Feed Me Oh Lord With Spiritual Manna

WEDNESDAY, 13 DECEMBER 2023

TEXT: Philippians 1:12-30

12: Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel.

13: As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ.

14: And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear.

15: It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill.

16: The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel.

17: The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains.

18: But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.

19: for I know that through your prayers and God’s provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance.

20: I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.

21: For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.

22: If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know!

23: I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far;

24: but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body.

25: Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith,

26: so that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me.

27: Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel

28: without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God.

29: For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him,

30: since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.

(New International Version Holy Bible)

TOPIC: YOUR ATTITUDE TO LIFE’S CHALLENGES DETERMINES YOUR SPIRITUAL ALTITUDE

Paul was in prison for simply preaching the Gospel of salvation and peace. He had every reason to complain and be bitter towards God for allowing the Roman imperial authority incarcerate him for no reason and for allowing Ananias the High Priest to blackmail him.

But Paul rejoiced because his imprisonment led to the spread of the Gospel in two ways:

- He was able to witness to the imperial guards (vs.13)

- He was able to spur others onto greater boldness (vs.14)

We learn here that Satan cannot touch you without God's permission. However, the one thing God cannot control is our response to life's challenges.

As Christians, we are confident that God is always in complete control. When God permits Satan to light the furnace, He always keeps His hand on the thermostat.

QUESTION: What is your attitude towards suffering and injustice?

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, forgive me for succumbing to life's challenges instead of looking up to You with great hope. Amen.