When Paul writes Philippians, he is in prison. He uses the word “chains” (translated as “imprisonment” by the NASV) four times all in the first chapter: 1:7, 13-14, 17. Yet, he also uses the verb “to rejoice” nine times: 1:18; 2:17-18, 28; 3:1; 4:4, 10. And he uses the noun “joy” five times: 1:4, 25; 2:2, 29; 4:1. How can Paul be defiantly joyful in the midst of such depressing surroundings? Well, in verses 15-30, he gives a few suggestions that he experienced that would be relevant to you as well, regardless of your surroundings.
“Preach” Christ out of good will and love (ver. 15). When I say “preach” here, I mean live your life as a living letter to be known and read by everyone (2 Cor. 3:2). Your trials and tribulations give you an opportunity to live and to teach the doctrine of Christ and why you have the hope within you (1 Peter 3:15).
Rejoice in and support the preaching of the gospel (ver. 18). The most important activity happening in this world, at every point of the compass, is the preaching of the gospel of Christ. Assuming you are a Christian, you have fellowship in that. You give to that goal. You pray for that goal. You encourage the preacher(s) and teachers in your sphere of influence. You might be “laid up” at home because of your health, but your prayers are not hindered!
Pray (ver. 19). Speaking of prayers, Paul really believed in prayer and must have had a prayer list a mile long. You can pray. Pray for resolution to your trials. Pray for courage and strength through your trials. Pray for wisdom to learn from your trials. Pray that you will stay faithful in your trials.
Remember you have the support of the Spirit of Christ Jesus (ver. 19). The Spirit of God is living and active through His word (Heb. 4:12). He is at work assisting the hearing and resolution of your prayers (Rom. 8:26-27). The Father wants you to stay faithful; the Son wants you to stay faithful; and the Spirit wants you to stay faithful.
You also have an earnest expectation and hope of better things to come (ver. 20). I wish to focus on that word “expectation.” The world might have a “hope” that their death will be quick and painless. The Christian expects their death to usher them into the Paradise of God. Regardless of how things look in this life, we have an earnest expectation and a hope that God will send an angel to take our spirit and carry it into the bosom of Abraham (Luke 16:22).
You will never be disgraced in staying faithful to Jesus (ver. 20). As long as you stay faithful to Jesus Christ and His word, you will never be put to shame. You will never be disgraced. Your faith might not be vindicated in this life in front of your family, friends, co-workers, or other detractors. But it will be consummated in heaven in the presence of the Father. You will never be ashamed of staying faithful to Christ.
To live is Christ (ver. 21)! If you are still alive in the flesh, then you have every opportunity to glorify your Savior. Through pain, glorify Him. Through disappointment, glorify Him. Through trials, glorify Him. He deserves all the honor we can show Him and if it brings distress and tribulation in this life, it just glorifies Him even more!
To die is gain! What does a Christian lose at death? Everything that is negative. What does a Christian gain at death? Everything that is of any real significance. “Just one glimpse of Him in glory will all the toils of this life repay.”
Make progress in your faith (ver. 25). Every temptation, every challenge, every trial we experience in this life is making us more like our Savior. They are making us more fit for heaven. The more our challenges increase and strengthen our love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, and self-control, the better off we are.
Find joy in your own faith (ver. 25). There is pure joy in Christianity. Since Jesus has risen from the dead, nothing else ultimately matters. Earth is as close to hell as a Christian will ever get. And those statements are true because of Jesus Christ. Find joy in your faith.
Be united with fellow believers (ver. 27). Be united together as often as possible with fellow Christians. They are the ones with whom you share your faith. Worship with them. Study with them. Pray with them. Eat with them. Fellowship with them.
Show Satan your joy is defiant!
Paul Holland
