In the society that we live, you would think me weird for saying that the real way to joy is to surrender all. Even so, I want you to know that true, steadfast, unwavering joy can only be found through laying aside all else for the name of Jesus. Only after being stripped of every other desire, can joy be found. Just as Paul learned, joy can only be found in Jesus. He is the source of our joy. It is the power of the Holy Spirit filling us to overflowing rivers of joy, regardless of the circumstances around us. For the Holy Spirit to fill us completely, we must get out of His way by dying to our petty, selfish desires to be exalted and to do things our way. Counterculture: yet, powerfully true as we see in the life of Paul.
Once a man of power, self-determination, and strength, Paul became a humble, gentle servant of Christ, willing to endure all hardship for Christ with a steadfast joy. What transformed him so? A face-to-face encounter with Jesus Christ on the road to Damascus. It is with this in mind that we continue in this study of Philippians.
Joy in the Face of Persecution
Philippians 1:12 I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel, 13 so that it has become evident to the whole [b]palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ; 14 and most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.
Paul went to Jerusalem against the warnings of everyone. He knew that the Holy Spirit told him to. He went with a gift for the church at Jerusalem from the gentile churches. A unifying act. He knew he would be in danger, but he went anyway. Once there, the Jewish leaders were so angered and desired his death. He was brought before the Roman guards. They wanted him dead. But he was a roman citizen. Therefore, the guards protected him and took him on a perilous journey by boat to Rome. Once in Rome, he was chained to a Roman guard.
Imagine, you cannot bathe, go to the bathroom, sleep, eat, or do anything but what a Roman Guard is chained, tethered to your person. With that note, Paul’s joy that his affliction has led to the spread of the gospel. Imagine your being the guards assigned to be chained to this gentle, humble servant of Christ. They would go back to the guard house and others would be saved and so on it went. Rather than to bemoan his condition, Paul was joyous that the good news of Jesus Christ was being spread.
A Further thought
Just as his imprisonment in Philippi led to the salvation of the guard who led others to Christ, Paul’s affliction allowed the gospel to spread. Furthermore, it gave strength to others facing persecution as they watched Paul go through all this. Think about that. While others watch on as we face trials, they are strengthened by our unending hope, joy, and peace amid the trials.
Joy in the Face of Ridicule
Philippians 1: 15 Some indeed preach Christ even from envy and strife, and some also from goodwill: 16 [c]The former preach Christ from selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my chains; 17 but the latter out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel. 18 What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is preached; and in this I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice.
Paul knew that many said, “Ha, look at Paul. What a disgrace! Must be God is mad at him. Not so great a teacher after all.” Much like the friends of Job. Yet, these were preachers. Don’t we see that today among pastors? And don’t we see those among our church members? Yet, instead of being offended, Paul was joyous that the name of Christ was being preached, even if with the wrong motives. God could take care of revealing the truth; but at least the name of Jesus was being spread.
And what a lesson for each of us. 1. We must not wear our feelings on our sleeves. Regardless of what others say or think, the only one we answer to for our ministry is God. He sees our heart and theirs. 2. Let us not be so quick to judge the motives of others either. We need to be careful that we remain doctrinally sound, pray, and let God deal with the hearts of others.
Joy in life or death
Philippians 1: 19 For I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayer and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, 20 according to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death. 21 For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
Like the lyrics written by Stuart Townend, “No guilt in life, no fear in death. That is the power of Christ in me.” Paul knew this. Whatever he was forced to endure in this life, he was willing to; because Jesus Christ was all that mattered. Oh, that my love for Jesus would burn more intensely each day.
Philippians 1: 22 But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I [d]cannot tell. 23 [e]For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. 24 Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you. 25 And being confident of this, I know that I shall remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy of faith, 26 that your rejoicing for me may be more abundant in Jesus Christ by my coming to you again.
How often, I wish to go home to see my Saviour, my love face to face! Yet, for the sake of my love for Him, I joyously remain. My prayer is He guide me every day to a closer presence with Him, so you might see Him shine through the holes of my life.
One Admonition, because of all of this:
Philippians 1: 27 Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel, 28 and not in any way terrified by your adversaries, which is to them a proof of perdition, but [f]to you of salvation, and that from God.
Do not let the circumstances of this world cause you to tremble or falter. Do not be terrified by your adversaries. Stand firm, unified in one faith, proclaiming the name of Jesus as fearless warriors.
Philippians 1: 29 For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake, 30 having the same conflict which you saw in me and now hear is in me.
CONCLUDING THOUGHT: Joy Regardless of the Loss
How do we obtain joy by surrendering all? 1. We keep our eyes focused on Christ, knowing He is our joy. 2. Never forget eternity lies before us and we must not get distracted from our ultimate goal of being with Him. 3. Hold Fast to your faith, knowing that we are almost home. 4. The same power that raised Jesus from the dead, indwells each and every believer
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©Effie Darlene Barba, 2021
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. Furthermore, I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
Credits
New King James Version (NKJV)
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.