Introduction
Philippians 1:12–30: In today’s reading, Paul discusses his imprisonment as a source of confidence for the believers, empowering them to preach the gospel boldly. He encourages the believers to stand firm in their faith in Christ Jesus.
Today’s Key Verse: Philippians 1:27a GNT
Now the important thing is that your way of life should be as the gospel of Christ requires.
Read
12 I want you to know, my friends, that the things that have happened to me have really helped the progress of the gospel. 13 As a result, the whole palace guard and all the others here know that I am in prison because I am a servant of Christ. 14 And my being in prison has given most of the believers more confidence in the Lord, so that they grow bolder all the time to preach the message[a] fearlessly.
15 Of course some of them preach Christ because they are jealous and quarrelsome, but others from genuine good will. 16 These do so from love, because they know that God has given me the work of defending the gospel. 17 The others do not proclaim Christ sincerely, but from a spirit of selfish ambition; they think that they will make more trouble for me while I am in prison.
18 It does not matter! I am happy about it—just so Christ is preached in every way possible, whether from wrong or right motives. And I will continue to be happy, 19 because I know that by means of your prayers and the help which comes from the Spirit of Jesus Christ I shall be set free. 20 My deep desire and hope is that I shall never fail in my duty, but that at all times, and especially right now, I shall be full of courage, so that with my whole being I shall bring honor to Christ, whether I live or die. 21 For what is life? To me, it is Christ. Death, then, will bring more. 22 But if by continuing to live I can do more worthwhile work, then I am not sure which I should choose. 23 I am pulled in two directions. I want very much to leave this life and be with Christ, which is a far better thing; 24 but for your sake it is much more important that I remain alive. 25 I am sure of this, and so I know that I will stay. I will stay on with you all, to add to your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that when I am with you again, you will have even more reason to be proud of me in your life in union with Christ Jesus.
27 Now, the important thing is that your way of life should be as the gospel of Christ requires, so that, whether or not I am able to go and see you, I will hear that you are standing firm with one common purpose and that with only one desire you are fighting together for the faith of the gospel. 28 Don’t be afraid of your enemies; always be courageous, and this will prove to them that they will lose and that you will win, because it is God who gives you the victory. 29 For you have been given the privilege of serving Christ, not only by believing in him, but also by suffering for him. 30 Now you can take part with me in the battle. It is the same battle you saw me fighting in the past, and as you hear, the one I am fighting still.
Reflect
What reason does Paul give for his imprisonment (verse 13)? What is the source of his happiness (verses 15–19)? As noted in yesterday’s reading (verses 6, 10), how might Paul’s expectation for Christ’s return have influenced his comments in verses 20–26? Reread verses 27–30. How does Paul encourage the Philippians to stand firm in the faith? How might these verses be a source of encouragement for you?
Pray
Almighty God, help me to stand firm in my faith in you and live as the gospel of Christ requires. May I reflect your love in all I do and say, and may my life be a witness as a faithful servant of Christ. Amen.
And now, join us in praising God that Bibles are helping Iranians find Jesus in the midst of crisis and hardship. Lord God, we’re grateful for the support of our Bible-A-Month Partners and how their generosity has enabled the Iranian Bible Society to safely deliver and distribute the Bible there. We know that hardship runs deep in Iran, but so does the hunger for peace and truth which are being found in the pages of your Word. We thank you that these Bibles being provided are becoming unexpected lifelines that may lead skeptics to salvation. Amen.
Tomorrow’s Reading
Philippians 2:1–11: The apostle Paul describes Christ as the example of true humility.
