Desires Balanced by Needs

Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you. And being confident of this, I know that I shall remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy of faith.

Philippians 1:24–25

One mark of a spiritual man is that his own desires are balanced by the needs of others. That’s the kind of man who could write, “Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind let each of you regard one another as more important than himself; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others” (Phil 2:3-4, nasb).

The Philippian church needed Paul, as did many other churches. Paul knew they needed him badly enough that their need was likely to determine his future, which he expressed in today’s verse.

Although Paul desired to be with Christ in heaven, he also wanted to remain on earth to help strengthen the church. He knew that if he stayed the church would better glorify Christ, and glorifying Christ was all he desired.

As you contemplate a new year, what is Christ asking you to commit your life to? I hope it’s a desire to meet the needs of others with a humble heart.

MacArthur, J. (2001). Truth for today : A daily touch of God's grace (Page 392). Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman.

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Absent from the Body, Present with the Lord

We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.

2 Corinthians 5:8

When a believer leaves this world, he goes immediately to be in the presence of Christ. There is no “soul sleep” or intermediate waiting place, nor does the Bible teach that there is any place called purgatory. Notice the apostle Paul’s desire was “to depart and be with Christ” (Phil 1:23, emphasis added).

Today’s verse indicates that when we are absent from the body, which sleeps until the resurrection, our spirits are present with the Lord. Paul also told the Thessalonians that Christ “died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him” (1 Thess 5:10). Paul’s point is that whether we are physically awake (alive) or physically asleep (dead), as believers we are with Christ. We are in His presence in a spiritual sense now and in a literal sense when our bodies are dead.

You can rejoice in the fact that there is no time in your life as a believer when you will ever be out of the conscious presence of Jesus Christ.

MacArthur, J. (2001). Truth for today : A daily touch of God's grace (Page 391). Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman.

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Choosing Between Heaven and Earth

What I shall choose I cannot tell. For I am hard–pressed between the two.

Philippians 1:23

Every Christian ought to feel the strain of desiring to be with Christ, yet also longing to build His church. If the Lord said to me, “You have five minutes to choose between being in heaven or on earth,” I would have a difficult time making that decision. And I would want to be sure I was choosing for the right reasons. I’d have to ask myself, can I glorify Christ more in heaven or on earth?

Paul found it an impossible choice. Nevertheless, most people would choose to stay on earth. When asked why they would, most would give some selfish reason, such as, “We’re getting a new house,” or “I don’t want to leave my kids.” For Paul, nothing really mattered except glorifying Christ. When faced with the most basic of life’s issues—whether it would be better to live or die—his response was, “I would be thrilled to glorify Christ in heaven or on earth. Given the choice, I can’t choose.” Because glorifying Christ was Paul’s motivation, where he glorified Christ was not the issue. That ought to be true for you as well.

MacArthur, J. (2001). Truth for today : A daily touch of God's grace (Page 390). Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman.

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Fruitful Labor

If I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor.

Philippians 1:22

The apostle Paul considered that being alive in the physical world is synonymous with fruitful labor for Christ. His use of “labor” refers to his spiritual work for the Lord, which yields spiritual fruit. Spiritual fruit may be seen in people, deeds, and words—whatever is of eternal value. That kind of fruit comes from good hard work, which is the natural activity of the godly on earth.

Paul had a strong desire to bear fruit. He wanted the Philippians to be confident in Christ and strengthened for evangelism (Phil 1:26-27). He is reminiscent of the psalmist who said, “O God, You have taught me from my youth; and to this day I declare Your wondrous works. Now also when I am old and grayheaded, O God, do not forsake me, until I declare Your strength to this generation, Your power to everyone who is to come” (Ps 71:17-18). That elderly man wanted to live long enough to declare God’s strength and power to the next generation. May God grant you that same privilege.

MacArthur, J. (2001). Truth for today : A daily touch of God's grace (Page 389). Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman.

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The Best Use of Life

For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

Philippians 1:21

Personalize today’s verse by filling in the blanks: “For to me, to live is __________, and to die is __________.” If you put wealth in the first blank, dying brings not gain but loss. The same is true if you selected prestige, fame, power, or possessions because none of those things remains after death: prestige is lost, fame is forgotten, power is useless, and possessions are taken by others. For today’s verse to make sense as Paul wrote it, only Christ can fill the first blank. Otherwise, death is inevitably a loss.

Some who read this will say they put Christ in the blank. But if they think about it carefully, they will realize that what they really meant was Christ plus wealth, Christ plus power, or Christ plus possessions. Christ can’t share the first blank with anything else. Those who truly live for Christ have no fear of death and make the best use of life—in both they glorify Christ.

MacArthur, J. (2001). Truth for today : A daily touch of God's grace (Page 388). Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman.

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Life or Death

Whether by life or by death.

Philippians 1:20

The apostle Paul didn’t know the details of God’s plan for his life, but he was confident in it, whether it meant life or death. Later he said, “I am hard–pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you” (Phil 23-24). Paul preferred the joy of being in Christ’s presence in heaven, but apparently he thought the Lord would let him live because he knew the Philippians needed him.

Paul rejoiced because he knew that by either his life or death Christ would be exalted. If he lived, he would be free to preach and build the church. If he died, he would be executed for Christ’s sake, and his unwavering faith would serve as a trophy of Christ’s grace. For Paul the issue was not his troubles, detractors, or even the possibility of his death, but whether the gospel was advancing and the Lord was being magnified.

Like Paul, you don’t know the specifics of God’s plan for your life. But one thing you can be sure of: in life or death you can glorify Christ.

MacArthur, J. (2001). Truth for today : A daily touch of God's grace (Page 387). Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman.

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Why Was Jesus Born?

For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.

Mark 10:45

Here’s a side to the Christmas story that isn’t often told: those soft little hands, fashioned by the Holy Spirit in Mary’s womb, were made so that nails might be driven through them. Those baby feet, pink and unable to walk, would one day walk up a dusty hill to be nailed to a cross. That sweet infant’s head with sparkling eyes and eager mouth was formed so that someday men might force a crown of thorns onto it. That tender body, warm and soft, wrapped in swaddling clothes, would one day be ripped open by a spear.

Jesus was born to die.

Don’t think I’m trying to put a damper on your Christmas spirit. Far from it—for Jesus’ death, though devised and carried out by men with evil intentions, was in no sense a tragedy. In fact, it represents the greatest victory over evil anyone has ever accomplished.

MacArthur, J. (2001). Truth for today : A daily touch of God's grace (Page 386). Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman.

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Christ’s Perfect Timing

When the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son.

Galatians 4:4

The first Christmas was perfectly timed. Galatians 4:4-5 says, “When the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, in order that He might redeem those who were under the Law.” What was “the fullness of the time”? God’s sovereign timing. He ordered world events so everything was ready for Christ’s coming and the subsequent outreach of the apostles.

Looking back at the early church, we are amazed at how quickly the gospel spread in less than a century. The sovereign hand of God is clearly evident. Christ’s advent could not have been timed more propitiously.

MacArthur, J. (2001). Truth for today : A daily touch of God's grace (Page 385). Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman.

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No Room for Jesus

And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

Luke 2:7

I’m convinced that most people miss Christmas. They observe the season because culture says it’s the thing to do, but the masses are utterly oblivious to the reality of what they are celebrating. So much fantasy and myth have been imposed on the holiday that people are numb to the real miracle of Christ’s birth. The legitimate emotion of the holiday has given way to a maudlin and insincere self–indulgence. A newspaper I saw recently had a two-page spread featuring some man-on-the–street interviews where people offered their opinions of the real meaning of Christmas…. Some were sentimental, saying Christmas is a family time, a time for children, and so on. Others were humanistic, seeing Christmas as a time to celebrate love for one’s fellow man, the spirit of giving, and that sort of thing. Others were crassly hedonistic, viewing Christmas as just another excuse to party. Not one person made mention of the incomprehensible miracle of God’s birth as a human baby.

MacArthur, J. (2001). Truth for today : A daily touch of God's grace (Page 384). Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman.

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No Other Name

There is no other name under heaven.

Acts 4:12

The angel that appeared to Joseph emphasized the meaning of Jesus’ name: “She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for it is He who will save His people from their sins” (Mat 1:21). Jesus, from the Hebrew Joshua, or Jehoshua, means “Jehovah will save.” The name itself was a testimony to God’s salvation. But, the angel told Joseph, Mary’s Son would be the very embodiment of Jehovah’s salvation. He Himself would save His people from their sins.

After Jesus’ resurrection, Peter, speaking before the Sanhedrin, also emphasized the importance of Jesus’ name: “There is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men, by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).

MacArthur, J. (2001). Truth for today : A daily touch of God's grace (Page 383). Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman.

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Christ’s Virgin Birth

After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit.

Matthew 1:18

The virgin birth is an underlying assumption in everything the Bible says about Jesus. To throw out the virgin birth is to reject Christ’s deity, the accuracy and authority of Scripture, and a host of other related doctrines that are the heart of the Christian faith. No issue is more important than the virgin birth to our understanding of who Jesus is. If we deny that Jesus is God, we have denied the very essence of Christianity. Everything else the Bible teaches about Christ hinges on the truth we celebrate at Christmas—that Jesus is God in human flesh. If the story of His birth is merely a fabricated or trumped–up legend, then so is the rest of what Scripture tells us about Him. The virgin birth is as crucial as the resurrection in substantiating His deity. It is not an optional truth. Anyone who rejects Christ’s deity rejects Christ absolutely—even if he pretends otherwise (see 1 John 4:1-3).

MacArthur, J. (2001). Truth for today : A daily touch of God's grace (Page 382). Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman.

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The Christmas Tree

The glory of Lebanon will come to you.

Isaiah 60:13

Christmas trees seem to have their origins in the ancient celebrations of Saturnalia. The Romans decorated their temples with greenery and candles. Roman soldiers conquering the British Isles found Druids who worshiped mistletoe and Saxons who used holly and ivy in religious ceremonies. All those things found their way into Christmas customs.

Interestingly, however, the first person to have lighted a Christmas tree may have been Martin Luther, father of the Reformation. He introduced the practice of putting candles on trees to celebrate Christmas, citing Isaiah 60:13 as biblical authority for the practice: “The glory of Lebanon will come to you, the juniper, the box tree, and the cypress together, to beautify the place of My sanctuary; and I shall make the place of My feet glorious.”

MacArthur, J. (2001). Truth for today : A daily touch of God's grace (Page 381). Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman.

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A Message of Grace

You shall call His name JESUS. For He will save His people from their sins.

Matthew 1:21

You may skip the genealogy when you read the Christmas story aloud. But don’t overlook its message of grace, which after all is the heart of the Christmas story: God in His mercy doing for sinners what they cannot do for themselves—mending broken lives and restoring shattered hopes. That’s why He came—to save His people from their sins (Mat 1:21).

Here’s the best part: the same grace that was evident in the genealogy is active today, and the same Jesus is saving His people from their sins. No sin, no matter how heinous, puts sinners beyond His reach. “He is able to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them” (Heb 7:25, kjv).

MacArthur, J. (2001). Truth for today : A daily touch of God's grace (Page 380). Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman.

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Christ’s Grace to Sinners

For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.

Matthew 9:13

Jesus’ ancestry may surprise you. His genealogy includes some names you might be shocked to find in the royal line of the King of Kings. Four women in particular stand out. Not only is it unusual to find women listed in a Hebrew genealogy, but these women are particularly noteworthy because they contrast so dramatically with the absolute purity and righteousness of God’s Anointed One. All of them were outcasts, yet they made it into Jesus’ family album. They are a strong assurance of God’s grace to sinners like us.

MacArthur, J. (2001). Truth for today : A daily touch of God's grace (Page 379). Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman.

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Christians and Christmas

He who observes the day, observes it to the Lord.

Romans 14:6

The Puritans in early America rejected Christmas celebrations altogether. They deliberately worked on December 25 to show their disdain. A law passed in England in 1644 reflected a similar Puritan influence; the law made Christmas Day an official working day. For a time in England it was literally illegal to cook plum pudding or mince pie for the holidays.

Christians today are generally not opposed to celebrating Christmas. The holiday itself is nothing, and observing it is not a question of right or wrong. As Paul wrote, “One man regards one day above another, another regards every day alike. Let each man be fully convinced in his own mind. He who observes the day, observes it for the Lord, and he who eats, does so for the Lord, for he gives thanks to God; and he who eats not, for the Lord he does not eat, and gives thanks to God” (Rom 14:5-6). Every day—including Christmas—is a celebration for us who know and love Him.

MacArthur, J. (2001). Truth for today : A daily touch of God's grace (Page 378). Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman.

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Peace on Earth?

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.

Luke 2:14, nasb

As we hear so often at Christmas, the beginning of [Christ’s] earthly life was heralded by angels who announced peace on earth (Luke 2:14).

There never really has been peace on earth, in the sense we think of it. Wars and rumors of wars have characterized the entire two millennia since that first Christmas, and all the time before it.
That announcement of peace on earth was a two–pronged proclamation. First, it declared the arrival of the only One who ultimately can bring lasting peace on earth (which He will do when He returns to bring about the final establishment of His earthly kingdom).

But more important, it was a proclamation that God’s peace is available to men and women. Read the words of Luke 2:14 carefully: “‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.’”

Who are those with whom He is pleased? The ones who have yielded their lives to the authority of His government.

MacArthur, J. (2001). Truth for today : A daily touch of God's grace (Page 377). Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman.

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God with Us

For there will be a fulfillment of those things which were told her from the Lord.

Luke 1:45

Isaiah 7:14 says, “The Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, a virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will call His name Immanuel.” That virgin’s name was Mary.

The name Immanuel, however, is the key to this verse—and the heart of the Christmas story. It is a Hebrew name that means literally, “God with us.” It is a promise of incarnate deity, a prophecy that God Himself would appear as a human infant, Immanuel, “God with us.” This baby who was to be born would be God Himself in human form.

If we could condense all the truths of Christmas into only three words, these would be the words: “God with us.” We tend to focus our attention at Christmas on the infancy of Christ. The greater truth of the holiday is His deity. More astonishing than a baby in the manger is the truth that this promised baby is the omnipotent Creator of the heavens and the earth!

MacArthur, J. (2001). Truth for today : A daily touch of God's grace (Page 376). Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman.

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Unashamed

According to my earnest expectation and hope [I know] that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body.

Philippians 1:20

Today’s verse calls to mind Christ’s promise in Matthew 10:32: “Whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven.” The one who acknowledges Christ as Lord in life or in death, if necessary, is the one whom the Lord will acknowledge before God as His own.

The apostle Paul could rejoice in that truth. He knew he never would be ashamed before the world, the court of Caesar, or God Himself because he knew God would be glorified in his life. The Old Testament affirms that the righteous will never be put to shame, while the unrighteous will.

To be ashamed means to be disappointed, disillusioned, or disgraced. Paul knew that would never happen to him because of God’s promise to the righteous. He may have had Isaiah 49:23 in mind: “They shall not be ashamed who wait for Me.” Be one of the unashamed.

MacArthur, J. (2001). Truth for today : A daily touch of God's grace (Page 375). Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman.

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Sustenance for the Righteous

Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit.

Zechariah 4:6

God’s Word, prayer, and the Holy Spirit all work together for the benefit of God’s servants. The Spirit’s special part is to grant all that is necessary to sustain the righteous.

The Holy Spirit is called “the Spirit of Christ” and “the Spirit of God” (Rom 8:9). He can be called by either title because He is within the Trinity and proceeds from the Father in the name of Christ (cf. John 14:26).

The apostle Paul knew the Holy Spirit as his indwelling teacher, interceder, guide, source of power, and all–sufficient provider. That’s what the Spirit is for all believers. Paul’s confidence in knowing that all things work together for good (Rom 8:28) was based on the provision of the Spirit, who “helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered” (Rom 8:26).
Knowing what the Spirit provides will help you face with tremendous confidence anything that comes your way.

MacArthur, J. (2001). Truth for today : A daily touch of God's grace (Page 374). Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman.

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Effective Prayers

I beg you, brethren, through the Lord Jesus Christ, and through the love of the Spirit, that you strivetogether with me in prayers to God for me.

Romans 15:30

Paul was confident he would be delivered through the prayers of the saints, no matter what trial he was enduring. He believed in the sovereign will and purpose of God, and knew that He would bring His purposes to pass in concert with the prayers of His children. He also knew that “the effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much” (James 5:16). Just as the love and prayers of the saints in the first century encouraged Paul greatly, your prayers on behalf of your spiritual leaders will encourage them.

MacArthur, J. (2001). Truth for today : A daily touch of God's grace (Page 373). Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman.

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Deliverance from Temporary Distress

I know this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayer and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ.

Philippians 1:19

Today’s verse shows the value of confident trust in God. Paul knew his current distress was only temporary and that he would be delivered from it.

Why was Paul convinced of his deliverance? His statement, “I know this will turn out for my deliverance” is a quote of the Greek version of Job 13:16. Job was a righteous man who suffered greatly, yet he was delivered because God always delivers the righteous. Job said, “After my skin is destroyed, this I know, that in my flesh I shall see God” (Job 19:26). He knew that either temporally or eternally God would deliver him.

Paul knew he could trust God to deliver him just as God had delivered Job. He was confident his circumstances would work out for good, whether he was released from prison, vindicated at his trial, and delivered from execution or passed into glory as a martyr. You may not face the same trials as Paul, but whatever your circumstances, the same confident trust is available to you.

MacArthur, J. (2001). Truth for today : A daily touch of God's grace (Page 372). Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman.

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A Servant’s Attitude

Whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple.

Luke 14:33

Few in today’s church are as committed to Jesus Christ as the apostle Paul was. Paul exemplifies what Christ was talking about when He said, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me” (Luke 9:23). Paul was so given over to our Lord that he didn’t care whether he lived or died. That’s an attitude practically unheard of in our materialistic, self–centered, selfish day. Most people today live for everything except what Paul was focused on.

Paul remained joyful as long as his Lord was glorified, even when he was threatened with death. All that mattered to him was that the gospel was advanced, Christ was preached, and the Lord was magnified. The source of his joy was entirely related to the kingdom of God.

MacArthur, J. (2001). Truth for today : A daily touch of God's grace (Page 371). Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman.

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What Matters Most

Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth,Christ is preached; and in this I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice.

Philippians 1:18

The word “preached” in today’s verse means “to proclaim with authority.” Regardless of the personal cost, Paul was determined that Christ be proclaimed with authority.

Even when Paul’s detractors preached the true gospel, it had an impact. A selfishly motivated preacher can still be used of God because the truth is more powerful than the package it comes in.

Paul lived to see the gospel proclaimed—he didn’t care who received the credit. That’s to be the attitude of every pastor, teacher, elder, deacon, leader, and layperson in the church. In all that he suffered, Paul didn’t quit, lash out, break down, or lose his joy. That’s because the cause of Christ was being furthered and His name proclaimed. It was all Paul cared about. That’s an attitude the grace of Christ instills in all who would be godly.

MacArthur, J. (2001). Truth for today : A daily touch of God's grace (Page 370). Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman.

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The Blessing of Supporters

Some indeed preach Christ even from envy and strife, and some also from goodwill.

Philippians 1:15

It hurts to think of so dear a saint as Paul enduring opposition to the point of reporting, “At my first defense [the first trial in Rome] no one stood with me, but all forsook me” (2 Tim 4:16). When Paul wrote to the Philippians, he was so bereft of friends that he said of Timothy, “I have no one like–minded” (Phil 2:20).

But Paul also wrote that some were preaching Christ “from goodwill” according to today’s verse, which denotes satisfaction and contentedness. Paul’s supporters were content with what God was doing in their own lives and in Paul’s life. They were sympathetic toward him and grateful for his ministry.

There are also people like that today—what a blessing, encouragement, and source of joy they are! I thank God for filling my life with people like that.

MacArthur, J. (2001). Truth for today : A daily touch of God's grace (Page 369). Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman.

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Distress in the Ministry

Some indeed preach Christ… from selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my chains.

Philippians 1:15–16

I am often asked, “What has been the most discouraging thing in your ministry?” As far as I can remember, my answer has remained consistent over the years.

There are two issues that deeply distress me. One is seeing those who ought to be the most mature in the faith—the ones who know the Word of God well, have experienced the blessings of spiritual growth and fellowship, and have seen God’s power demonstrated time and again—turn their backs on the faith and embrace sin. That’s much more discouraging than when a new, untrained Christian falls into sin through ignorance.

The second is being falsely accused by fellow preachers of the gospel. Some men seem to desire to discredit the ministry of others. As a result, they falsely accuse other ministers, not because they have valid reasons, but simply for the satisfaction of discrediting them.

As you live a godly life, expect that your service to God will be attacked. But don’t let that affect your joy.

MacArthur, J. (2001). Truth for today : A daily touch of God's grace (Page 368). Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman.

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Gaining Courage

Most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.

Philippians 1:14

The implication of today’s verse is that before Paul’s imprisonment, the church in Rome lacked courage. When the believers saw that God provided for Paul and enabled him to have an incredible opportunity for outreach, they confidently began to proclaim the gospel. They realized that since God could minister through Paul in his condition, He could minister through them as well. As Paul’s strength became theirs, the leadership in Rome began “to speak the word without fear” (v. 14).

Does your joy ebb and flow according to the tide of earthly benefits? Do pleasure, possessions, prominence, prestige, reputation, comfort, and fulfillment or your own ambitions propel your joy? If they do, your joy will ebb and flow according to the shifting tides of life. But if your joy is tied to the progress of the gospel, it will never diminish. Fix your heart on the progress of the gospel, and your joy will be constant.

MacArthur, J. (2001). Truth for today : A daily touch of God's grace (Page 367). Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman.

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Seeing the Reality of a Transformed Life

Paul dwelt two whole years in his own rented house, and received all who came to him, preaching the kingdom of God and teaching the things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ with all confidence, no one forbidding him.

Acts 28:30–31

Today’s verse shows that while Paul was under house arrest “in his own rented house,” he continued to minister. In spite of the circumstances, Paul continued to do what he had been called to do.

You may find yourself thinking, I can’t go and preach the gospel. I can’t be an evangelist, or a Bible teacher. I’m stuck with my job. But it doesn’t matter whether you’re chained to a desk, an assembly line, a classroom, a car, or a sales position—they all provide opportunities for you to further the gospel. The worse your confinement, the greater the opportunity for a godly life to shine.

People often tell me how hard it is to witness where they work. My response is that it is generally harder to witness under ideal conditions than in a more difficult situation. That’s because in difficult situations the reality of a transformed life is more apparent, and that can’t help but be attractive to those who haven’t experienced it.

MacArthur, J. (2001). Truth for today : A daily touch of God's grace (Page 366). Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman.

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A Prisoner for Christ

It has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ.

Philippians 1:13

The apostle Paul always saw himself as a prisoner because of Christ—never because of crime. He was in chains because he believed in, preached, and represented Jesus Christ.

From the point of view of Rome, Paul was a captive chained to a Roman guard. But from Paul’s perspective, the Roman guards were captives chained to him! The result of such close confinement was that the cause of Christ had “become evident to the whole palace guard.” Far from being a burdensome condition, Paul had been given the opportunity to witness for Christ to each guard assigned to him, at six hours a stretch.

What did those soldiers see? They saw Paul’s godly character, graciousness, patience, love, wisdom, and conviction. As members of the palace guard were converted, salvation spread beyond them to “those who are of Caesar’s household” (Phil 4:22). No matter how difficult it may appear on the surface, no one is too difficult to reach with the gospel.

MacArthur, J. (2001). Truth for today : A daily touch of God's grace (Page 365). Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman.

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What Makes You Tick?

I became a minister according to the stewardship from God which was given to me for you.

Colossians 1:25

What motivates you? What takes all your energy, dominates your time, and makes you tick? For the apostle Paul, it was the progress of the gospel. What might happen to his own body or career was of little consequence to him. In Acts 20:24 he said, “Nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus.” He yielded up his life, possessions, clothes, recognition, reputation, and prestige to one goal: “to testify solemnly of the gospel of the grace of God” (Acts 20:24).

To the church in Rome Paul wrote, “I am ready to preach the gospel to you who are in Rome also” (Rom 1:15). And in 1 Corinthians 9:16 he testifies to what compelled him, “Necessity is laid upon me; yes, woe is me if I do not preach the gospel.”

Paul was driven to see the gospel move forward—he is a model for every Christian. Is your life like Paul’s?

MacArthur, J. (2001). Truth for today : A daily touch of God's grace (Page 364). Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman.

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The Rejoicing Apostle

My brethren, rejoice in the Lord.

Philippians 3:1

The apostle Paul’s joy was unrelated to his circumstances. If it had been tied to pleasures on earth, possessions, freedom, prestige, outward success, or a good reputation, he wouldn’t have had any joy.

Paul’s joy was centered on his ministry and was indifferent toward all other things. That’s why he could tell the Philippians, “I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine making request for you with all joy” (Phil 1:3-4). He had joy in spite of trouble, as long as Christ’s cause was advanced. He had joy in spite of detractors, as long as Christ’s name was proclaimed. He had joy in spite of death, as long as Christ was exalted. And he had joy in spite of the flesh, as long as Christ’s church was assisted.

MacArthur, J. (2001). Truth for today : A daily touch of God's grace (Page 363). Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman.

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The Measure of Spiritual Maturity

In this I rejoice, yes; and will rejoice.

Philippians 1:18

A believer’s spiritual maturity can be measured by what it takes to steal his joy. Joy is a fruit of a Spirit–controlled life (Gal 5:22). We are to rejoice always (Phil 4:4; 1 Thes 5:16). In all circumstances the Holy Spirit produces joy, so there ought not to be any time when we are not rejoicing in some way.

Change, confusion, trials, attacks, unmet desires, conflict, and strained relationships can throw us off balance and rob us of our joy if we’re not careful. It’s then we should cry out like the psalmist, “Restore to me the joy of Your salvation” (Ps 51:12).

Jesus said, “In the world you will have tribulation” (John 16:33), and the apostle James said, “Count it all joy when you fall into various trials” (James 1:2). God has His own profound purpose in our afflictions, but He never takes away our joy. To maintain our joy we must adopt God’s perspective regarding our trials. When we yield to the working of His Spirit in our lives, our difficulties will not overwhelm us.

MacArthur, J. (2001). Truth for today : A daily touch of God's grace (Page 362). Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman.

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