Monday, February 18, 2019

CIRCUMSTANCES...


From the apostle Paul, we learn some vital lessons as to how we ought to view the 'circumstances' that result from our following the gospel of Christ. The text is Philippians 1:12-14. It reads:
12 Now I want you to know, brethren, that my circumstances have turned out for the greater progress of the gospel, 13 so that my imprisonment in the cause of Christ has become well known throughout the whole praetorian guard and to everyone else, 14 and that most of the brethren, trusting in the Lord because of my imprisonment, have far more courage to speak the word of God without fear.
We see that he suffered imprisonment, "for the cause of Christ". Rather than elaborate on being falsely accused, he says that it "turned out for the greater progress of the gospel". He mentions the encouragement it had given to other brethren, to "speak the word of God without fear".

Was there any benefit from these 'circumstances'?
What of our "circumstances"? How do we view them? Do we mope around with a depressing, hopeless disposition? Do we, in our daily talk, blame those who contributed to our plight? Do we see nothing but a dim future ahead, with no possible chance of things ever changing?
If we are true to our 'claim', in being a child of God, then why do we not view our 'circumstances' as the apostle Paul did his imprisonment?Rest assured, if we have faith in the saving potential of the gospel, we will choose to attain the same attitude as the apostle Paul. We will do as he wrote to others in the first century, "follow me as I follow Christ" (1 Corinthians 11:1). 
The gospel is God's power to save (Romans 1:16). To suffer for it, means that we defend it against all "other" gospels, which undermine and divide, rather than unite, and, result in condemnation rather than salvation (Galatians 1:6-9; 1 Corinthians 1:13; Matthew 23:15)
Only when we attain to the attitude of the apostle Paul toward our own circumstances, will there be any benefit for ourselves, for other brethren, and result in "the greater progress of the gospel".
The key is in our attitude toward the message of the gospel. Just how important is it to us? Will we suffer persecution because we teach it as Paul did? What did Paul teach on how to "call on the name of the Lord"? What did Paul teach about division in the body of Christ? Why was Paul imprisoned in the first place? Whatever reasons we might give, first and foremost, it was over the things he preached. He took a stand to defend the gospel, and did not succumb to pressure or threats, even of his own life. Read what he said of his own life in view of the gospel (Acts -20:24).
Unless and until we grow to this level of faith, we will always give in to opposition from those who have no "love for the truth" (2 Thess. 2:10). Others, in Paul's day did, forsaking him and their own salvation (2 Timothy 4:16). Jesus had witnessed the same fear in His disciples (Mark 14:50). Yet, they overcame their fear later, and boldly proclaimed the doctrine that Christ commissioned them with. (2 Corinthians 5:19-20).



Herein is the real test of our faith - to stand firm in teaching the doctrine of Christ, in the face of opposition from those who fear man more than God. These are the 'fearful' that are spoken of in Revelation 21:8. Their fate is clearly stated: "But the FEARFUL, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death."
Saving faith will show courage when opposition sets the battle in array. Standing firm will result in "the progress" of the gospel; your example will give strength to other brethren to stand firm. 
Does my 'faith' have such courage? Paul's did. There were those who preached, seeking only to add to his bonds (Philippians 1:16). He stood firm. He said in Philippians 1:22, "...if I am to live on in the flesh, this will mean fruitful labor for me..." 
Let us resolve to imitate the apostle Paul and not 'blame' circumstances for our failure to support the gospel.
Let us resolve to respond to our circumstances in the manner that Paul told the Philippians, "Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I will hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel..." (Philippians 1:27).

copyright 2019
rdb

No comments:

Post a Comment