Catching a Glimpse of Something Ahead

Introduction: Are you looking forward to what is ahead? Our hope lies in what is before us. We have the assurance of not only heaven but also rewards.
 
No doubt this was what motivated the apostle Paul even when he was suffering in prison. Do you ever feel hopeless? How can you live with confident expectation?
 
1. Our Salvation (Deliverance) Depends on Our Expectation! (Phil 1:19) – “For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ.”
 

The word “salvation” is σωτηρία (so-tay-ree’-ah), which means deliverance. Was Paul talking about deliverance from prison or this life into heaven? Most believe the latter—heaven. Perhaps he knew he would never be released from prison. But he also believed heaven was in the picture, as he makes mention of it in the following verses.

Are you looking forward to heaven?
 
2. Our Expectation Depends on Our Preparation! (Phil 1:20) – “According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.”
 

I love the meaning of the phrase “earnest expectation.” It is the word ἀποκαραδοκία, which means an earnest longing. At the same time, it pictures a person straining their neck with all their might to catch a glimpse of something that is ahead.

In other words, Paul was looking ahead to when he would stand before Jesus at the Judgment Seat. More specifically, that he would be ready. And God forbid that he should be ashamed.

Are you gazing toward that time? Would you be ashamed if Jesus came today?
 
3. Our Preparation Looks Forward to Jesus Christ’s Glorification! (Phil 1:20) – “According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.”
 

Both his goal, as well as ours, should be that Jesus Christ is glorified in our life and death.

Is that what you desire?

 

Conclusion: To summarize: How can you stay motivated until the end of your journey called life?
These certain stepping stones are found in this text, namely these three: Salvation, Expectation, and Preparation—but they ultimately end in Glorification… Jesus being glorified.
 
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese