Chains That Bind, Chains That Free
By Elin Henderson
“So that it became evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ…”
Philippians 1:13 (NKJV)
By Elin Henderson
“So that it became evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ…”
Philippians 1:13 (NKJV)
Do you ever feel chained down to something?
Maybe it is a job or boss you can’t stand. It could even be your children.
Mothers of small children in particular often struggle with feeling homebound
as they do nothing but chase little munchkins about all day wiping noses and
cleaning up spills! Whatever it is, Paul, in his letter, to the Philippians
gives us some great insight into his
chains.
When imprisoned, Paul refused to see his chains from a human perspective; something that bound him, held him back, immobilized his life and progress. Instead he took a heavenly perspective. He saw them as springboards of freedom and opportunity! In Philippians 1:12-14 we learn Paul’s viewpoint: “But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel, so that it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ; and most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.”
Two things he claimed happened because of his chains (not in spite of them). One, he was able to share the Gospel with a huge population that otherwise would never have had a chance…the palace guard. Secondly, more believers grew in confidence and boldness to share the Good News when they saw his example.
When we can begin to view life with a divine perspective, these physical, mental, and emotional chains that bind us begin to become springboards of freedom and opportunity. Sometimes they are meant to slow us down a bit and help us to minister right where we are at…like Paul ministering directly to the guards by his side. Other times, they are lessons and encouragements to other believers to move forward with confidence. Either way, are we willing to endure them for the prize set before us?
Whether large or small, God desires that these chains in our lives would draw us closer to Himself, and that He could use us in the lives of others!
GOING DEEPER:
1. What are some chains in your life? How do you see these chains…as immobilizers or spring boards?
FURTHER READING:
2 Corinthians 1:3-4; 1 Peter 3:15
When imprisoned, Paul refused to see his chains from a human perspective; something that bound him, held him back, immobilized his life and progress. Instead he took a heavenly perspective. He saw them as springboards of freedom and opportunity! In Philippians 1:12-14 we learn Paul’s viewpoint: “But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel, so that it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ; and most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.”
Two things he claimed happened because of his chains (not in spite of them). One, he was able to share the Gospel with a huge population that otherwise would never have had a chance…the palace guard. Secondly, more believers grew in confidence and boldness to share the Good News when they saw his example.
When we can begin to view life with a divine perspective, these physical, mental, and emotional chains that bind us begin to become springboards of freedom and opportunity. Sometimes they are meant to slow us down a bit and help us to minister right where we are at…like Paul ministering directly to the guards by his side. Other times, they are lessons and encouragements to other believers to move forward with confidence. Either way, are we willing to endure them for the prize set before us?
Whether large or small, God desires that these chains in our lives would draw us closer to Himself, and that He could use us in the lives of others!
GOING DEEPER:
1. What are some chains in your life? How do you see these chains…as immobilizers or spring boards?
FURTHER READING:
2 Corinthians 1:3-4; 1 Peter 3:15
Oakwood’s missionaries Elin Henderson (a
registered nurse) and her husband Phil serve as church planters with New Tribes
in Mozambique, Africa. Elin is mother to
eleven-year-old Callie and nine-year-old Elias.
