Philippians 1:12-26

Philippians 1:12-26 NIV
 ¹² Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. ¹³ As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. ¹⁴ And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear.

Paul was arrested for preaching.  He did not waste by feeling sorry for himself or angry with God.  He had a captive audience in the soldiers and he preached to them.  Without this arrest he would never have had the opportunity to speak with these soldiers.  Also his example encouraged other believers.

We should follow Paul's example and use every opportunity to share Christ and therefore encourage other believers.

 ¹⁵ It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. ¹⁶ The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. ¹⁷ The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. ¹⁸ But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.

Paul was only concerned about the advancement of the gospel.  He was not concerned about the motives of other people.  God can and does use anyone he wants.  He will judge the persons motives.

   Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, ¹⁹ for I know that through your prayers and God’s provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. ²⁰ I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. ²¹ For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. ²² If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! ²³ I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; ²⁴ but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. ²⁵ Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, ²⁶ so that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me.

Paul lived for the eternal.  If Paul was to die, he was excited about going home, yet he knew he had work to do here and was willing and confident that God would let him do it.

I'm convicted that I am not anywhere near this point.   How about you?

God Bless.