(More Bible Studies Available @ www.marktabata.com)
To Receive These (And Other) Free Bible Studies And Updates Via Email, Contact Mark Tabata @ 606-216-1757 (Text Message) Or hazardhomecoc@gmail.com (Email)
Philippians 1:12-14-But 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 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.
The Book of Philippians is one of the most positive Books of the Bible. It has been estimated that within four chapters of this Book, Paul uses words like joy, rejoicing, and gladness at least nineteen times. This is especially intriguing when we come to realize that Paul is in a Roman jail cell when he is writing these words!
You see, at the instigation of several evil individuals who hated Paul and the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the Apostle had been unlawfully imprisoned by the Roman government (Acts 21:7-24:27). This lasted for about two years, during which time the Philippians wanted to send Paul support but were not able to because of their own dire circumstances (Philippians 4:10). Paul appealed his case legally to Caesar (Acts 25:11), and in the year 59 or 60 A.D., he was sent to Rome for trial (Acts 25:10-27:1). The Philippians marshaled all their resources, and decided to send Paul financial support through a messenger named Epaphroditus. But he had gotten sick and almost died on his way to Rome (Philippians 2:25-26)! Finally, however, he had made it to Rome and encouraged Paul greatly with his fellowship and the gift the he had brought from the brethren at Philippi (Philippians 4:12-18). The Book of Philippians is therefore a reminder that when we follow Christ, we are going to face adversity in this life. Unjust persecution, malicious allegations and slander, possible imprisonment, terrible hardships, disappointments, heartaches, and discouragement are only a few examples. Despite all of the uncertain times, however, we can rest in the certainty of our victory for one reason: God is good, and He does good!
Psalm 119:68-You are good, and do good; Teach me Your statutes.
Through it all, Paul teaches us how we may maintain a joyous spirit even when things go badly.
“Yet, in spite of his danger and discomfort, Paul overflowed with joy. What was the secret of this joy? The secret is found in another word that is often repeated in Philippians: It is the word mind. Paul uses mind ten times, and also uses the word think five times. Add the time he uses remember and you have a total of sixteen references to the mind. In other words, the secret of Christian joy is found in the way the believer thinks—his attitudes. After all, outlook determines outcome. As we think, so we are (Prov. 23:7). Philippians, then, is a Christian psychology book, based solidly on Bible doctrine. It is not a shallow self-help book that tells the reader how to convince himself that “everything is going to turn out all right.” It is a book that explains the mind the believer must have if he is going to experience Christian joy in a world filled with trouble.” (Warren W. Wiersbe, Philippians: Be Joyful: Even When Things Go Wrong, You Can Have Joy, 17-19 (Kindle Edition): Colorado Springs, CO: David C. Cook)
God calls on us as His people to allow our minds to be continually renewed. This enables us to face the challenges of life with a new viewpoint: the sufferings that God allows are to bring about good, even if we cannot see precisely how while we are going through the fires of our trials.
Romans 12:1-2-I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
Philippians 4:8-Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.
Everything is based upon the conviction that God WILL bring good through whatever we are facing, even as He will provide for our every need.
Philippians 4:19-And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Whatever trials you are facing in your life right now, humbly invite God into your circumstances. Trust in Him and ask Him to help you see that He will work good in you, in your life, and through your life. He will fill you with all joy and peace as you keep believing in Him.
Romans 15:13-Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Lord, thank You for Your work in our lives. Help us to look beyond our trials to the good that You will bring. We praise You! Amen.