Yes, I Will Rejoice Part 4 (Philippians 1:12-18)

I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ. And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much bolder to speak the word without fear.

Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will. The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment. What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice. Yes, and I will rejoice,

When Paul wrote this letter to the Philippians, he was a prisoner for his witness. And yet the focus of the epistle is joy in Christ. Paul was able to have joy in the midst of suffering because he knew that his suffering, much like that of the Savior, was contributing to making the world a better place. It was helping others to find the love of God. It was and still is advancing the story of Christ.

Even as some people in Paul’s day were sharing the Gospel from selfish reasons, they were sharing the story. The Gospel is the most amazing and important story ever told. It is the most joyful story. And, it is a story in which every believer plays a part. We all have our own chapter to share. We all have a unique experience in which Jesus has saved us. Our lives are immeasurably better for having Jesus in them. We can rejoice.

Share His story! Tell others your story!