“[The apostle] Paul didn’t see prayer as a shot in the dark or a wish that God might or might not incorporate into His sovereign will. He saw it as a concrete reality, an expression of certain hope.”- Chip Ingram
“For I know that through your prayers and God’s provision of the Spirit of Christ Jesus what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. I 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.”- Philippians 1:19-20 (NIV)
Chip Ingram continues Chapter 5 of I Choose Joy as he notes that Paul gives us two reasons for joy in Philippians 1:19-25. In addition, both reasons show how Paul never based his joy on his circumstances.
1. Deliverance is certain. Paul displays complete confidence that God will deliver him. Therefore, Paul uses the word know to refer to facts — objective realities. As a result, Paul knows for a fact that God will deliver him — one way or another. Furthermore, the word deliverance, as used in the New Testament, often translates as ‘salvation.’
Thus, in essence, Paul zeroes in his focus on Christ being exalted. Not his comfort level. Above all, Paul believed it made a difference when ordinary people came to God earnestly. got on their knees to intercede for others, claiming God’s promises by faith.
2. The provision of the Spirit. Chip stresses that the word provision is loaded with meaning. In fact, we get our word chorus from it. Because in that era, wealthy patrons funded events and buildings of public interest. So, in a sense, Paul compares the Spirit of Jesus to a wealthy patron. A patron who supports him through the prayers of the Philippian believers.
Finally, Paul uses a phrase he seems to have coined himself — ‘earnest expectation.’ He uses the phrase to refer to his intense, unyielding gaze at the object of his hope — Jesus.
Today’s question: What Scriptures help you to avoid seeing prayer as a shot in the dark? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Brownie points for spiritual practices?”