Philippians 12-13 Analysis

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Paul wrote in Philippians 1, verse 12, about the unfair circumstances he encountered. He said, “(Philippians 1:12-14) Now 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.” Here Paul discovered that even when he was the victim of injustice, and even when his circumstances were the result of unfair treatment, God was still at work, still in control, accomplishing His purpose. Paul had been active on missionary journeys, preaching …show more content…
“What is it?” “That’s an eagle—the chief of the birds,” the neighbor chicken clucked. “But don’t give it a second thought. You could never be like him.” So the eagle never gave it another thought. And it died thinking it was a prairie chicken. Consumed by his circumstances, he would never know what it was like to be free, to be above the ground riding the wind currents. This eagle would never become what he was created to be. This eagle would never be more than what the world and his circumstances would have him to be. To often we are stuck in the barnyard, given the chance to fly, no matter our circumstances, and we stay focused on where we are rather than where God wants to takes us. Too often we forget we are created in His image, meant for a greater purpose. We allow the stuff of this world to contaminate, sin to bind us, and we claim our circumstances have power over us.
Others may forsake you, you may be sick, you may be the victim of criticism or unfair circumstances, but God always stands by you and gives you the strength to go beyond what this world has to offer. This morning you have heard the stories of two different eagles in similar circumstances, one when given the chance, soared to the heights he was created to reach, the other, lived exactly where the world and circumstance wanted him to be. Which eagle are you? Paul, sick, in prison, execution waiting for him, He choose freedom in Christ. What are you