Earnest expectation (603) (apokaradokia from apo = from + kara = the head + dokeo = look, watch) is only used twice in the NT but is a picturesque Greek word which literally means to watch with one's head erect or outstretched and so to direct attention, with intense expectation and earnest watching.
Wuest translates it as "undivided and intense expectancy". The picture in this verse is that of Paul's concentrated intense hope which ignores other interests and strains forward. That which one looks forward to with eagerness and desire signifies “strained expectancy, eager longing,” the stretching forth of the head indicating an “expectation” of something from a certain place
The only other use of apokaradokia is by Paul who explains
that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us, for the anxious longing of the creation waits eagerly for the revealing of the sons of God." (see notes Romans 8:18; 8:19)
Here in Philippians, Paul is saying that his head is erect and outstretched and his attention is turned away from his current adversities and is riveted upon just one objective, the exaltation of Christ.
Apokaradokia was used in Greek writings to describe the alert watchman who peered into the darkness, eagerly looking for the first gleam of the distant beacon which would announce the capture of Troy. Paul’s heart attitude here is that of a concentrated, intense, confident waiting or watching which is closely related to the concept of hope.
Paul maintained a keen anticipation of the future, as when someone stretches his neck to see what lies ahead. These are words of a confident faith. Paul trusts God mightily here as reflected by his attitude of concentrated intense hope. This bedrock attitude liberated him so that he had no fear of death.
Another man after God's own heart had learned to "preach to his soul" exhorting
My soul, wait (rest) in silence for God only, for my hope (KJV = expectation) is from Him. (Psalms 62:5) (Spurgeon's Commentary)
Paul was confident in the promise of heaven including reception of his glorified body. Hope and expectation are closely linked together as illustrated by the NASB and KJV translations of Psalm 62:5. Remember that hope is not "I hope so" but instead is a certain expectation of future good.
Paul was not concerned about the verdict of his earthly trial, but only for his earthly testimony for Christ, his life. What a contrast Solomon paints
The hope of the righteous is gladness, but the expectation of the wicked perishes. (Pr 10:28)
Biblical hope will stabilize your soul and motivate a walk of holiness and steadfastness.
THAT I WILL NOT BE PUT TO SHAME IN ANYTHING BUT THAT WITH ALL BOLDNESS: hoti en oudeni aischunthesomai (1SFPI) all' en pase parresia: (Ps 25:2; 119:80, 119:116; Isa 45:17; 50:7; 54:4; Ro 5:5; 9:33; 2Co 7:14;10:8; Ep 6:19, 6:20; 1Pe 4:16; 1Jn 2:28) (cf Isa 49:23, quoted in Ro 9:33, Ps 25:2,3) (Php 1:14; 2Cor 4:14, 4:15, 4:16) (see Torrey's Topic "Holy Boldness")
Paul was determined not to be dishonored in anything or by anyone. He vividly demonstrated that right actions are not determined by environment but by right thinking.
David prayed
O my God, in Thee I trust, do not let me be ashamed. Do not let my enemies exult over me. (Ps 25:2)
The psalmist adds
May my heart be blameless in Thy statutes, that I may not be ashamed...Sustain me according to Thy word, that I may live; and do not let me be ashamed of my hope. (Ps 119:80, 116)
Peter encouraged his afflicted readers reminding them that
if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not feel ashamed, but in that name let him glorify God. (1Pe 4:16-note)
Finally John gives us the "formula of the fellowship of the unashamed" exhorting us as
little children (to) abide in Him, so that when He appears, we may have confidence and not shrink away from Him in shame at His coming. (1Jn 2:28)
CHRIST WILL EVEN NOW AS ALWAYS BE EXALTED IN MY BODY: os pantote kai nun megalunethesetai (3SFPI) Christos en to somati mou: (Php 2:17; Ro 6:1,19; 12:1; 1Cor 6:20; 2Cor 5:15; 1Th 5:23)
Living for Christ makes life worth living.
Be exalted (3170) (megaluno from megas = great, strong) means to raise in status, to give dignity and honor. Paul did not say, “I will exalt Christ”; instead, he said, “Christ will be exalted.”
Paul did not rely on his own boldness, but rather on the help of the Holy Spirit (cf Jn 16:14) to produce exaltation of Christ through Paul. Paul wanted his witness to heighten the effect of God’s power and plan. This attitude reminds one of that of Stephen, whose martyrdom Paul himself had witnessed (Acts 7:58) and through whose death Christ was exalted resulting in an incredible spread of the gospel (Acts 7, 8:1, cp Jn 12:24, 25, 26).
Paul knew that he had been bought with a price and therefore strove to glorify God in (his) body (1Cor 6:20) for Christ
died for all, that they who live should no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf. (2Cor 5:15)
In a parallel passage Paul reminded the Roman saints that
not one of us lives for himself, and not one dies for himself for if we live, we live for the Lord, or if we die, we die for the Lord; therefore whether we live or die, we are the Lord's. (Ro 14:7, 8-note)
Lord Shaftesbury said
Perish all things, so that Christ be magnified.
Awaiting trial, Paul knew that he could either be released or executed; however, he trusted Christ to work it out for his deliverance & His glory. If the verdict were to go against him, Christ would be glorified in Paul’s martyrdom. If Paul was to be released, he would welcome the opportunity to continue serving the Lord (cf Shadrach Da 3:16, 17, 18).
WHETHER BY LIFE OR BY DEATH: eite dia zoes eite dia thanatou: (Php 1:23, 24; Jn 12:27, 12:28; 21:19; Acts 20:24; 21:13; Ro 14:7, 14:8, 14:9; 1Cor 15:31; 2Cor 4:10; Col 1:24; 2Ti 4:6, 4:7; 2Pe 1:12, 1:13, 1:14, 1:15)
Paul admits to the Philippians that he may not be released from this present imprisonment, but it may instead result in his martyrdom. There was however no difference between life and death as far as Paul was concerned, as long as that life or death magnified, glorified, and exalted his precious Lord. In Paul’s difficult position, as a prisoner of the Roman empire, there was a danger of failure on his part to maintain that bold and fearless testimony which was his habit all through his missionary career. This testimony had to do here not only with his spoken words but also with his life, for one's life testifies to the veracity of his lips. It was the intense desire of his heart that Christ be magnified in him, whether by a life lived in the fullness of the Spirit or in a martyr’s death. Paul’s desire was that the Lord Jesus might be seen in his life in all His beauty, that He might be conspicuous, that He might get glory and praise to Himself through Paul.
Paul's parting words to the Ephesian elders convey a similar thought regarding his estimation of his own life
I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself, in order that I may finish my course, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify solemnly of the gospel of the grace of God. (Acts 20:24)
And in another letter he writes
I die daily (1Cor 15:31).
And again he writes (New Living Translation)
Through suffering, these bodies of ours constantly share in the death of Jesus so that (expressing purpose) the life of Jesus may also be seen in our bodies. (2Cor 4:10)
Paul was a purpose driven man - his purpose being that his Lord would be exalted through his life and/or through his death.
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A. W. Tozer wrote,
"In this day of universal apprehension when men's hearts are failing then for fear of those things that are coming upon the earth, we Christians are strategically placed to display a happiness that is not of this world and to exhibit a tranquility that will be a little bit of heaven here below"
Do those who know you see in your life a joy based in heaven or on earth?
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Eager For Heaven - The street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass. —Revelation 21:21
My neighbor Jasmine, age 9, was sitting on the front porch with me one summer evening. Out of the blue she started talking about her bad choices and how she needed God's forgiveness. We talked and prayed together and she asked Jesus to be her Savior.
Questions about heaven started pouring out of her: "Are the streets really gold? Will my mom be there? What if she isn't? Will I have a bed, or will I sleep on a cloud? What will I eat?" I assured her that heaven would be a perfect home, and that she would be with Jesus, who would give her everything she needed. She replied with excitement, "Well, then let's go right now!"
The apostle Paul had a heavenly perspective too (Philippians 1:23). His testimony was, "To me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain" (Php 1:21). He knew that this life was about knowing, trusting, and serving God. But he also knew that life in heaven would be "far better" because he would "be with Christ" (Php 1:23). He wanted to stay here so that he could minister to the Philippians and others, but he was ready to go to heaven at any time to see Jesus.
Jasmine is ready to go now. Are we as eager for heaven as she is? —Anne Cetas (Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved)
No matter what we learn of God
And of the fullness of His grace,
The picture will not be complete
Until we meet Him face-to-face. —Branon
Those who have their hearts fixed on heaven
will hold loosely the things of earth.
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"I'm A Present!" (Read: Romans 6:1-14) - Present yourselves to God...as instruments of righteousness. --Ro 6:13-note
A few days before Christmas, the 3-year-old daughter of Pastor Jeff Callender was caught up in the excitement of gifts and giving. He writes, "One morning she was picking up, examining, shaking, and guessing what was inside every package. Then, in a burst of inspiration, she picked up a big red bow that had fallen off one present and held it on the top of her head. She looked up at me with twinkling eyes and beamed a smile as she said, 'Look at me, Daddy! I'm a present!'"
Every child of God should say that to the heavenly Father. In view of all He has done for us, we are to offer ourselves to Him freely, including our bodies. Doing that, we will "put to death the deeds of the body" (Ro 8:13-note). And we will present ourselves to the Lord as a living sacrifice (Ro 12:1-note). Those who truly surrender their all to the Lord can say with Paul, "Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death" (Phil. 1:20).
Christmas is the time when we commemorate God's greatest gift to mankind--His Son Jesus Christ. As we contemplate the love that prompted such giving, may our response be one of yielding our lives to Him for His glory.
Let's echo the words of that little girl, "Look at me, Father! I'm a present!" --R W De Haan (Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved)
What shall I give to Christ today,
To Him who gave Himself for me?
I'll give to Him my life, my love--
For time and for eternity. --Anon.
To make something of your life,
give your life to God
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Magnifying Our Master (READ: 2 Corinthians 11:23-28) - I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. —2Ti 4:6-note
As a man of unwavering steadfastness, the apostle Paul had a fixed ambition. He spelled it out in his letter to the Philippians: "Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death" (Phil 1:20).
No matter what Paul might be called upon to suffer, no matter what hardships he might undergo, he was determined that his life would be a means of magnifying Jesus. And without flinching, he held tight to that determination through peril, pain, and imprisonment, and even willingly offered his body as a sacrifice.
Some of us may not be able to see how Jesus could be magnified in our bodies. We may think that it can be done only during times of persecution for our faith. But that is not the case.
Our hands can magnify the Lord as we write letters of encouragement. Our feet can magnify Him as we go on simple errands of helpfulness. Our voices can magnify Him as we give our testimony and sing His praises. Our hearts can magnify Him as we express in prayer our love for the redeeming Christ. Our ears can magnify Him as we gratefully listen to sermons exalting His grace.
If we know Jesus, we can lift Him up to others in our daily lives. —Vernon C Grounds (Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved)
Take my will and make it Thine-
It shall be no longer mine;
Take my heart-it is Thine own,
It shall be Thy royal throne. -Havergal
You are one of a kind-designed to glorify God as only you can.
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One Life is Enough - A mature Christian said longingly, "Oh, that I could turn back the clock 20 years and go on ministering for the Lord!" That's a commendable wish but impossible to fulfill. One life is all we're given. Within God's sovereign purposes, one life, whether long or short, is enough.
In Acts 20:22, 21, 23 and Acts 21:11, God revealed that tribulations and possible death awaited Paul in Jerusalem. But instead of avoiding Jerusalem, Paul declared, "None of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus" (Acts 20:24). Paul's goal was not to extend his ministry but to complete it.
Our goal, like Paul's, should be to glorify Christ in our body, "whether by life or by death" (Phil. 1:20). Then, if necessary, we can afford to lose our liberty and our very lives. We can be sure God will use others to carry on His work and bring it to completion.
Paul's death did not bring his influence to an end. In Acts 20:28, he bequeathed his ministry to the church overseers, and we're still reaping the benefits of his life today.
Life is brief--"a vapor" (James 4:14). With Christ's help, let's invest our lives in something that will outlast us. —Joanie Yoder (Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved)
Only this hour is mine, Lord--
May it be used for Thee;
May every passing moment
Count for eternity. --Christiansen
© Renewal 1965 Singspiration, Inc.
Living for Christ makes life worth living.
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Worse Than Dying (Read: 1 Corinthians 9:11-23) - It would be better for me to die than that anyone should make my boasting void. —1Corinthians 9:15
The apostle Paul said he would rather die than give the impression that he was serving the Lord for money. That's why he supported himself while preaching in Corinth. To him, anything that marred his testimony for Christ was worse than dying.
Down through the centuries, many have held that same conviction and have proven it by dying as martyrs rather than denying their Lord. Most of us will not face a "deny Christ or die" ultimatum. But our lifestyle must reflect that we believe some things are worse than dying.
On New Year's Eve 1951, I was deeply impressed as I read Paul's declaration in Philippians 1:20. He said that his supreme expectation was that he would be ashamed "in nothing." His only hope was not that he be released from prison but that Christ would be magnified in his body, "whether by life or by death." I was also struck by his confident statement in Php 1:21, "For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain." Since that evening, I've told the Lord many times that I would rather die than do anything to dishonor His name, break the hearts of my wife and family, or disappoint those who respect me.
Yes, some things are worse than dying, and dishonoring Christ is one of them. —HVL (Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved)
I'd rather die than bring disgrace
Upon my Lord, His name debase;
So I will live my life each day
To honor Christ and walk His way. —Hess
To keep your testimony alive,
you must die to sin.
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Supreme Sacrifice
George Atley was killed while serving with the Central African Mission. There were no witnesses, but the evidence indicates that Atley was confronted by a band of hostile tribesmen. He was carrying a fully loaded, 10-chamber Winchester rifle and had to choose either to shoot his attackers and run the risk of negating the work of the mission in that area, or not to defend himself and be killed. When his body was later found in a stream, it was evident that he had chosen the latter. Nearby lay his rifle—all 10 chambers still loaded. He had made the supreme sacrifice, motivated by his burden for lost souls and his unswerving devotion to his Savior. With the apostle Paul, he wanted Christ to be magnified in his body, “whether by life or by death.” (Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved)
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Robert P. Lightner said,
Paul’s concern was not what would happen to him but what testimony would be left for his Lord. Release would allow him to continue preaching Christ. But martyrdom would also advance the cause of Christ.
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ILLUSTRATIONS OF BIBLE TRUTH by Harry A. Ironside - MAGNIFYING CHRIST
"Christ may be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death" (Phil. 1:20)
It is the business of a Christian to so manifest the spirit of CHRIST in his life that men and women will fall in love with our blessed LORD. People generally know little about CHRIST, but a devoted life magnifies and glorifies Him, thus leading them to trust Him for themselves. A striking instance of this came to my notice some years ago when I was engaged in a special evangelistic campaign among the mission stations of northern Arizona where devoted workers were seeking to present CHRIST to the Navajo and Hop Indians.
In company with Fred G. Mitchell, veteran Missionary to these neglected people, I sent one day to the mission hospital at Ganado. There my attention was drawn to a Navajo woman who occupied a bed in one of the small wards. She could not speak any English and my Navajo education was limited to about half a dozen words, so we could not carry on any animated conversation. Standing near her, Mr. Mitchell told me her story.
In the desert some ten weeks before, the missionary doctor had found her in a dying condition. The real circumstances were so horrible I shall not commit them to paper. Her cries of anguish had drawn the doctor to the place where she had lain helpless for four days and nights without foot or drink. By that time, her case seemed absolutely hopeless. She was paralyzed from the waist down, could not move about; gangrene had set in and she was in a most pitiable state. A cursory examination led the doctor to feel that her case was hopeless. But he wrapped a clean blanket about her filthy body, put her in his car and hurried her to the mission station. He learned afterwards that the Indian medicine man had pow-wowed over her for some forty-eight hours and then announced that she was possessed of an evil spirit that could not be driven out. It was best to get her as far away from the hogan as possible, as otherwise the demons would haunt the place where she died, making it unsafe for others to dwell there.
In the hospital, further examination convinced the doctor that an operation might possibly save her life, but it would be a most dangerous and delicate one, and with perhaps one chance in a hundred that she might recover. The little group of missionaries were called in for prayer and the doctor undertook the operation. Mr. Mitchell told me that for nine days and nights afterwards he kept the patient under almost constant observation. Finally her fever disappeared and it was evident that she was on the road to recovery. As consciousness returned and she found herself in the comfortable hospital bed, waited on by a kind, little Navajo Christian nurse and assiduously looked after by the doctor, she was filled with wonder and amazement. When able to speak, she inquired of the nurse,
"Why did he do this for me? My own people threw me out to die; nobody wanted me; and he came and brought me here and has brought me back to life. Why did he do it? He is no relative of mine. I am a Navajo, and he is a white man. I cannot understand why he should do all this for me."
The nurse replied, "It is because of the love of CHRIST."
"Love of CHRIST," she exclaimed. "I never heard of 'love of CHRIST.' What is the 'love of CHRIST?' What do you mean?" The nurse tried to explain, but felt she was not making it clear; so she called for one of the missionaries.
For some fifteen days after that, one missionary or another talked to the patient for a few hours each morning. In order to make her understand, it was necessary to go clear back to the creation and make plain why CHRIST came into the world. The young woman listened with deep interest, her large gazelle-like eyes searching the missionary's face constantly as if for confirmation of so wonderful a story.
Finally, when she seemed to be well on the road to life again and her mind was clear and bright, the missionaries thought the time had come to urge her to definite decision. So they held another little prayer meeting together and then once more Mr. Mitchell told the story of redeeming love and tenderly inquired, 'My dear younger sister, (which is the characteristic way of addressing a Navajo Indian younger than oneself) do you not take this blessed SAVIOUR for yourself? Will you not put your trust in Him, turning away from the idols of your people, and worship the one true and living GOD? He has come to earth in the person of His Son and now He asks you to trust Him for yourself."
In simple words he presented the claims of CHRIST for sometime, but there was no answer. The woman lay there perfectly quiet, but it was evident she was thinking everything over. After some little time the door at the other end of the ward was opened and the doctor looked in just to make sure that everything was all right with his patient.
She looked up and her bright eyes expressed the gratitude she felt as she softly replied in the liquid tongue of the Navajos, "If JESUS is anything like the doctor, I can trust Him forever." She had seen CHRIST magnified in a man and her heart was won.
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F B Meyer...
GOOD OUT OF EVIL
Phil. 1:19-20
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