Living Above Your Circumstances: Philippians 1:12-14
“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.” Philippians 1:12-14
These verses are profound! Paul understood and declared that Jesus Christ was Lord over His circumstances. Bring a prisoner and sent to Rome was not his plan or idea, but God used it to greatly advance the gospel. How?
First, the seeds of the gospel were planted all the way to Rome as he traveled. Second, many elite Roman soldiers in the praetorian guard heard the gospel. Third, believers everywhere were filled with confidence and courage to speak the gospel as they heard Paul’s story. Fourth, apparently some members of Caesar’s own household in Rome became Christians. (See Philippians 4:22) Finally, much of the New Testament was written in the form of the Prison Epistles.
This screams of a truth not understood by most Christian’s: “Jesus Christ is Lord over our circumstances.” No wonder Paul and Silas could have a praise and worship service at midnight after being beaten and thrown in jail. (See Acts 16:25-31)
Paul did not view himself as a prisoner of his circumstances, rather he exploited every opportunity to advance the gospel. As he boldly and courageously made Jesus Christ and the gospel known, God directed his path. Signs and wonders and the power of the Holy Spirit accompanied him all the way to Rome. (See Acts 27-28)
There is a huge difference between viewing yourself as a victim of your circumstances and living through the power of God above your circumstances. The first surrenders to the enemy; the second ensures that God is in control. The first leads to a defeatist mindset; the second expects the miraculous power of God to turn all things toward His glory. The first leads to despair; the second leads to victory and new opportunities for the gospel.
Paul did not endorse turning the doctrine of the Sovereignty of God into complacency. He viewed it as an opportunity to surf on the wake of the supernatural. He consciously invited the power of God into his daily life and circumstances. He consciously viewed every event in his life through the lens of advancing the gospel!
These three verses have shaped my understanding of God, the Christian life and the Great Commission. Paul never surrendered to mediocrity. He lived daily on the raw edge of faith! As a result, the power and glory of God surrounded his life!
I believe God wants us to live this way as well. He wants us to invite His mighty power, glory and Spirit into our every circumstance. It is about making Jesus the focus rather than our own plans or agenda. His ways are so much higher than ours. He directs our path so that we might be a mouth piece for His glory.
Where are you stuck right now? Switch from fear to faith. Turn from anger and bitterness to love and forgiveness. Stop being silent and suppressed. Open your mouth for Jesus and the gospel. Speak into your circumstances for the glory of God. Bring yourself into alignment with God’s Word, will and purpose. Then expect God to work in miraculous ways. Put faith and not fate on display in your life.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
Sent from my iPhone
“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.” Philippians 1:12-14
These verses are profound! Paul understood and declared that Jesus Christ was Lord over His circumstances. Bring a prisoner and sent to Rome was not his plan or idea, but God used it to greatly advance the gospel. How?
First, the seeds of the gospel were planted all the way to Rome as he traveled. Second, many elite Roman soldiers in the praetorian guard heard the gospel. Third, believers everywhere were filled with confidence and courage to speak the gospel as they heard Paul’s story. Fourth, apparently some members of Caesar’s own household in Rome became Christians. (See Philippians 4:22) Finally, much of the New Testament was written in the form of the Prison Epistles.
This screams of a truth not understood by most Christian’s: “Jesus Christ is Lord over our circumstances.” No wonder Paul and Silas could have a praise and worship service at midnight after being beaten and thrown in jail. (See Acts 16:25-31)
Paul did not view himself as a prisoner of his circumstances, rather he exploited every opportunity to advance the gospel. As he boldly and courageously made Jesus Christ and the gospel known, God directed his path. Signs and wonders and the power of the Holy Spirit accompanied him all the way to Rome. (See Acts 27-28)
There is a huge difference between viewing yourself as a victim of your circumstances and living through the power of God above your circumstances. The first surrenders to the enemy; the second ensures that God is in control. The first leads to a defeatist mindset; the second expects the miraculous power of God to turn all things toward His glory. The first leads to despair; the second leads to victory and new opportunities for the gospel.
Paul did not endorse turning the doctrine of the Sovereignty of God into complacency. He viewed it as an opportunity to surf on the wake of the supernatural. He consciously invited the power of God into his daily life and circumstances. He consciously viewed every event in his life through the lens of advancing the gospel!
These three verses have shaped my understanding of God, the Christian life and the Great Commission. Paul never surrendered to mediocrity. He lived daily on the raw edge of faith! As a result, the power and glory of God surrounded his life!
I believe God wants us to live this way as well. He wants us to invite His mighty power, glory and Spirit into our every circumstance. It is about making Jesus the focus rather than our own plans or agenda. His ways are so much higher than ours. He directs our path so that we might be a mouth piece for His glory.
Where are you stuck right now? Switch from fear to faith. Turn from anger and bitterness to love and forgiveness. Stop being silent and suppressed. Open your mouth for Jesus and the gospel. Speak into your circumstances for the glory of God. Bring yourself into alignment with God’s Word, will and purpose. Then expect God to work in miraculous ways. Put faith and not fate on display in your life.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
Sent from my iPhone
