October 4, 2015
Scripture Reading: Philippians 1:18b-22
Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, 19for 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.20I 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. 21For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. 22If 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!
Questions for Reflection:
Paul was facing dire circumstances, yet in spite of those obstacles he continued to rejoice. Why? What was the fuel for Paul’s joy? Just as Paul prayed for the Philippians (1:9-11), Paul wanted the Philippians to pray for him. What did he think would happen if they prayed for him?
In Gerald Hawthorne’s commentary on the letter, Hawthorne writes: “Paul knew that God effected changes in history through prayer and therefore he counted heavily on his churches to carry out this ministry on his behalf.” It’s real easy in our contemporary setting to become self-centered in our prayers. We pray to God for our health, our desires, for assistance in selling our house. However, we can play a role in what God is doing around the world if we will pray. Today in worship at One Life, you’ll hear powerful stories of how God is at work in Myanmar. Take time today to pray and ask God to work among the leaders of the church in Myanmar and use them to spread the gospel.