GOOD FROM BAD

(Philippians 1:12-14) The Book of Philippians was written by Paul while he was in prison. His trial had probably already taken place, and he seemed to be waiting for the verdict. It appears that he expected to be released but was uncertain about it. Paul, no doubt, did not enjoy being imprisoned. Nevertheless, it is interesting to note his attitude in Philippians 1:12. Here he said, "Now I want you to know, brethren, that my circumstances have turned out for the greater progress of the gospel." (NASB)

One would have thought that Paul's imprisonment would have hindered the gospel. Instead, it did the opposite; it caused the "furtherance" (NKJV) of the gospel. How did this happen? How did bad turn into good? Paul gives us an answer in the text.

The Gospel Spread

First, in verse 13, he said, "So that my bonds in Christ are manifest ('become well known,' NASB) in all the palace, and in all other places." Paul's imprisonment had given him the chance to preach the gospel in Rome. It had given the gospel the publicity during his trial that it would not otherwise have gotten.

Paul always seemed to make the best of whatever circumstance he found himself in. (Note his attitude on another occasion when he was unjustly arrested. Acts 16:23-40). What happened to Paul was very bad. An event like this would cause most people to want to "give up," especially if, like Paul, their tribulation was for doing right instead of for doing wrong. However, Paul made the best of this bad situation. He saw it as a chance to preach the gospel in other places.

Today, we must learn to make the best out of adversity. We must use adversity for whatever good that we can. The problem may be sickness, persecution, or loss of loved ones. Whatever the adversity may be, we can always gain from it. Also, like Paul, we should take advantage of all kinds of situations and teach others. Who would have thought that Paul could have turned his difficult situation into an opportunity to teach others?

The Influence of Paul

The second reason that Paul gave to indicate how his imprisonment had helped further the gospel is found in verse 14. This verse says, "And many of the brethren in he Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear." Paul's courage inspired others to boldly proclaim God's Word. You might say that Paul's good traits "rubbed off" on others. Courage is sometimes contagious. Often one person standing up in a complacent world and doing what is right can inspire many others to do right. Many people want to do what is right, but they need a leader to get them started. Paul was such a person; we can be also. However, it takes courage to do this, and sometimes a person must stand alone. Certainly, all of us have more influence on others, for good or bad, than we realize.

Summation

Many bad things happen to us. However, the Christian can use tribulation to his advantage. Romans 5:3 tells us that tribulation (generally looked upon as bad) produces patience (which we need). Tribulation can be a stumbling block or a stepping stone. It is up to us to turn adversity into advantage. Paul's outlook in Rome helps us to see this clearly.

By Mike Johnson

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