Topic: Fuel for Faith
Philippians 1:12, “Now I want you to know, brethren, that my circumstances have turned out for the greater progress of the gospel.”
Many challenges hinder our Christian walk and steal the focus away from our mission. Everyone is dealing with some hard things that become distractions. If we want fuel for our faith, we must focus on moving forward despite the obstacles. Last week we talked about being focused on the finish line. Today we are going to talk about how to advance through the obstacles and challenges as we make our way through life as followers of Christ.
In today’s text, Paul opens up about some difficult relationships and imprisonment and how he plans to address those with faith. For a traveling apostle to be put in prison must have seemed like a concert pianist having his hands tied behind his back. How can he possibly continue the work he has been called to do?
Things happen in your life that are hard, challenging, sometimes discouraging. Paul shares in Philippians chapter one advice that can help us fuel our faith when we hit obstacles:
1. Stay focused (1:13). Paul does not allow his imprisonment to keep him from sharing the Gospel of Jesus. Warren Wiersbe made this observation, “The same God who used Moses’ rod, Gideon’s pitchers, and David’s sling used Paul’s chains. Little did the Romans realize that the chains they affixed to his wrists would release Paul instead of bind him.”
2. Be confident (1:14). When we let our life circumstances cause us to lose connection to Christ, we miss opportunities to let God work through those circumstances. Paul encourages us to place full confidence in Christ and His gospel.
3. Rise above (1:15-18). Paul identifies two kinds of people here: Those who share the gospel out of love and those who have ulterior motives. His recommendation is to rise above those who try to hurt us and to live for Christ anyway. It’s hard to judge other people’s motives. Sometimes it is hard for us to figure out our own motives. Rising above those who work against us might involve:
-Praying for them—even those we consider to be enemies
-Being determined to continue to work for the Lord despite criticism.
4. Lean on Jesus (1:18b-19). Paul continues his theme of joy by expressing that he will continue to rejoice. What an amazing disciple of Jesus he really is. Notice the source of his joy:
-Through the prayers of others.
-God’s provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ.
-Faith that Christ will be exalted during difficulties.
See you Sunday!
Dr. Scott Kallem