Sold Out
Philippians Chapter 1
Scripture: Philippians 1:20-21 (New Living Translation)
For I live in eager expectation and hope that I will never do anything that causes me shame, but that I will always be bold for Christ, as I have been in the past, and that my life will always honor Christ, whether I live or I die. For to me, living is for Christ, and dying is even better.
Observation: As you read Philippians chapter 1 you realize that Paul is writing this letter from a prison cell. He does not complain about his condition but instead rejoices that his imprisonment has enabled him to witness to the palace guard and has emboldened the church to openly preach the ‘gospel’. At a time when many people would be complaining about their condition, Paul is in fact saying that he will gladly stay imprisoned and even die if it helps the message of Christ go forth. It is rather incredible that this man who suffers for Christ everywhere he goes is so concerned that he will embarrass the Lord by his behavior. Paul’s words are an example for all of us to follow when it comes to humbly loving and serving Christ with all your heart, soul, strength and might! His sold out attitude is not just a prideful boast of bravado but a proven way to live each day. These words are spoken by a man who has the scars to show that he has walked the talk!
Application: How do we react to circumstances that come against us? Do we care more for our comfort than being an instrument that proclaims the gospel? Do we see how our suffering can be used by God to strengthen others and spread the gospel? We have to live totally dependant on the sovereignty of our God. What an attitude of commitment that states, “I will live a life sold out to Jesus because living for him is the best way to live and dying for him ushers me into his presence for eternity!”
Prayer: Lord Jesus, I am not there yet. I am not sure how I would respond to such adversity? I too like Paul want to be bold. I don’t ever want to cause you shame. Help me to trust in you. May I yield my will and my plan to you Jesus. May I trust in you to receive whatever you bring into my life’s path.
Scripture: Philippians 1:20-21 (New Living Translation)
For I live in eager expectation and hope that I will never do anything that causes me shame, but that I will always be bold for Christ, as I have been in the past, and that my life will always honor Christ, whether I live or I die. For to me, living is for Christ, and dying is even better.
Observation: As you read Philippians chapter 1 you realize that Paul is writing this letter from a prison cell. He does not complain about his condition but instead rejoices that his imprisonment has enabled him to witness to the palace guard and has emboldened the church to openly preach the ‘gospel’. At a time when many people would be complaining about their condition, Paul is in fact saying that he will gladly stay imprisoned and even die if it helps the message of Christ go forth. It is rather incredible that this man who suffers for Christ everywhere he goes is so concerned that he will embarrass the Lord by his behavior. Paul’s words are an example for all of us to follow when it comes to humbly loving and serving Christ with all your heart, soul, strength and might! His sold out attitude is not just a prideful boast of bravado but a proven way to live each day. These words are spoken by a man who has the scars to show that he has walked the talk!
Application: How do we react to circumstances that come against us? Do we care more for our comfort than being an instrument that proclaims the gospel? Do we see how our suffering can be used by God to strengthen others and spread the gospel? We have to live totally dependant on the sovereignty of our God. What an attitude of commitment that states, “I will live a life sold out to Jesus because living for him is the best way to live and dying for him ushers me into his presence for eternity!”
Prayer: Lord Jesus, I am not there yet. I am not sure how I would respond to such adversity? I too like Paul want to be bold. I don’t ever want to cause you shame. Help me to trust in you. May I yield my will and my plan to you Jesus. May I trust in you to receive whatever you bring into my life’s path.
S: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Phillippians 1:2 (NIV)
O: So, being faithful and obedient I get home from a late night's work (if you knew what I did for a living you would probably not call it work, but alas it is a blessing from God, it is fun and it does have value to my company) and proceed to read chapter 1 of Phillipians. Right away I know that my heart is not in it. I read the chapter and the accompanying study notes and vow to re-read the same tomorrow. So here I sit, praise and worship on, kids in bed and I get to verse 2. I look up at my wife and say "Wow, imagine having the boldness to greet everyone you know and meet like that." Her response: "now that's some authority right there!" No kidding. Now that's sold out to Christ!
A: As a Christian I am the imbodiment of Christ! I am commissioned to go and spread the good news, to love one another as Christ loves them.
P: Heavenly Father, stir up in me a boldness. The same boldness Paul felt. The same authority. Let me know no greater urgency than to tell everyone I meet about my Lord and Savior! To offer a blessing and be a blessing to them as well. Amen.
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