Articles
Are You Living to Honor Christ?
Paul was arrested in Jerusalem after the Jews attacked him in the temple. The Roman authorities found the charges brought by the Jews to be without merit. The Romans wanted Paul to have a hearing in Jerusalem. Paul appealed to Caesar to avoid being killed by the Jews. It was several years before Paul's case was heard. Paul reflected on his ordeal in Philippians 1:12-26.
While some would fear a life-or-death hearing, Paul saw it as an opportunity for the gospel. Paul's imprisonment "has really served to advance the gospel" (1:12). Beginning with his arrest, Paul defended the gospel in the temple and before two Roman governors and King Agrippa. Paul will defend the gospel before Caesar. During his imprisonment, "it has become known throughout the imperial guard and to all the rest that" his "imprisonment is for Christ" (1:13). Paul's imprisonment encouraged others to "speak the word without fear" (1:14). Would Paul have had the opportunity to preach the gospel within the palace of Caesar without his arrest? Paul understood Christ was working through him, and he was fulfilling his charge. Jesus said, Paul "is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel" (Acts 9:15). Paul's imprisonment advanced the gospel.
Paul is confident of his deliverance. While imprisoned, he prays for "full courage" (1:19-20). Why pray for courage? He never wants to be ashamed of Christ. Paul had never been ashamed before, but now he awaits a life-or-death decision. He asks for "full courage," so whether released or executed, "Christ will be honored in my body" (1:20). Whatever the decision, he will be delivered from his present circumstances. If released, Paul will live for Christ; if executed, he will gain Christ. This is why he says, "For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain." Paul knows if he lives, it will mean "fruitful labor" for Christ (1:22). Execution is deliverance and gain because Paul will "be with Christ" (1:23). If Paul displays "full courage" at his trial, it will be a "clear sign to" the unbelievers "of their destruction" and his "salvation" coming from God (1:28). Whether Paul lives or dies, "Christ will be honored in his body! " (1:20).
What do you think of Paul? Are you impressed with his faith, or is Paul over the top? Perhaps you believe Paul was in a situation expected of an apostle but not something expected of you. Remember, we are heirs with Christ of eternal life "provided we suffer with him" (Rom. 8:17). Paul's example should prompt self-examination. When I pray for good health and life, do I ask with the intent to produce "fruitful labor" for Christ? Do I live to see "the progress and joy in the faith" of others? Do I live that others "may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus?" Can I say with Paul, "Christ will be honored in my body?
