Devotional: Conflict From God

Phillipians 1

“What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed; and in this I rejoice” (Phil. 1:18, NASB).

The apostle Paul is in prison. He is not a happy camper. Paul has endured hardships preaching the gospel for many years and in many places. His life is one of conflict (v. 30). He rejoices in knowing that God has called and empowered him to preach the Gospel throughout Palestine, Asia Minor, and parts of Europe. He has joy because he knows that his labor has led to the salvation of many people. At the same time, he has met with much opposition from enemies of the Gospel both outside the church and unfortunately inside the church.

While in prison, Paul writes to the church at Philippi to express his gratitude for their support of him in his ministry. Paul is torn between living and dying because he envisions the value of dying and being with the Lord, and he also knows that he can benefit the church if he lives (vv. 21-24). Paul concludes chapter one by reminding the church that that believing in Christ and suffering for His sake comes from God (vv. 29-30)