Title Paul's Wish / Philippians 1:20-21
Contents Paul's wish/Philippians 1:20-21
There is a saying that an ideal makes a person. This book is a letter that Paul sent from prison in Rome in AD 62, and Paul proudly said that he was bound “for the sake of Christ” and, on the contrary, gave thanks that this work was governed during the providence and “progressed the gospel.” I was also grateful that this has strengthened the faith of ‘many of my brothers’. Paul said in his letter that there was “an earnest expectation and hope.” What is Paul so desperately looking for?
First, I wish to live without shame. People are ashamed when they are guilty. The Bible says that when Adam disobeyed God's command and ate of the forbidden fruit, he covered himself with fig leaves. They are also shy when they fail to meet their duties. Judas Iscariot sold his teacher for 30 pieces of silver and hung him to death in shame.
Indian saint Sun Da-sing said that when they went to heaven, the souls who fell into hell did not dare go to heaven because of their sins, not because they were told to go there, but entered the gates of hell on their own. The last words of Dr. Hwalan Kim were “I live my life to the fullest.” At the end of the seven prayers on the cross, Jesus said, “It is finished.”
Second, they wished to be bold (verse 20). Those who live by faith have boldness. Because there is faith in the resurrection. According to the martyrs, when Ignatius stood before the Supreme Court, he said, "You betrayed Jesus, and I will spare you." But now you want me to betray you? Send me quickly into the arms of my beloved Jesus.” After boldly confessing his faith, he was thrown into the lions' den.
Third, they wanted Christ to be honored (verse 20). His lifelong wish was only for Christ to be glorified. When Christ was honored, that was satisfaction. To be honored means to ‘enlarge’. Just as the microscope magnifies what cannot be seen with the naked eye, he wanted Christ to appear in front of the public through his life and martyrdom.
We too must show the glory of Christ in our own bodies. It should be a lens that shows Christ greatly through our words, life, and actions, which the world cannot see.
He said that his life was not for himself, but only for the Lord. Transcending life and death, he said, “For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” A person who can say this is a happy person.