By this time in the Apostle Paul's ministry, he is imprisoned in Rome. Don't know if you've read much about the prison system in Rome...but it wasn't a plush situation. You didn't eat unless family or friends brought you food, etc.
I recently watched "The Count of Monte Cristo" again (the newest version). When Edmond was wrongfully accused and thrown onto an island prison, death was certain. He finally meets up with a Priest who teaches Edmond how to be a gentleman, scholar, expert swordsman, etc. As Edmond grows in strength and knowledge, he becomes bent on escaping and executing revenge on all those who have wrongfully accused him. I plan to read the book to find out of it ends the same way the movie does.
When you read the following passage from the Apostle Paul, you don't see any self concern. Paul's only driving love and obsession, if you will, is to preach the Gospel. He only sees the good that is resulting from his dire situation. Read the following passage...
Philippians 1:12-30
(12)
I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, (13)
so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ. (14)
And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. (15)
Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will. (16)
The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. (17)
The former proclaim Christ out of rivalry, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment. (18)
What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice. Yes, and I will rejoice, (19)
for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance, (20)
as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored 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 live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. (23)
I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. (24)
But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. (25)
Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, (26)
so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again. (27)
Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, (28)
and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God. (29)
For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake, (30)
engaged in the same conflict that you saw I had and now hear that I still have.
Wow! I mean, uber WOW!
Let me loosely paraphrase this for you...Paul is rejoicing in his circumstances because whether he lives or dies, the gospel of Jesus Christ is being preached and this is bringing glory to God. He is actually torn between living, and continuing to preach the Gospel and encourage the Christians or dying (vs. 23, ...and be with Christ, for that is far better)!
When was the last time you were having a no good, awful day? Was God glorified? Were you rejoicing in spite of your circumstances? Did people see the Gospel of Christ in you, even in the middle of your no good, awful day?
Regardless of our circumstances...preach Christ. As Spurgeon said, "Share the Gospe, use words if necessary!"
Rejoice in your situation.
Stay faithful to Christ.
This earthly pitstop is so quick and fleeting in comparison with all of eternity!
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