Philippians 1...

I was reading this passage a night ago and a few portions of it just jumped off the page at me in a way that they never had before so, I thought I would put it out there and see what come of it... (orange is the portion that jumped out at me -blue is my thought that followed)

Philippians 1:3-30

" I thank my God [BE THANKFUL] every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy [We should pray with joy and expectancy of Father hearing and answering] because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus [Our confidence lies in Father's finished work being accomplished in and through us because of Jesus until he returns or calls us home...reminds me of a song ;) ]


It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart and, whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God's grace with me [We are all in this together- sharing in his grace and struggle- carrying each other's burdens]. God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.
And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ- to the glory and praise of God. [The goal- more of Him and righteous judgement- seeing things through His lens]


Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear. [Nothing is wasted! Our obedience to follow the Father's call -even into hard places- bring his light and accomplish his purposes as we go...when we walk in this way, not only do we dispel the darkness -causing the veil to be lifted for some, we encourage our fellow sojourners to take up their cross' and do the same -LOVE IT!]


It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition , not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.

Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and God's provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body [it is through the power of the prayers of the saints and the inner working of the Holy Spirit that we are emboldened to give an answer for the hope that lies within us no matter the cost...through which our ultimate deliverance comes!], whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me.

Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ [Guard your hearts, minds, and actions -taking every thought captive to Christ so as to not hinder the work the Father is seeking to accomplish in you and in those within your sphere of influence]. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you [Stand firm- not backing down even in the face of opposition -greater is he that is in you than he that is in the world...]. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved [SALVATION IS HERE in the sticky and sticking place - as we stand firm, God's glory descends and we and others are saved through him...all hemmed in by obedience and a willingness to set aside our wills and agendas for his own] and that by God. For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe him, but also to suffer for him, since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and no still have.

Out of the pain and the hard places we are called to walk comes passion, perseverance and his overwhelming presence in our lives...bolstering our faith and raising the bar of hope for all that he is and all that we are because of Him!