On the human plain, Paul is un certain of the outcome of his trial while in prison. Yet, from a spir itual sense, he knows that what ever happens will be for his best. He is not worried. Even if they re move his head, what is the differ ence? He will not be "ashamed" or disappointed. Christ is to be magnified in his body whether by life or by death. Paul lived in an environment where pagan gods were being worshipped. All the power seemed to be in enemy hands. Yet he was confident that Christ would ultimately be exalted, ruling this world in absolute pow er. The Apostle Paul had his eyes fixed solidly upon Christ. He knew that God's determination was to exalt His Son, Jesus Christ, to be Lord of lords and King of kings. What a wonderful faith we, too, should have in Jesus Christ. For, with Him there is no disappoint ment! SURRENDER It was Paul's earnest expectation that Christ would give him bold ness to live and to die for Him (Philippians 1:20-21). Unfortunate ly, too many Christians divide their lives into two compartments. One is labeled "sacred" while the other is "secular." The first consists of what they do on Sundays or in those brief moments when they may pray, witness or read their Bible. The rest of their lives, gen erally, things most significant and important are never confronted with the spiritual. How sad to see such unfortunate polarization. We have no reason to live in two dif ferent worlds. While we have to maintain necessary contacts in this world, at the same time we are cit izens of heaven if we have been
in the Saviour (1:20). Have you ever thought of the ways in which God never disap points the believer? Paul testified earlier, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ" (Romans 1:16). The Gospel is simply that of God's grace revealed in Christ, cen tered in His death, burial and res urrection. Certainly the Romans knew the meaning of the word "power." Their legions had con quered vast areas of the known world. Paul sought to show that Jesus, far from being a stumbling block, was actually God's founda tion for the entire structure of re vealed truth. Such a message is the effective, explosive power of God unto salvation to everyone who believes in the Saviour. Then in II Timothy 1:12 we read, "Nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have com mitted unto him against that day." The thought is borrowed from the banking in dustry. God has the power to keep that which 1 have deposited with Him. People seem insistent in placing their human deposits with those who really can not guard them. Such areas include false cults, various religious move ments and social schemes for world governments. All of these devices will fail in the end. Only God is able to guarantee our spiritual de posit and take the oversight of our spiritual welfare. Have you ever trusted God through faith in Jesus Christ? If so, think of the wonder ful capital investments you have placed on deposit with Him! Think of the marvelous dividends that He pays faithfully.
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