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How Much Am I Interested in the Progress of fellow Christians?


Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again.
Philippians 1:25-26

A group of tourists visiting a picturesque village walked by an old man sitting beside a fence. In a rather patronizing way, one tourist asked him, “Were any great men born in this village?” The old man replied, “Nope, only babies.”

As a christian we all need to grow. God intends for us to grow and mature so that we can be a positive influence in the lives of others.  

We saw in the earlier devotions that Paul was in a dilemma. Verses 25-26 are the resolution of the delightful dilemma. Paul is here giving us a virtual declaration of his philosophy of ministry. Paul is telling us what makes him tick, as far as his ministry to the local church is concerned. What is it that he wants to stay here and do? If he's not going to go and be with Jesus, what is it that he wants to stay here and do among Christians and among congregations?

Paul is convinced that it is more necessary for the Philippians that he remain, so then he resolves to ‘remain and continue.’ The repetition,‘remain and continue’ (Gk. meno kai parameno), emphasizes his choice – i.e., he will not depart. There are three reasons that determine his purpose for remaining: 1) the Philippians progress in the faith, 2) their joy in the faith, and 3) their opportunity to glory in God through Paul.

The first thing that Paul says and wants is to see progress in their life. Paul is saying that he is willing to stay and go through all of this because he wants to see them grow as believers. “Progress” is the same word used in 1:12 to describe the advance of the gospel. It refers to a trail being blazed by a pioneer or the advance of an army.  Progress (prokope) The word "specially used for the progress of an army or an expedition....which means to cut down in advance. It is the verb which is used for cutting away the trees and the undergrowth, and removing the barriers which would hinder the progress of an army.

Paul is to teach Christ’s people how to advance in their sanctification and maturity. This progress is “in the faith” - in the sphere of both their personal trust in Christ and His Word, and the body of truth He has revealed for them to believe.

The apostle is convinced that his remaining will actually ‘progress’ their faith. Just as Paul’s circumstances progressed the gospel, so does he urge the Philippians to progress in the gospel. As we continue through the letter, this verse is the hinge where Paul shifts from his circumstances to the Philippians’ circumstances.

Paul wants them to see grow more in the truth of the scripture. He wants them to see the Philippians living out this truth before the world. Paul wants them to progress with the roots being that of the gospel that has been taught to them.

Paul goes to the extent of saying that he is willing to not be with Jesus and willing to endure beatings and shipwrecks and dangers so that they will progress in the Christian faith. And he is dead serious about that.

Dear Friends does our appetite for, our interest in, our enthusiasm about growth in grace match that kind of commitment to us from the Apostle Paul?

God Bless you.
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Location: Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India

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