Philippians 1:18b-30

STP Devotional for the Week of 10/13/25

What is joy? What makes you feel joyful? Joy is found in people who know Christ personally. It is peaceful, contented, confident hope. It’s enjoying fellowship with Christ as we live our lives in obedience to God no matter what the circumstances. It is also a by-product of the Holy Spirit abiding with us.

The secret of Paul’s joy is his single-minded devotion to Christ and the gospel. He focused on nothing else and would not allow his thoughts to stray from the goal of preaching the gospel to as many people as he could.

Yes, and I will rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance, as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again. Phil. 1:18b-26

There are several things that characterize the life of a single-minded believer. First, they live a life that is above reproach. This means they live with integrity in every part of their life. It is their consistent dedication to following Christ. Following Christ closely gives the believer inner peace and joy that the world can see and will want.

Second, a single-minded follower of Christ will be committed to the truth and to their faith . . . no matter what. Note that in verse 28, Paul hopes that he will hear of the Philippians “standing firm” which means to hold their ground regardless of any opposition. Being united makes them unstoppable for the cause of Christ. When we share the gospel, we bring God glory.

Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God. For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake, engaged in the same conflict that you saw I had and now hear that I still have. Phil. 1:27-30

Finally, a single-minded believer will experience suffering. Not exactly fun to think about but to identify with Christ, believers will suffer for His name’s sake.

Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. Romans 5:1-4

None of this is possible without God. It’s why later Paul will say he “can do everything through Him who gives me strength.”(Phil. 4:13) Remember that “…all things are possible with God.” (Mark 10:27)

AT HOME:

• Why did Paul say he could continue to rejoice despite his suffering and imprisonment?

• People watch Christians closely which can persuade or keep them from seeking Jesus.

What would you say is your reputation as a Christian?