“not looking to your own interests but each
of you to the interests of the others. “
It is tempting to skip over this phrase as “church
language” but before we do, we should consider that Paul wrote it in a Roman
prison facing the death penalty.
He is modeling what he is writing by ignoring
his own needs and meeting the needs of those he loved in Philippi.
While incarcerated, he writes to thank,
instruct, and encourage his friends. He does not argue for his release, he
doesn’t beg them to help him… in fact he does the opposite - He says, “…what has happened to me has
actually helped to spread the gospel” (Philippians 1:12).
How frustrating it must be for the enemy that
Paul has such faith that he is unshaken by attacks and sees God’s response in
every situation.
What about you?...What are you doing during
your confinement? Are you meeting the needs of others - or are you focused on
your own suffering?
Your response will be the difference between being
a victim - or being victorious.
In 1675 the famous puritan preacher John
Bunyan was arrested for preaching without a license. He spent six months in
prison during which time he wrote The Pilgrim’s Progress, one of the
most famous books ever written. It has positively impacted the walk of Christians
all over the world. If you have not read it you should. When imprisoned, Bunyan
did not waste time in self-pity he went to work for God.
My point is – we are all suffering – but what
are we producing? Are we taking the
battle to the enemy like the Apostle Paul, and John Bunyan did?...or are we grumbling
about our misfortune.
Let’s frustrate the enemies plans, by
flooding the world with love and good deeds…fulfilling the needs of others and
glorifying God with an attitude that circumstances cannot affect.
Let me challenge you this morning to saddle
up…Put on the armor of God and find someone to help today…spend your energy
serving others – Trust God, and I assure you He will make you more than a
conqueror during this challenging trial.
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