10.05.2014 New Testament: Phi 1.20

To read the Bible in a year, read Philippians 1 on October 5, In the year of our Lord 2014

By Don Ruhl

Regardless of what ails you, regardless of what trouble overwhelms you, you shall eventually come out of it, whether by life or by death. Here is what I mean. From a prison cell Paul wrote,

…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 (Philippians 1.20). 

In the first part of the sentence (v. 19), he had shown his confidence that he would be delivered from prison through their prayers and the supply of the Spirit. Was Paul delivered? Even if you do not know the history of his imprisonment, you can answer, Yes. Think about it. Is he in prison right now? No, therefore, he came out of prison. Perhaps you say, What if he had died in prison? Again, would he still be in prison? No, therefore, we can say that by death he escaped prison.

You see, whatever affliction you experience here, you shall escape it, whether during your life, such as the Romans releasing Paul from prison, or by dying in prison; either way, he gets out.

Therefore, in nothing would he experience shame, but with boldness, even as he had always lived, he would magnify Jesus in his body, whether that magnification came by his life or by his death. How do you defeat someone who thinks that way?

You also, purpose in your heart that you shall magnify Jesus regardless of the situation of your life.