Morning Moments

Philippians Devotional Outline continued

E. A LIFE OF BOLDNESS 1:19-30

When the early disciples prayed, they did not ask to be "filled with the Spirit" but prayed for "boldness" to proclaim the Word of God in the midst of adversity and opposition. The "Jews" had become quite comfortable under Roman rule for they were free to exercise their "religion" as long as it did not interfere with Roman rule. The leaders did quite well as long as the commoners kept in line. Occasionally, a few zealots would get out of line and have to be dealt with, but other than that Judaism worked quite well under Roman rule.

At first, this Christian movement might have been considered merely another zealot sect among the Jews that could easily be handled but the death of its leader, or so they thought, but the followers of Jesus as the Messiah prayed that God would give them BOLDNESS to stand and spread in the midst of whatever came. They received -

1. Boldness in Belief 1:19-26

We have certainly learned in recent years that radical Muslims believe Islam is worth dying for, but we who know and trust Jesus Christ believe He is worth LIVING for and that is the difference - hatred and love. We are taught to love our enemies and pray for those who despitefully use and persecute us. We desire to reach others with the good news that GOD is love and that it is not the sinner He hates but the sin and He sent His Son, our Lord Jesus Christ to die for our sins and to rise from the dead, not for us to merely follow His teaching, but for Him to inhabit our humanity. That assurance leads us to be BOLD in our belief, but not brash and bullying.

CONSIDER:

a. The Assurance of God's Sovereignty 1:19-23

[1:19] For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,
[20] According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.
[21] For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
[22] But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not.
[23] For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:

- vs 19 He is Sovereign over my Situation - deliverance
- vs 20 He is Sovereign over my Success - ashamed in nothing
- vs 21 He is Sovereign over my Survival - life or death
- vs 22-23 He is Sovereign over my Strait - to depart or remain

b. The Assurance of Their Deficiency 1:24-26

They needed Paul. He knew that in his spirit and he knew that God knew it but he was surrendered and only wanted what the Lord wanted. He did not consider himself indispensable, but he considered himself useable.

[1:24] Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you.
[25] And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith;
[26] That your rejoicing may be more abundant in Jesus Christ for me by my coming to you again.

- vs 24 They needed his preaching
- vs 25 They needed his partnership
- vs 26 They needed his presence

Our children (students) do not need to be left alone by their parent (teachers). We must be a tool in the hand of God not merely to reach but to TEACH and MAKE disciples. Paul did this very well. May our students become sharers in this Life of Boldness!

BLESSINGS!