This Will Be My Salvation

A mosaic of church leaders in Philippi. 

Scripture

Phil. 1:18b    Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, ¹⁹ for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance. 

Observation

Paul’s attitude throughout his imprisonment is amazing. He continues to rejoice in his circumstances, even declaring, quite literally, “I know that this will turn out for my salvation.” There’s a clue here because Paul’s words, “are an exact quotation of Job 13:16 in the Greek Bible.” (Flemming, NBBC) 

There is a connection then, or parallel to what Paul is saying and to Job’s story, both determined to be found faithful before God. The prayer for deliverance is either now or later. Even if deliverance is delayed until death, neither Paul, nor Job will denounce God. 

Paul calls for the intercessory prayers of the Philippian church. In this way they are able to participate in his gospel, but there is something more as well. Job’s fortunes are restored when he begins to participate in intercessory prayer, praying for his friends. There is something evangelistic about Job’s prayers as the focus moves off of him and onto others. Paul doesn’t want the Philippian church to be focused on themselves, or even just on Paul, but on the mission of God. Their intercessory prayers are to be for the people with whom Paul will come into contact. He wants them to pray for not only his deliverance, but the salvation of those who are hearing the gospel. Paul’s deliverance, if here on earth, may come through those who will hear the good news, or ultimately when he is with Christ. His cry is for the gospel message to be spread and in this he finds his own deliverance.    

Finally, there is a partnership between the people of God praying and the power of the Spirit of Jesus Christ. The word “through” connects the two — human prayers, and the Spirit of Jesus. There is a synergistic action of God and humankind that Paul understands. Again, this is participation in Christ, and the result is deliverance. Salvation comes to Paul when those he has led to Christ participate in the mission of God through Christ. 

Application

This is a powerful message for all followers of Jesus Christ. There is a direct link between our own salvation, and our participation in the mission of Jesus. However, participation in the mission only happens when we are “in” Christ. All of this is linked together. We are not only to be “for” Christ, but “in” Christ. This participation in Christ is the call to holiness, for when we become partakers of the divine nature, when we fellowship with the Triune God, then we are truly “in” Christ. When we are in Christ then we must also become co-laborers in Christ’s mission, and in this we find our salvation. Participation in the mission is simply a reflection of our life in Christ. 

Some would argue that the contemporary church has strayed from her passion for the lost. Is it really that we have forgotten that we are to have a passion for the lost, or have we lost our passion for Christ? Maybe we’re trying to do too much “for” Him, instead of being “in” Him! If we begin with our life in Christ, we will be drawn into such depths that our passion for the mission will grow. Our passion for the mission is a reflection of our spiritual life. That’s why Paul could say that this would turn out for his deliverance, because he understood that he was participating with Jesus in all that he was doing. 

As we continually draw close to Christ, and have fellowship with the Triune God, our hearts will be empowered for the mission. That’s the call of the Christian life. If there is no passion, maybe we need to stop and reevaluate where we are in our participation. When Job prayed for others, his restoration began. Our restoration can begin through intercessory prayer for others. The focus must be turned away from ourselves and our circumstances; yes, we continue to rejoice! We turn our eyes on Jesus and faithfully participate in fellowship with him, on mission. This will be our salvation. 

Prayer

Lord, I want to be in you. Amen.