FRIDAY August 23, 2024

The Furtherance of the Gospel

But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel, so that it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ; and most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.
Philippians 1:12-14

In Philippians 1:1-11, we have studied Paul’s thanksgiving and prayer for the church in Philippi. He now speaks of his imprisonment in the beautiful, big city of Rome. Under house arrest, Paul had the understanding that he was a prisoner of Jesus Christ––he was His servant––amazing. Paul wanted to convince his readers to see that, even though imprisoned and under the care of palace guards, nothing in his life was by coincidence. God was using everything for the furtherance of the Gospel.

Paul used every opportunity God gave him. Whenever there was a change in guard, he shared the Gospel with that man. Many Roman guards became born again! You see, Paul was not looking at his circumstances, and even though he knew he would eventually die because of his commitment to Jesus Christ, he cared more about people’s eternity. Do you care where people spend eternity? If you do, then never give up on them. Continue to pray and love them.

In life, nothing happens by coincidence. People struggle with terrible circumstances and tragedies that God has allowed in their lives, but He will use these events to draw them closer to Him. God is at work in these dire situations in people’s lives. Oftentimes, they may not understand the “whys” of life until they get to heaven; but know this one thing: God is at work in our lives until we become glorified with Jesus Christ in heaven.

We all go through trials and temptations that become part of our testimony. When people face what you have already faced, you are equipped to share with them God’s comfort and purposes.

God's plan for enlarging His kingdom is so simple - one person telling another about the Savior. ... Just remember, someone's eternal destiny is at stake. The joy you'll have when you meet that person in heaven will far exceed any discomfort you felt in sharing the gospel.
~Charles Stanley~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!