This Week’s Scripture Passage:
Brothers and sisters, I want you to know that the things that have happened to me have actually advanced the gospel.  The whole Praetorian Guard and everyone else knows that I’m in prison for Christ.  Most of the brothers and sisters have had more confidence through the Lord to speak the word boldly and bravely because of my jail time.  Some certainly preach Christ with jealous and competitive motives, but others preach with good motives.  They are motivated by love, because they know that I’m put here to give a defense of the gospel; the others preach Christ because of their selfish ambition. They are insincere, hoping to cause me more pain while I’m in prison.
What do I think about this? Just this: since Christ is proclaimed in every possible way, whether from dishonest or true motives, I’m glad and I’ll continue to be glad.  I’m glad because I know that this will result in my release through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ.  It is my expectation and hope that I won’t be put to shame in anything. Rather, I hope with daring courage that Christ’s greatness will be seen in my body, now as always, whether I live or die.  Because for me, living serves Christ and dying is even better.  If I continue to live in this world, I get results from my work.  But I don’t know what I prefer. I’m torn between the two because I want to leave this life and be with Christ, which is far better.  However, it’s more important for me to stay in this world for your sake.  I’m sure of this: I will stay alive and remain with all of you to help your progress and the joy of your faith, and to increase your pride in Christ Jesus through my presence when I visit you again.
Philippians 1:12-26 Â (Common English Bible)
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