Yet in spite of all of this I am overjoyed! For what does it matter as long as Christ is being preached? If they preach him with mixed motives or with genuine love, the message of Christ is still being preached. And I will continue to rejoice because I know that the lavish supply of the Spirit of Jesus, the Anointed One, and your intercession for me will bring about my deliverance. No matter what, I will continue to hope and passionately cling to Christ, so that he will be openly revealed through me before everyone’s eyes. So I will not be ashamed! In my life or in my death, Christ will be magnified in me. My true life is the Anointed One, and dying means gaining more of him. So here’s my dilemma: Each day I live means bearing more fruit in my ministry; yet I fervently long to be liberated from this body and joined fully to Christ. That would suit me fine, but the greatest advantage to you would be that I remain alive. So you can see why I’m torn between the two—I don’t know which I prefer. Yet deep in my heart I’m confident that I will be spared so I can add to your joy and further strengthen and mature your faith. When I am freed to come to you, my deliverance will give you a reason to boast even more in Jesus Christ. Whatever happens, keep living your lives based on the reality of the gospel of Christ. Then when I come to see you, or hear good reports of you, I’ll know that you stand united in one Spirit and one passion—celebrating together as conquerors in the faith of the gospel. And then you will never be shaken or intimidated by the opposition that rises up against us. Your courage will prove to be a sure sign from God of their coming destruction.
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Compare All Versions: Philippians 1:18-28
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Infinitum is a way of life centered on following Jesus by loving God and loving others by emphasizing the habits and disciplines of surrender, generosity, and mission. We aim to see the Bible and the world through these Jesus-colored lenses.
Known as “the epistle of joy,” Philippians is full of encouragement and hope. Although imprisoned in Rome, Paul rejoices at the gospel’s advancement. Philippians reminds us that joy is not dependent upon circumstances. Instead, joy is rooted in the reality that “He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:6).
Our cultures are full of people and publications offering 'quick fixes' to get us to contentment. But the Bible has a different perspective. The secret to contentment isn't a programme: it's a person. The process of following Jesus, learning to live like Him, and rejoicing in what He's done, is what we were made for. It's not easy, but it is so very worth it.
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