14 And because of my chains, most of the brothers andsisters have become confident in the Lord and dare allthe more to proclaim the gospel without fear.
14 And because of my imprisonment, most of the believers here have gained confi-dence and boldly speak God‘s message without fear. - P68
21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.
21 For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better. - P69
Paul‘s imprisonment has served to advance the gospel. Because of his chains,
many have become confident in the Lord and proclaim the gospel boldly.
- P69
Some preach Christ out of love and goodwill, but others out of envy andrivalry. Nevertheless, Paul rejoices that Christ is preached. - P69
He wants Christ tobe exalted in his body whether he lives or dies. - P69
Even though Paul writes to the Philippians from a Roman jail, he findsreasons to rejoice in the gospel opportunities that God continues to givehim. - P70
His captors within the palace guard have become aware that heis in prison for the sake of Christ, and his disciples on the outside havebecome emboldened in their evangelism. - P70
When we face obstacles thatslow us down or limit our abilities, let us remember that nothing canstopthe hand of God when He is at work! - P70
He even used the trial andexecution of Jesus for His great purposes, so we can trust that He worksall things for the good of those who love Him and are called accordingHis purpose. - P70
The motivations that hide behind our actions are rarely pure, no matterhow good our intentions might be. - P70
Our hearts are tainted with sin, sowe sometimes lie to ourselves and do not realize the sinful desires thatdrive what we do. - P70
But even amid the false motives of envy and selfishambition, Paul says that the proclamation of the gospel is what mattersmost and God will always bring about the result that He has ordained. - P70
Therefore, if our endeavors to spread the gospel lead to suffering orour untimely death, this is in no way a shameful failure. - P70
When we giveeverything for Christ, He will surely be exalted in our bodies in life andin death. - P70
No matter how futile our efforts feel or how compellingfalse teachers seem, His purpose will prevail. Let us have faith thateven circumstances designed to work against us will "serve to advancethe gospel" (Phil. 1:12). - P71
Lord God, Your gospel is the only hope for the world. - P71
May my life‘s passionand work and all my motivations be focused on bringing glory to Your namethrough the declaration of Your good news! In Jesus‘ name, amen. - P71
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