Many consider that when David uttered the phrase, ‘Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life’, he was simply being poetic and not proclaiming a solid fact. They say: ‘It’s easy to repeat this statement and believe it when everything is going well, but what about those times when health fails, or income falls and troubles come not as single spies but in battalions?’ And what about those times also when we have to watch a loved one suffer the agonies of unrelieved pain, or when close friends prove false and disloyal? Can we really say at such times: ‘Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life…’? I believe we can, it all depends on how much of our God you know and how much of His ways of doing things that you know. When you know our God very well the way He wants Himself known, you will know that all the thoughts and plans He has for us are all thoughts and plans of good and well being, it is us who by our limitedness shape things out of God’s way and then we experience ruin, disappointments, failures, bad health and ultimately death! Then we complain and murmur instead of blaming ourselves for our shortsightedness and limitedness in everything in relation to our God which is why His aim for us is that we depend, trust and believe in His Power and ability to accomplish all things for us, but do we do that, No! As I look back over my life, I can remember many events and circumstances which I viewed at the time as disastrous. I can recollect one particular occasion when, as I looked forward into the future, things looked so black and blank that I considered leaving the ministry said the narrator. Now, with hindsight and more understanding in God, I can see that those hours of darkness was one of the great turning-points in my life, a time I started seeing things from the perspectives of God, and it moved me, not towards a contracted or smaller ministry, but a wider one, one with what I normally call with ‘world view’. Goodness and mercy of my God followed me, and turned what looked like despair into a door of greater opportunity for me. It is my firm belief that God does not engineer what we might describe as ‘tragedies’ or ‘disasters’, but that they happen as the consequence of sin, of our erroneous lifestyle with lack of understanding or even carelessness in everything concerning life different from the way God willed that we should live our life. Such is God’s skill and way of shaping us up away from our errors of life that ruins us, however, at turning tragedy to triumph and loss into gain that I can understand why some believe God sent the tragedy and devised the disaster –so marvelously does He bring good out of evil. So know it today that God never plan any ruin, tragedy or disaster for us, rather God graciously intervenes in order to bring good out of it for us! Know this divine principle that comes our way out of God’s mercy and grace and always be thankful!

Now let us read Philippians 1:12-30; 12 Now I want you to know and continue to rest assured, brethren, that what [has happened] to me [this imprisonment] has actually only served to advance and give a renewed impetus to the [spreading of the] good news (the Gospel). 13 So much is this a fact that throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest [here] my imprisonment has become generally known to be in Christ [that I am a prisoner in His service and for Him]. 14 And [also] most of the brethren have derived fresh confidence in the Lord because of my chains and are much more bold to speak and publish fearlessly the Word of God [acting with more freedom and indifference to the consequences]. 15 Some, it is true, [actually] preach Christ (the Messiah) [for no better reason than] out of envy and rivalry (party spirit), but others are doing so out of a loyal spirit and goodwill. 16 The latter [proclaim Christ] out of love, because they recognize and know that I am [providentially] put here for the defense of the good news (the Gospel). 17 But the former preach Christ out of a party spirit, insincerely [out of no pure motive, but thinking to annoy me], supposing they are making my bondage more bitter and my chains more galling. 18 But what does it matter, so long as either way, whether in pretense [for personal ends] or in all honesty [for the furtherance of the Truth], Christ is being proclaimed? And in that I [now] rejoice, yes, and I shall rejoice [hereafter] also. 19 For I am well assured and indeed know that through your prayers and a bountiful supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ (the Messiah) this will turn out for my preservation (for the spiritual health and welfare of my own soul) and avail toward the saving work of the Gospel. 20 This is in keeping with my own eager desire and persistent expectation and hope, that I shall not disgrace myself nor be put to shame in anything; but that with the utmost freedom of speech and unfailing courage, now as always heretofore, Christ (the Messiah) will be magnified and get glory and praise in this body of mine and be boldly exalted in my person, whether through (by) life or through (by) death. 21 For me to live is Christ [His life in me], and to die is gain [the gain of the glory of eternity]. 22 If, however, it is to be life in the flesh and I am to live on here, that means fruitful service for me; so I can say nothing as to my personal preference [I cannot choose], 23 But I am hard pressed between the two. My yearning desire is to depart (to be free of this world, to set forth) and be with Christ, for that is far, far better; 24 But to remain in my body is more needful and essential for your sake. 25 Since I am convinced of this, I know that I shall remain and stay by you all, to promote your progress and joy in believing, 26 So that in me you may have abundant cause for exultation and glorying in Christ Jesus, through my coming to you again. 27 Only be sure as citizens so to conduct yourselves [that] your manner of life [will be] worthy of the good news (the Gospel) of Christ, so that whether I [do] come and see you or am absent, I may hear this of you: that you are standing firm in united spirit and purpose, striving side by side and contending with a single mind for the faith of the glad tidings (the Gospel). 28 And do not [for a moment] be frightened or intimidated in anything by your opponents and adversaries, for such [constancy and fearlessness] will be a clear sign (proof and seal) to them of [their impending] destruction, but [a sure token and evidence] of your deliverance and salvation, and that from God. 29 For you have been granted [the privilege] for Christ's sake not only to believe in (adhere to, rely on, and trust in) Him, but also to suffer in His behalf. 30 So you are engaged in the same conflict which you saw me [wage] and which you now hear to be mine [still].

How do we respond when things don't go the way we planned, especially in our Christian walk? Do we become discouraged and lose hope, or do we trust that God is still at work, even in the midst of difficult circumstances? And that God will surely turn things around for our good! In Philippians 1:12-30, we see the apostle Paul's response to his own life challenging vicissitude and circumstances, and how he was able to remain focused on the gospel allowing God to have His way in his life. What about you, can you learn to do exactly the same? Joe was known to me from previous admissions to the hospital said a narrator. He had a progressive life threatening illness: Pulmonary Cystic Fibrosis. Often our discussions ended with Joe talking about his childhood faith. He would say, “When I get stronger, I am going back to Church to get saved.” I would gently remind him that he didn’t have to wait to go back to Church to get saved but could pray and be saved while he was still in the hospital. This is the erroneous view which some of us have about our God and His ability to save us. God can save from anywhere and to anywhere, let us know this fact and always call upon God where we are! One night Joe had called for the on-duty priest and chaplains three times during my eight-hour shift. He was extremely short of breath and his anxiety level was high. Finally, he requested that a counselor be called in to talk with him. Do you see a counselor was near but Joe was calling a Priest that is a far from where he is, this is some of the mistakes we often do in dealing with God! But again, you see Joe is calling upon a human priest whereas the divine High Priest is up there and very nearer to him but he has gotten use to calling the human priest, which is where we err: Our wrong knowledge of our God! As I walked in the room, I said, “Joe, you can talk to all the counselors in the world but that won’t save you. What you need to do is ask Lord Jesus the heavenly High Priest to forgive you of your sins, and then ask Him to come into your heart.” I asked him if he believed that Lord Jesus would save him. He said “yes;” then suddenly he sat up and swung his feet over the side of the bed. He was excited and said, “I’ve got it! Lord Jesus just saved me!” Joe’s parents were at his bedside with tears flowing down their cheeks. I quietly left the room. Thirty minutes later the nurse called me to tell me that Joe had passed away. She said, “The last thirty minutes of his life Joe was the most peaceful I have ever seen him.” What joy it brought to my heart to hear Joe had claimed salvation before he eventually passes on! Death had brought Joe gain, because he stepped into the Presence of his Savior. In those last moments of his life, as Joe was struggling with his breathe knowing the Lord Jesus Christ and the salvation He gives made all the difference. He found the joy that comes from knowing Christ personally, and Heaven was his final destination. Like Paul, believers can have contentment, serenity, and peace, no matter what happens. When our peace is made with God, we can say with Him, “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” While Paul was visiting Jerusalem, some Jews had him arrested for preaching the Gospel. Soldiers escorted him to Rome, where he was placed under house arrest while awaiting trial. At that time, the Roman authorities did not consider “proclaiming the Good News” to be a serious charge or offence, thus the house arrest rather than a jail confinement. Paul did not complain about his circumstances but rejoiced because his imprisonment helped him to win the souls of people in Rome. When he wrote from prison to the Philippians, his theme to them was predominantly of joy, which he derived from his relationship with Christ. Paul’s faith was unconquerable! He was certain of his deliverance because the Philippians prayed and because of the presence of God’s Spirit with him. Even if he was executed, his mission would be completed and Christ would be magnified! Paul’s surrender to the purpose of God was complete — life or death did not make a difference in his attitude. So it ought to be with every one of us! Paul, though a prisoner, was exultantly happy, and he called upon his readers to always rejoice in Christ. Paul also appealed for steadfastness among them. For Paul, true joy was present despite the circumstances he found himself in. Christian joy is independent of outward conditions. It is possible to experience joy even in the midst of adverse circumstances, such as suffering and persecution and pain and hardship. Now let us pick some portions step by step:

12 Now I want you to know and continue to rest assured, brethren, that what [has happened] to me [this imprisonment] has actually only served to advance and give a renewed impetus to the [spreading of the] good news (the Gospel). 13 So much is this a fact that throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest [here] my imprisonment has become generally known to be in Christ [that I am a prisoner in His service and for Him]. 14 And [also] most of the brethren have derived fresh confidence in the Lord because of my chains and are much more bold to speak and publish fearlessly the Word of God [acting with more freedom and indifference to the consequences]. A. Paul's imprisonment and its impact on the gospel (v.12-13); I love that word “actually” (GK: “mallon”) Especially in its used to convey a sense of surprise and paradox You would think that Paul being in prison would contain or restrain the gospel Maybe that was the intention of the enemy Keep Paul hidden from the public to contain the gospel Weeeelllllllll........ Actually Instead..... the gospel is being furthered. and not just with the whole palace guards… at this point it is like the gospel is a wild fire all over the world. how? well look at the believers in verse 14 B. The response of other believers (v.14); They saw Paul’s persecution not as a I am afraid of it happening to us but like well if Paul isnt backing down… neither will we! May that be with us! unashamed… unafraid to preach the gospel! This is the general attitude of the people! Fearless. Romans 1:16 16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. This world needs the gospel! So it is our duty to make sure that it is spread and well preached to all people. C. The gospel is continuing to progress despite opposition; The gospel is never going away! The question is what are you doing with it. “hide it under a bushell no!… Im going to let it shine” II. The Gospel is Proclaimed with Various Motivations (Philippians 1:15-18): 15 Some, it is true, [actually] preach Christ (the Messiah) [for no better reason than] out of envy and rivalry (party spirit), but others are doing so out of a loyal spirit and goodwill. 16 The latter [proclaim Christ] out of love, because they recognize and know that I am [providentially] put here for the defense of the good news (the Gospel). 17 But the former preach Christ out of a party spirit, insincerely [out of no pure motive, but thinking to annoy me], supposing they are making my bondage more bitter and my chains more galling. 18 But what does it matter, so long as either way, whether in pretense [for personal ends] or in all honesty [for the furtherance of the Truth], Christ is being proclaimed? And in that I [now] rejoice, yes, and I shall rejoice [hereafter] also. A. Some preach the gospel with selfish motives; gains B. Paul's response to those who preach Christ out of envy and rivalry; C. The importance of preaching Christ regardless of motivation; III. The Gospel Brings Joy and Confidence (Philippians 1:19-26): 19 For I am well assured and indeed know that through your prayers and a bountiful supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ (the Messiah) this will turn out for my preservation (for the spiritual health and welfare of my own soul) and avail toward the saving work of the Gospel. 20 This is in keeping with my own eager desire and persistent expectation and hope, that I shall not disgrace myself nor be put to shame in anything; but that with the utmost freedom of speech and unfailing courage, now as always heretofore, Christ (the Messiah) will be magnified and get glory and praise in this body of mine and be boldly exalted in my person, whether through (by) life or through (by) death. 21 For me to live is Christ [His life in me], and to die is gain [the gain of the glory of eternity]. 22 If, however, it is to be life in the flesh and I am to live on here, that means fruitful service for me; so I can say nothing as to my personal preference [I cannot choose], 23 But I am hard pressed between the two. My yearning desire is to depart (to be free of this world, to set forth) and be with Christ, for that is far, far better; 24 But to remain in my body is more needful and essential for your sake. 25 Since I am convinced of this, I know that I shall remain and stay by you all, to promote your progress and joy in believing, 26 So that in me you may have abundant cause for exultation and glorying in Christ Jesus, through my coming to you again. A. Paul's confidence in God's provision and deliverance; should be our aim in Christ B. The role of prayer in Paul's life and ministry; is worthy of emulation C. The joy that comes from living for Christ and sharing the gospel; should be the aim of all who believe. IV. The Gospel Calls for Sacrifice and Unity (Philippians 1:27-30): 27 Only be sure as citizens so to conduct yourselves [that] your manner of life [will be] worthy of the good news (the Gospel) of Christ, so that whether I [do] come and see you or am absent, I may hear this of you: that you are standing firm in united spirit and purpose, striving side by side and contending with a single mind for the faith of the glad tidings (the Gospel). 28 And do not [for a moment] be frightened or intimidated in anything by your opponents and adversaries, for such [constancy and fearlessness] will be a clear sign (proof and seal) to them of [their impending] destruction, but [a sure token and evidence] of your deliverance and salvation, and that from God. 29 For you have been granted [the privilege] for Christ's sake not only to believe in (adhere to, rely on, and trust in) Him, but also to suffer in His behalf. 30 So you are engaged in the same conflict which you saw me [wage] and which you now hear to be mine [still]. A. The importance of living in a manner worthy of the gospel; is the purpose of giving it to us B. The need for unity and sacrificial love in the Church; should be the aim of all believers C. The privilege and responsibility of suffering for the sake of Christ; is the basis of being a true Christian

As we face our own challenges and difficulties in life, may we be encouraged by Paul's example to remain focused on the gospel teaching and practice it, proclaiming Christ even in the midst of opposition and uncertainty. May we be filled with joy and confidence in God's provision, and may we be willing to sacrifice and unite for the sake of Christ and His kingdom.