The Daily Fountain Daily Devotional of the Church Of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) 11 September 2019 – Preach Christ in Season and Out Of Season

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TOPIC: Preach Christ in Season and Out Of Season

READ: Philippians 1:12-18 King James Version (KJV)

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,

14 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.

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

16 The former preach Christ from selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my chains;

17 but the latter out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel.

18 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.

THE MESSAGE:

Paul, while in custody/house arrest in Rome, persisted in preaching the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ to the extent that his imprisonment and the gospel were well known in the King’s palace. His incarceration even gave the brethren more boldness to speak the word without fear. Paul never gave room to self-pity, despondency or despair; rather he continued ministering while in custody and in his own words, knowing that I am set for the defense of the Gospel (verse 17). Like Joseph in prison, who through his ministrations to other prisoners, was made to keep charge of the prisoners because the Lord was with him (Genesis 39:20-23), Paul was strong in spirit. Paul also wrote several epistles which form about one-third of his letters while in prison or custody! What a powerful management of time and resources!

This is surely an encouragement to us as Christians worldwide to preach Christ in every situation we find ourselves, whether at home, in the office, while travelling and in every market place. We must use every opportunity to propagate the gospel in love, especially in these times of tribulation around the world (2 Timothy 4:2). The coming of Christ is at the door.

Prayer: Lord, help me to be strong in spirit and to preach the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, no matter the challenges of life.