Philippians 1:12–2:4 (NKJV)
12 But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel, 13 so that it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ; 14 and most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. 15 Some indeed preach Christ even from envy and strife, and some also from goodwill: 16 The former preach Christ from selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my chains; 17 but the latter out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel. 18 What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is preached; and in this I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice. 19 For I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayer and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, 20 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. 21 For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22 But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I cannot tell. 23 For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. 24 Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you. 25 And being confident of this, I know that I shall remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy of faith, 26 that your rejoicing for me may be more abundant in Jesus Christ by my coming to you again. 27 Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel, 28 and not in any way terrified by your adversaries, which is to them a proof of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that from God. 29 For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake, 30 having the same conflict which you saw in me and now hear is in me. 1 Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, 2 fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. 3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.
What a blessed exhortation St. Paul was inspired to deliver not just to the congregation in Philippi but to every Christian congregation and generation thereafter! Having a steadfast desire that Christ be preached (whether in pretense or truth)—that Christ would be magnified in his body (whether in life or death)—to be conflicted on behalf of Christ (whether in belief or in suffering)—and in consolation in Christ (whether in self interest or the interests of others)!
Paul is inspired to deliver the Chritocentric (Christ-centered) message of God’s Word. He reveals how everything is always about keeping Christ in the forefront of a Christian’s thought’s, words, and deeds. This is what it means to be a slave to Christ. I once heard it put this way: In moving forward in life (as if driving a vehicle), Christ needs to be in the windshield of the vehicle — not in the rear view mirror (as some event in the past, that is glanced at every once in a while).
When Christ is placed in the rear view mirror (and remembered, or glanced at, every once in a while, then being a Christian is reduced down to simple moralism (being good or bad). With Christ in the windshield, then everything is viewed through the justification that is accounted to you as a believer! Now it makes sense that St. Paul Christ would engulf every aspect of life. Thanks be to God!
Let us pray: Almighty and Everlasting God, who is always more ready to hear than we to pray and to give more than we either desire or deserve, pour down upon us the abundance of Your mercy, forgiving those things of which our conscience is afraid and giving us those good things that we are not worthy to ask, except through the merits and mediation of Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
