Day 3 | Philippians 1:12-21
“But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel, so that it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ; and most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. Some indeed preach Christ even from envy and strife, and some also from goodwill: The former preach Christ from selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my chains; but the latter out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel.
What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is preached; and in this I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice. For I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayer and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, according to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”
Christ Magnified Through Trials
A beloved preacher once expressed that most Christians neglect to make use of the most powerful evangelistic tool that God can put into our hands…
“The opportunity to shine in suffering.” Because after all, this is what proves the tangible power of the gospel in our lives.
So here is our question for consideration today: When we face trials in our marriage, do we allow the enemy to overcome us with sadness, frustration, doubt and fear, or do we see them as powerful opportunities to let Christ be magnified through our response? Paul was determined that the trials he faced would not be used by the devil for destruction, but by God for the upbuilding of His kingdom. Let’s see what Peter says, in the direct context of marriage difficulties…
I Peter 3:1 “Wives, likewise, be submissive to your own husbands, that even if some do not obey the word, they, without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wives, when they observe your chaste conduct accompanied by fear.”
Peter counsels women whose husbands are not walking in God’s ways to continue submitting to them, that their Christlike character may work in winning their husband’s heart to God. And for many, this is a very hard saying. But as wives who have devoted ourselves to our husbands “’til death do us part,” we must remember not to look to the examples of the world, but to the example of Christ.
On the night of Jesus’ final supper with His disciples, the plan to betray Him was already in the heart of Judas, and Christ knew this. Yet, Christ girded Himself with a towel, knelt down on the floor, and washed the feet of His friend, displaying nothing but pure, unconditional love. (John 13:2-4) He was a peaceful, dedicated, willing servant to the man who in that moment was his enemy. The only way Christ was able to do this was because there was no hint of “self-defense” or “self-service” in His heart. He was filled with all the fullness of God, a perfect representation of His Father’s character, which is pure selflessness. If we are willing to receive it, He is able to give us this selflessness towards our spouses too.
And though Peter’s counsel in this particular verse is directed to wives, husbands should certainly embrace the same principle of continuing to operate in their God-appointed role of blessing, protecting, and providing for their wives, no matter how their wife is acting towards them. Because surely, Christ has done this much and more for His faulty children, and husbands are called to love their wives just as Christ loves His church (Eph. 5:25). As Peter mentions a few verses later, having compassionate understanding for them and honoring them, unconditionally. (I Peter 3:7)
Whether husband or wife, the principle is the same—Show them Christ, that they may be won to Christ. It was only by witnessing how Christ responded to rejection, misunderstanding, false-accusation, torment, and ultimately crucifixion, that we as a race were able to see the fullness of God’s character revealed through Him. If He was able to endure all of that abuse without ever hindering the outflow of love from Himself to those around Him, He is more than able and willing to help us reveal His likeness to our spouses amidst our marital struggles.
I Peter 2:23 “For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: “Who committed no sin, nor was deceit found in His mouth”; who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously;”
Strengthening Others in Their Walk
The way that Paul rejoiced in his trials was a powerful source of encouragement for his brethren, allowing them to be “much more bold to speak the Word without fear.” He trusted that he would be blessed with the abundant “supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,” and God proved this to be so! Thus, those looking up to Paul as a leader in the faith could believe that God’s Spirit would likewise be amply supplied to them in any moment of need.
When we allow God to work through us as we face difficulties in our marriage—to show unconditional, selfless love in any situation, and to stand firm in our God-appointed role by which we best bless our spouse—He can use us as a mighty witness to our friends, our children, our parents… to anyone! His will is that every marriage relationship be “appointed for the defense of the gospel,” and He is faithful to accomplish this work in us.
James 1:2-4 “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.”
Practice Makes Perfect! Create four columns on a piece of paper, divided into three large rows. In the first column, describe three recent or memorable trials you have experienced (or are currently experiencing) in your marriage. In the second column, describe how you have responded thus far to each situation. In the third column, prayerfully contemplate and write out how you believe Christ Himself would have responded in each case. And in the fourth, write out prayers to God— thanking Him for each trial, for the specific things it has shown you of your deeper need of Him, and for the opportunity to practice being more like Jesus 💛
