And because of this I rejoice.
Summary: In the face of adversity Paul defies the temptation to despair and instead finds reason to rejoice in the knowledge that Jesus Christ is alive and well.
Why is Paul rejoicing?
He has just listed a litany of reasons to be glum. First and foremost, he is in prison: literally in chains. Then, while he is chained, all his rivals are free to do their dastardly deeds unfettered by Paul’s presence to restrain them.
This is similar to a runner who is chained to the starting line, unable to move, while his competitors get to run free.
Yet, Paul is rejoicing. Why?
Let’s return to verse twelve for a moment. Paul writes:
“Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel.” (Philippians 1:12)
And what is the Gospel Paul serves? Isn’t it simply “Jesus Christ and him crucified?” (1 Corinthians 2:2)
Paul’s primary ministry has been to bring the Gospel to the Gentiles (Acts 18:6, 22:21). What has complicated Paul’s mission has been two things. First, he had to fight a rear guard battle to defend the Gospel against fellow believers who still hold to Jewish laws and traditions. Second, he had to educate the Gentiles about God’s will (the Law) and how to live a life that is pleasing to God.
Since meeting the risen Lord (Acts 9), Paul’s life has been devoted to this mission. While there have been struggles along the way, he has also seen success. The church at Philippi is an example of the Gospel taking root and flourishing.
Now, as he writes to his friends at Philippi, he is near the end of his ministry. We cannot know if he remained in prison to the end of his life, or was freed briefly before being martyred. What we do know is that Paul is near the end.*
Having spent his life defending the Gospel and teaching Gentiles what it means to live a life pleasing to God, Paul is suddenly content if all that is accomplished is that “Christ is preached.”
And why shouldn’t Paul rejoice? Salvation doesn’t depend on works (Galatians 3:2). Jesus didn’t teach that we had to fulfill the Law in any way before we could be saved. Instead, he taught that he is the way to life (John 14:6). More than that, he promises that his sheep will never perish (John 10:27-29).
Rejoice!
Application: Rejoice knowing that Jesus knows you and loves you!
Food for Thought: How does rejoicing in the knowledge that Jesus has us safely in his hand change us?
*Philippians 1:20-26 hints that Paul is contemplating the end of his life.
How does rejoicing in the knowledge that Jesus has us safely in his hand change us?
We can rejoice that we have been set free from sin. Through Christ we are now able to spend eternity in His presence, and live a life in His presence. The change within us is to die to the old self, and know that whatever temptations come our way, in Him, we are able to resist.
Romans 6:6-7 We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. For one who has died has been set free from sin.
1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
We can rejoice that no matter what happens, God’s plan is for good. We serve a righteous master. The change within us is that when we listen and follow the Holy spirit, we know that we are acting in His righteousness. Our lives become about what He has done, rather than what we can do.
Romans 8:28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
We can rejoice in the ongoing perfection of our faith. The change within us is to know that it is our faith in Christ that draws us closer to Him, and to know that everything we do in His name perfects our faith in Him and through Him.
Hebrews 12:2 Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
1 Peter 5:10 And after you have suffered a little, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself perfect, establish, strengthen, and make you firm.
Thank you, Chris!
Among your many good words I especially appreciated this comment:
“Our lives become about what He has done, rather than what we can do.”
Well said!
How does rejoicing in the knowledge that Jesus has us safely in his hand change us?
Our plans are no longer the goal, and death isn’t a defeat. Although, Paul isn’t saying that he’s rejoicing because he will be safe, but that Jesus Christ will always be exalted when his life is considered. How he changed, how he lived, how he taught, how he behaved in prison, how he will die. You can’t consider his life and not see the gospel, and teaching the gospel is what he is living for.
A —
Thank you!
“You can’t consider his life and not see the gospel”
So true!!
Great Responses this morning!
How does rejoicing in the knowledge that Jesus has us safely in his hand change us?
We come to know, live in the knowledge we are spiritual beings existing in physical bodies for a time predetermined by God. As this new creation in Jesus Christ, we have a purpose ordained by our creator God, and His assurance that all things are working for His good.
The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Romans 8:16
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28
Thank you, Ron!
I love the phrase, “live in the knowledge.”
If we can “live in the knowledge” that this is God’s world and we are members of his Kingdom, everything changes. Our work is to further the kingdom and challenges are no longer a personal attack on us, they are simply our work for the day. We can rejoice knowing that God has provided both challenges and victories.