Chains/Suffering for Christ and the Gospel
Chains/Suffering for Christ and the Gospel
Oswald Chambers writes, “The fiery furnaces are there by God’s direct permission. It is misleading to imagine that we are developed in spite of our circumstances; we are developed because of them. It is mastery in circumstances that is needed, not mastery over them”. Stuff in our lives just happen and often we can’t stop or control them. My son was sick this summer and he spent almost two months in the hospital. It was very hard for him and us because we could not help him in our capacity as parents. God helped him and he is well now. We thank God and thank you for praying.
Apostle Paul did not bargain to be in jail and now writing the Philippians from there. False accusations, series of bad decisions by some officials and their desire to please the people landed Paul in jail. Caution: The consequences of our stupid mistakes/decisions (e.g. spending beyond your means) are not suffering for Christ. Listen to Paul tell his own story in Philippians 1:12-14:
“12 But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel, 13 so that it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ; 14 and most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear”.
1. What things have happened to Paul? He was in jail for no fault of his. He was jailed for preaching the gospel – the power of God unto salvation (Romans 1). He was preaching the resurrection of the dead which angered the PCs (politically correct) Sadducees who did not believe in the resurrection. Still same today. Once you preach Christ you become public enemy number one.
2. He was never going to recount but preach Christ crucified, buried and rose again for the remission of sin. Paul was ready to die for this truth because it is the only truth worth dying for.
3. There is no other salvation except that provided through Christ. Hell or damnation is the refusal to accept Jesus as the only provision for salvation; and thus be separated from God forever. Never you or anyone else think you can please God on your own merits or moral standing. This is the GOSPEL. Humanity and our sin nature are only reconciled to God thru Jesus Christ.
4. Paul was bound to make this truth known even in house arrest. He preached to the palace guards vs. 12 who were chained to him. God allowed it to happen to Paul “for the furtherance of the gospel”. We know that to be true. “22 All the saints greet you, but especially those who are of Caesar’s household”, Paul wrote. Phil 4:22. The guards had become believers after listening endlessly to the Word of God thru Paul. Praise God. Stuff we go thru must further the gospel and make Christ known; and until “Christ is formed in us”.
5. I was a captive hospital resident when my son was sick. Each day and mostly thru the night, the hospital sent people who stayed to observe Jonathan. I took advantage of the opportunity and preached the gospel to most of them. I had a captive audience. Some cried and most were grateful to hear and receive the word of truth. To God be the glory. Please pray for them (CV, DI, KM, SD, JA, DA,LC, AS,GR,AC,AK,NA,TS,MA,IV,IM,LA,MA,AM,ON,US, EV, AK, AR, AB,NA and EH).
6. Often it is in the fiery furnaces that people will see that Jesus is with us and be converted. After the three Hebrews were thrown into the fire, a fourth man appeared; he was Jesus. The king believed and declared their God to be the only true God. Read Daniel 3.
What has “happened” to you? What is “happening” to you now? Know that Jesus is there with you and He will never leave you nor forsake. Therefore Rejoice! Can you use the opportunity to let others know the hope that is in you- Christ Jesus himself? Father, may your grace be sufficient for us forever. Amen.
Oswald Chambers writes, “The fiery furnaces are there by God’s direct permission. It is misleading to imagine that we are developed in spite of our circumstances; we are developed because of them. It is mastery in circumstances that is needed, not mastery over them”. Stuff in our lives just happen and often we can’t stop or control them. My son was sick this summer and he spent almost two months in the hospital. It was very hard for him and us because we could not help him in our capacity as parents. God helped him and he is well now. We thank God and thank you for praying.
Apostle Paul did not bargain to be in jail and now writing the Philippians from there. False accusations, series of bad decisions by some officials and their desire to please the people landed Paul in jail. Caution: The consequences of our stupid mistakes/decisions (e.g. spending beyond your means) are not suffering for Christ. Listen to Paul tell his own story in Philippians 1:12-14:
“12 But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel, 13 so that it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ; 14 and most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear”.
1. What things have happened to Paul? He was in jail for no fault of his. He was jailed for preaching the gospel – the power of God unto salvation (Romans 1). He was preaching the resurrection of the dead which angered the PCs (politically correct) Sadducees who did not believe in the resurrection. Still same today. Once you preach Christ you become public enemy number one.
2. He was never going to recount but preach Christ crucified, buried and rose again for the remission of sin. Paul was ready to die for this truth because it is the only truth worth dying for.
3. There is no other salvation except that provided through Christ. Hell or damnation is the refusal to accept Jesus as the only provision for salvation; and thus be separated from God forever. Never you or anyone else think you can please God on your own merits or moral standing. This is the GOSPEL. Humanity and our sin nature are only reconciled to God thru Jesus Christ.
4. Paul was bound to make this truth known even in house arrest. He preached to the palace guards vs. 12 who were chained to him. God allowed it to happen to Paul “for the furtherance of the gospel”. We know that to be true. “22 All the saints greet you, but especially those who are of Caesar’s household”, Paul wrote. Phil 4:22. The guards had become believers after listening endlessly to the Word of God thru Paul. Praise God. Stuff we go thru must further the gospel and make Christ known; and until “Christ is formed in us”.
5. I was a captive hospital resident when my son was sick. Each day and mostly thru the night, the hospital sent people who stayed to observe Jonathan. I took advantage of the opportunity and preached the gospel to most of them. I had a captive audience. Some cried and most were grateful to hear and receive the word of truth. To God be the glory. Please pray for them (CV, DI, KM, SD, JA, DA,LC, AS,GR,AC,AK,NA,TS,MA,IV,IM,LA,MA,AM,ON,US, EV, AK, AR, AB,NA and EH).
6. Often it is in the fiery furnaces that people will see that Jesus is with us and be converted. After the three Hebrews were thrown into the fire, a fourth man appeared; he was Jesus. The king believed and declared their God to be the only true God. Read Daniel 3.
What has “happened” to you? What is “happening” to you now? Know that Jesus is there with you and He will never leave you nor forsake. Therefore Rejoice! Can you use the opportunity to let others know the hope that is in you- Christ Jesus himself? Father, may your grace be sufficient for us forever. Amen.
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