1. What stood out to me from this chapter?
Two words appeared a couple times, and though they seemed to be contrasting each other, Paul encourages us that both are part of living the Christian life. The two words? Rejoice and suffer. Paul is writing this letter to the church in Philippi from jail in Rome. He has already been on his missionary journeys, and he knows about suffering and being rejected. Regardless of the suffering he has endured, and the Philippians may endure for the sake of Christ being preached, he says, "..because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice..." I wouldn't necessarily think about rejoicing in my sufferings, but Paul does. That stood out to me.
2. How does this passage relate to any other Scripture I know?
The first book I tackled with this blog was the book of Acts. It was the account of Paul's journeys on his missions. His long trial and imprisonment in Rome took place in Acts 21-28. It gives a little background to his statement in this chapter about being "in chains" for the sake of Christ. But there is another key verse that talks about rejoicing in suffering from the book of James. James 1:2-3 says, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance."
3. So what does this mean for my life?
The number 2 fear people have in the world (right behind Public Speaking, which is number 1) is dying. I think for many there is so much doubt about what comes next, or fear of judgment, that they are afraid to die. Paul gives us insight into his own approach to this in verses 20-26 by saying that in life, he can have fruitful ministry and advance the gospel message in the world. On the other hand, he even says that he desires "to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far." Paul is not afraid to die, rather he is looking forward to it. However he does not rush death. Instead he has a really healthy desire to make the most of every opportunity he has here on earth to share the gospel, with a confidence that if death should find him early he will rejoice in the presence of Jesus forever. This verse has really helped shaped my own view on life and death.
4. What questions do I have about this chapter?
Paul was saying that some were preaching Christ out of selfish ambition. What would have motivated them to preach Christ other than advancing the gospel? Money? Fame? Paul says they were trying to stir up trouble for him, but I don't know how that would happen through their preaching of Christ.
Well, that's it. Tomorrow we get a lesson in humility from Jesus himself in Philippians chapter 2.
In Christ,
Dan
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