evil and stand vindicated before God! Paul believed his deliverance would come about through two different methods. First Paul did not rely on his “self-contained spiritual resources” but prayers from his Gospel partner the Philippians to help him not only work out his own salvation as he boldly endured persecution. Due to the prayers of the churches such as Ephesus, Colossae, Thessalonica, and now Rome Paul was able to replace his anxiety over any possible outcome of his pending trial whether it be life or death with the peace of God that surpasses all understanding (4:4-7)! Through their prayers Paul experienced the second means of his deliverance, the “sufficiency of the Spirit of Christ” Himself. While every believer is sealed by the Holy Spirit there are times in which one needs to “experience more of the Spirit’s fullness and power.” As Paul was chained to a guard in prison contemplating his fate he tells the Philippians he is rejoicing for their prayers are resulting in him having “fresh supplies of the Spirit of Jesus Christ being poured into his heart” which was securing his deliverance, whether in death of life.

Reflection

Do you see prayer as power and effective and as a result spend much of your time on your knees? When are you going through challenging times do you rely on the prayers of others and the sufficiency of the Spirit of Christ who lives inside you to help you endure your tribulation with joy? Whether you receive good or bad things in life do you rejoice in your citizenship being in heaven?

Courageously Exalting Christ