Paul stated clearly that, in spite of some people’s motives for preaching, he rejoices that the message is being preached. In this week’s passage, he continues to rejoice, knowing that God is accomplishing his purposes, no matter what happens.

See this passage for yourself in Philippians 1:18c-20:

Paul continues to rejoice because he knows that he prayers of the Philippians are being expressed earnestly for his deliverance, and that the Holy Spirit is working in the same manner.

Paul fully realizes this this deliverance could come in any shape or form. He knows that his deliverance could be through the form of death, and he anticipates that even. But he also knows that if this deliverance comes in a physical release from prison, then he will continue to serve Christ. This is very evident in verse 21, which we look at in detail next week.

In these verse, however, he expresses his resolve that he will not be ashamed, but that he will continue to preach the gospel faithful, no matter what the outcome may be.

This passage gives us some specific truth about the nature of prayer. The Philippians prayed. And the Holy Spirit answered and moved in response to that prayer. Often throughout Scripture, the idea of deliverance is closely tied to the activity of prayer.

Many seek to find a specific meaning to Paul’s use of this word here, and confine it to mean he release from jail, or his eternal deliverance through death, among others. But Paul doesn’t seem to specify either here. The fact that Paul was in prison was less important to Paul than his continual efforts to live for and serve Christ.

As we have seen, many seem to have benefited, or tried to do so, from Paul’s time in prison. Some may have even made things worse for him. But he remains true to his calling, and his expectation is that he will not be ashamed, but instead exalt Christ, no matter what.

Perhaps the key phrase in this passage is Paul’s use of “eagerly expect.” Also found in Romans 8:19, this may be a word coined by Paul himself to denote his anticipation, eagerly straining to see what may be coming around the bend, craning his neck to catch a glimpse of what may be next. This is a strong confidence in what God is doing, and Paul longs to see it.

But, no matter what it is, Paul’s desire is to remain focused on the mission, and exalt Christ in every manner. Paul is absolutely dedicated to Christ, no matter what.

He is a fanatic, in the truest sense of the word.

In our culture, the word “fanatic” has taken on something of a negative connotation. A fanatic is someone overboard in their zeal for something, and they are not to be commended for being so. But, in its truest sense, the word means “a person filled with excessive and single-minded zeal,” especially pertaining to religious reasons.

In spite of the view of our culture, this is not a bad thing. We need more who are completely sold out for the message of the gospel. We need more who hold their zeal for Christ above all else.

We need more fanatics.

Regardless of what may happen to us, we must remain focused on Christ, and exalt him with our lives, our words, our actions, and even our bodies. Whether by life or by death. No matter what.

Question: How would you rate your level of fanaticism, on a scale of 1 to 10? You can leave a comment by clicking here.