It’s Not About Me
Good Morning,
When Paul wrote to the Philippian church, he made it clear that the things in his life were not all centered on his own personal pleasures. Giving God glory was far more important to Paul than his feeling good or being treated well.
Philippians 1:14 “And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.”
vs. 15 “Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will:
vs. 16 “The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds:”
Paul was in jail, a situation that might have caused some bitterness or anger, but instead, he was glad that people throughout the prison had heard the Gospel message as a result of his being there. Some preachers preached in hopes of hurting Paul or causing him some kind of anxiety or other sufferings. Other preachers were emboldened and loved Paul.
vs. 17 “But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel.”
vs. 19 “What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.”
As long as Christ was preached, Paul did not care if people liked him or not.
1 Corinthians 10:31 “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.”
Colossians 3:17 “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.”
vs. 23 “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;”
In the Garden of Gethsemane, even our Lord prayed that “this cup” might pass from Him; Jesus followed up that prayer with the surrender of his heart to do God’s will: “…not my will, but thine be done.”
Whatever glorifies God is best; whether what happens be comfortable or difficult, friendly or angry, God’s receiving the honor is our priority.
If people tried to do Paul harm, but in the process, they preached Christ, Paul felt himself a tool of God used for good. If people wished Paul evil, yet in some way ended up lifting up the name of Christ, Paul rejoiced. Paul did not focus on being well-thought of, but rather on magnifying Jesus.
Paul concluded the thought a few verses later:
Philippians 1:20 “According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.”
Whether death or life, as long as Christ is magnified, Paul was pleased. We would all be much happier if we would surrender our lives to injustice, suffering, and hardship, as long as God was glorified through our discomfort.
Pastor