Philippians 1:12-20
Key Verse: “To be sure, some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of good will. These preach out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel; the others proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, thinking that they will cause me trouble in my imprisonment. 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.” (Philippians 1:15-18 CSB)
Finding joy in our lives is often more about our perspective than anything else. The fight for joy is less about what is happening around us, and more about how we choose to look at our circumstances.
From an outsider’s perspective, there were lots of reasons for Paul not to be rejoicing at this moment. He was sitting in prison, under guard, and unable to continue his gospel ministry as before. Furthermore, out of “envy and rivalry” it appears that others were trying to take advantage of his imprisonment. From their own “selfish ambition” some were seeking to use Paul’s situation as an opportunity for personal advancement. In his absence, this was their chance to step into the ministry limelight.
What would it have been like for us to be in Paul’s shoes at this moment? Would we feel sorry for ourselves, and be consumed with self-pity and despair? Would there be a temptation toward resentment as others sought to take advantage of the situation?
Not so with Paul. As Paul looked around at his circumstances, the conclusion he came to was simply this: “I will continue to rejoice.” There was no need for self-pity or bitterness. All that was happening to him was a reason for joy!
Notice Paul’s perspective as he reflected on the situation. “What has happened to me,” he wrote, “has actually advanced the gospel, so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard, and to everyone else, that my imprisonment is because I am in Christ” (v.12-13). Paul recognized that sitting behind bars was a whole new opportunity for the good news of Jesus Christ to be made known. Even the guards watching over him now knew that he was there because of Jesus.
Likewise, Paul’s imprisonment had become a motivation for others to be more bold and courageous in their faith and ministry. Paul wrote, “Most of the brothers have gained confidence in the Lord from my imprisonment and dare even more to speak the word fearlessly” (v.14). This was another reason for joy.
But what about these men who out of envy and rivalry were trying to take advantage of Paul’s situation? Even in this, Paul seemed unfazed and continued to rejoice. “What does it matter?” he said, “Only that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is proclaimed, and in this I rejoice” (v.18).
Here we see the key to Paul’s perspective of joy even amid difficult circumstances. The lens through which he was looking at it all was one of gospel advancement and the exaltation of Jesus Christ. So long as people were continuing to hear the good news of Jesus Christ, and Christ was receiving all the honor and glory, then it was all good for Paul. He would continue to rejoice no matter what.
What about you today? Where do you see God at work in your life and in the lives of people around you right now? Where is the good news of Jesus Christ being proclaimed? How is the name of Jesus being lifted high? In what ways do you see His kingdom continuing to advance? From this perspective, regardless of whatever else may be happening, praise the Lord. Choose to rejoice again in Him today.
Prayer: Jesus, I pray for a change of perspective today. Help me to simply stay focused on you. Continue to advance your kingdom in and through me. Exalt your name above all else. Be highly honored in my life in every way. In all this, I choose to rejoice. Amen.
