Philippians: I've Got that Joy, Joy, Joy, Joy Down in My Heart

This blog is about pages 149-151 in the book The Smart Guide to the Bible: Paul and the Prison Epistles.

Philippians 1:18b-20 says, “and in this I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice. For I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayer and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, 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.” (NKJV)

Most commentators don’t believe that Paul ever got the chance to testify in court, but think that he was held for two years under house arrest and then released. They believe he continued to travel and preach the gospel. During a second imprisonment in Rome he wrote 2 Timothy. We know that Paul was executed for his faith, but we don’t know when.

But when Paul wrote this letter to the Philippians, he did not know what would happen to him. He knew he could die and be put to death for his faith, but he wanted to stay true to Christ not matter what. He just wanted Jesus glorified no matter what it took—life or death. Paul wanted Jesus to be “magnified” so others could see Him better.

One of our main purposes in life is to give glory to God. We are meant to live in a way that gives Him the glory at all times. I know that when people meet me and talk to me, they know I am a Christian. They know I am willing to answer questions. But I know that I am not perfect, and not every word or action gives glory to God. I’m learning and letting the Holy Spirit do His work in me. All of my actions can’t give glory to God without His help.

There are many reasons we should give glory to God and many ways we are to give Him glory. He is good. He does good deeds. He sent His Son to die to forgive our sins. He delivers us. We can give Him the glory by requesting that He reveal His glory (Exodus 22:18-23), confessing our sins (Joshua 7:19-20), praising Him (Psalm 66:2), singing (Psalm 69:30), giving thanks to Him (Psalm 69:30), speaking of His marvelous deeds to others (Psalm 96:3), rejoicing in Him (Psalm 105:3), living in Christian unity (Romans 15:5-6), accepting others (Romans 15:7), and living good lives (1 Peter 2:12).

I need to remember to always have praises on my heart and on my lips. If I’m not telling the people around me about all that He is done, they will never see Him for who He is, but will only see the Law, which does not set them free. The only end to a legalistic view of Christianity is to learn the love and goodness of God. I can teach that to the world by always living to glorify Him.