Faith & Reframing
Philippians 1:12-20
12I want you to know, beloved that what has happened to me has actually helped to spread the gospel, 13so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to everyone else that my imprisonment is for Christ; 14and most of the brothers and sisters, having been made confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, dare to speak the word with greater boldness and without fear. 15Some proclaim Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from goodwill. 16These proclaim Christ out of love, knowing that I have been put here for the defense of the gospel; 17the others proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely but intending to increase my suffering in my imprisonment. 18What does it matter? Just this, that Christ is proclaimed in every way, whether out of false motives or true; and in that I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, 19for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance. 20It is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be put to shame in any way, but that by my speaking with all boldness, Christ will be exalted now as always in my body, whether by life or by death.
Reframing
Have you ever heard of the concept of reframing? It's where you try to look at a situation from different angels, hopefully finding a more helpful and positive way to look at it. Paul does it twice in this passage. First he looks at his imprisonment and sees that it's been an encouragement to others to be bold in their faith. God has brought something good out of Paul's unfortunate situation. Paul then reframes the circumstance of people preaching the Gospel for selfish gain. His reframing? At least Christ is being preached!
Reframing. Maybe this is part of Paul's secret to joy and contentment?
12I want you to know, beloved that what has happened to me has actually helped to spread the gospel, 13so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to everyone else that my imprisonment is for Christ; 14and most of the brothers and sisters, having been made confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, dare to speak the word with greater boldness and without fear. 15Some proclaim Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from goodwill. 16These proclaim Christ out of love, knowing that I have been put here for the defense of the gospel; 17the others proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely but intending to increase my suffering in my imprisonment. 18What does it matter? Just this, that Christ is proclaimed in every way, whether out of false motives or true; and in that I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, 19for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance. 20It is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be put to shame in any way, but that by my speaking with all boldness, Christ will be exalted now as always in my body, whether by life or by death.
Reframing
Have you ever heard of the concept of reframing? It's where you try to look at a situation from different angels, hopefully finding a more helpful and positive way to look at it. Paul does it twice in this passage. First he looks at his imprisonment and sees that it's been an encouragement to others to be bold in their faith. God has brought something good out of Paul's unfortunate situation. Paul then reframes the circumstance of people preaching the Gospel for selfish gain. His reframing? At least Christ is being preached!
Reframing. Maybe this is part of Paul's secret to joy and contentment?
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