Philippians 1:12–14 (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.
Everything that happens to a Christian is not good! Sometimes even the best efforts we put forth take us into areas we wish we were not in. Sometimes life seems totally unfair. The circumstances of life should not be our focus. Our response to the circumstances is what is important.
Paul the preacher, teacher, evangelist, and missionary writes to Timothy his son in the faith. “Preach the Word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.” (2 Timothy 4:2)
In a loose sense of the word “preach”, all Christians “Preach the Word” by the way we live our lives, the words we speak, or the activities we engage in. Our choices in living for Jesus, bring consequences in life. Sometimes bad things happen to Christians.
Satan doesn’t worry about those who are living their lives for the world. When a Christian gets serious about their faith then Satan becomes very active. This was true in Paul’s life and in the lives of Christians today. When Satan attacks, Christians should be emboldened, encouraged, and inspired knowing they are doing the will of God. Paul was emboldened in his persecution to continue to preach the Word of God.
Those who preach a prosperity Gospel do not know what true prosperity is. Our reward is not necessarily found in this world. God does bless the life of the believer. Sometimes the blessings are material. Sometimes they are spiritual.
We as Christians need to be prepared. As our nation is becoming more secular and moving away from God, Christians will face persecution we have never witnessed. We may even end up as the apostle Paul did being imprisoned for living for Jesus. Will we be emboldened to preach the Word of God?