How to Turn Your Setback Into A Step Forward

Today’s passage is Philippians 1:12-21.  Let’s go!

Philippians 1:12 (NIV)
¹² Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel. 

On verse 12:  Paul’s imprisonment could easily have been seen by him, his church and his critics as a setback. But Paul chose to see it as a step forward, something “to advance the gospel”.  Paul points to 4 ways that this “setback” was actually a step forward.

Philippians 1:13 (NIV)
¹³ As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ.

On verse 13:  Here’s the first benefit Paul identifies from his imprisonment:  everyone in the palace guard and everyone who heard about Paul’s imprisonment now knew that Paul was there because of his faith and ministry in Jesus Christ (v13).  This would stir the curiosity of many people and give Paul more opportunities to share about his hope in Jesus.

Philippians 1:14 (NIV)
¹⁴ Because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly. 

On verse 14:  The second benefit Paul identifies from his imprisonment:  seeing the way Paul was suffering for the Lord, many of Paul’s brothers and sisters in Christ were encouraged to speak the word of God courageously to others.   Paul’s imprisonment became an inspiration to other Christians.

Philippians 1:15-18 (NIV)
¹⁵ It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill.
¹⁶ The latter do so in love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel.
¹⁷ The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains.
¹⁸ But 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…

On verses 15-18a:  Paul identifies a third benefit to his imprisonment: even some of Paul’s critics were starting to preach the gospel.  Paul notices that there were a number of Christians who, while doctrinally sound, just did not like Paul and used this as an opportunity to start new ministries themselves.  But Paul chose not to feel threatened by them; rather he thanked God that they were preaching the gospel, even if they were fueled by false or selfish motives.  As Paul says in verse 18, “because of this I rejoice”.

Philippians 1:18-19 (NIV)
¹⁸ …Yes, and I will continue to rejoice,
¹⁹ for 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. 

On verses 18b-19:  A fourth benefit Paul identifies from his imprisonment:  it’s an opportunity for Paul to step further into his destiny as a servant of God.  It’s also an opportunity for him to experience God’s power through the Holy Spirit and through the prayers of his Philippian church.

What can we learn from all this?  Whenever you face what seems like a setback, focus on the opportunities and blessings that come from it.  See every problem as an opportunity.  For example:
– Every problem you face is an opportunity to experience God’s power working through your weakness.
– Every problem you face is an opportunity for you and others to learn and grow.
– Every problem you face is an opportunity for you to better sympathize with others who are going through a similar problem.
– Every problem you face is an opportunity for you to draw near to God, to deepen your relationship with Him, and to know Him better.
– Every problem you face is an opportunity for God to work things out for your good and for His glory.

Praise God.  Like Paul, when you choose an attitude of gratitude you can turn every setback into a step forward.  

Philippians 1:20 (NIV)
²⁰ 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.

On verse 20:  Paul was well aware that his future was uncertain, that he could eventually be executed for his faith.  Being a couple steps away from death’s door, Paul kept hanging onto the resolve that no matter what he would exalt Christ “whether by life or by death” (v20).

Paul was facing the ultimate test of his faith: was he willing to die for his faith?  His answer as yes.  How about you?  Are you willing to die for your faith like Paul?  The Lord Jesus gave his life for you.  Are you willing to give your life for Him?  May we arm ourselves every day with the same attitude as Paul: “to live is Christ and to die is gain” (v21).  What does that mean exactly?  See below.

Philippians 1:21 (NIV)
²¹ For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.

On verse 21:  Here Paul makes one of the most powerful statements ever written: “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” (v21)  What does it mean?  It means that for as long as God chose to let Paul keep on living, his life would be all about following Jesus and glorifying Him with his life — “to live is Christ”.  And if God chose to let Paul die, he was happier still because it meant he would go to heaven to be with Him — “to die is gain”.

May we have a similar attitude as Paul: that for as long as we have life on earth, let’s consider it a blessing and live it for God’s glory.  And on the day we die, consider it an even greater blessing because we finally get to be with Jesus in heaven.

Holy Spirit, please teach us to turn our setbacks into steps forward.  No matter what challenge we may face today, may we choose an attitude of gratitude.  May we focus on all the blessings and opportunities that You bring because of that challenge.  Thank You that to live is Christ and to die is gain.  For as long as we have breath in our lungs, may we breathe each breath for You; and on that day when we go to heaven, we will be even more blessed because we finally get to be with You.  Thank You!  In Jesus’ name, AMEN!

Verses Worth Memorizing
I mentioned yesterday that Philippians is full of helpful verses that are worth memorizing.  Below are just some of them.  Want to take your relationship with God and your spiritual growth to the next level?  Memorize these verses and get them into your heart:

Philippians 1:6 (NIV)
⁶ being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

Philippians 1:9-10 (NIV)
⁹ And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight,
¹⁰ so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ

Philippians 1:21 (NIV)
²¹ For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.