New Purpose

New Purpose: Pastor Micky Kua

On Sunday, 28^th January 2007, CDC had the privilege of our own Pastor Micky Kua give the message on Philippians Chapter 1: 12-30 New Purpose.

The key theme of the message was based on vs.21, where Paul exclaims those immortal words: For me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain! Throughout his whole life since he met the Lord, his whole reason for living was for Christ, and for Christ alone. Hence, no matter what happened to him, and no matter what hardship befell him, Paul looked towards preaching the gospel!

12Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel. 13As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. 14Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly.

At the time of his writing to the Philippian church, he was chained to a Roman soldier. He had lost his freedom, and was in a despairing situation. Unlike most prisons today where the prisoners are fed and clothed, those days, prisoners had to depend on the goodwill of others for their survival. Furthermore, Paul was expecting death at any moment, for he had a multitude of enemies seeking his life. However, Paul refused to be discouraged or depressed by the circumstances. Instead, he chose to see opportunity, and because of his chains, he faithfully preached to every guard who was chained to him. As a result, his message became clear throughout the whole palace guard, the elite soldiers of the Emperor’s army, and many did become Christians as a result of his testimony, and even some members of Caesar’s household. Paul’s example also gave great encouragement to other Christians to preach the Word of God fearlessly. Our first lesson is this: Look for Opportunity in Difficulty, our purpose remains true regardless of the circumstances we are in.

15It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. 16The latter do so in love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. 18But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.

Interestingly, Paul also noted in the letter how some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry. Many of us perhaps start off serving God with good intentions, but after a time, pride creeps in, and we think we are something great when we are not. Soon, we may seek to be as famous as this preacher or that worship leader, and we lose focus on our main purpose again, which is to glorify Christ. Paul never focused on the motive, he focused on the purpose – to glorify Christ. Our second lesson is this: Beware of pride, focus on Christ.

19for I know that through your prayers and the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. 20I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. 21For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. 22If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me.

Despite all the hardships he faced, Paul looked towards his heavenly reward. Living means fruitful labor to Paul, and dying means gaining the reward that he has worked for. It is also important that Paul valued highly the prayers of others and also depended on the help of the Holy Spirit, not on his own strength. Our third lesson is this: Live for heavenly treasures.

 27Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel 28without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God. 29For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him, 30since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.

Finally, Paul exhorts the Philippian church to set a good example whatever happens. Paul always emphasized in the importance of standing firm together in unity even in the face of hardship. Our final lesson:  Persevere in unity.

May the Lord help us always stick to our purpose to know Christ and make Him known, and to persevere till the end. In Jesus name, Amen.

God bless,

Jason