Caesar's Household

We often don't know what will be the result of our humble witnessing.

This chapter deals with a phrase found in Philippians 4:22 that is also the title for this chapter. It talks about how even though Paul was limited to his house, and he witnessed mainly to the lower classes of people that somehow his witness reached into the halls of the emperor Nero.

Now even those of us with only a superficial knowledge of the Roman Empire have probably heard the name Nero, and the reason we have heard it is because he was so evil. E.G. White points out that the people that lived and worked in his halls were about the same as him.

Yet in this case, as in so many others, was proved the truth of Paul's assertion that the weapons of his warfare were "mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds," 2 Corinthians 10:4. Even in Nero's household, trophies of the cross were won. From the vile attendants of a viler king were gained converts who became sons of God. These were not Christians secretly, but openly. They were not ashamed of their faith. pg. 463

Paul never intended to have an influence in this area. He did not receive a divine mandate like Moses or Elijah to go and preach to the rulers of the land, yet by his persistent, humble labors a foothold for the gospel was made in the courts of the Caesar.

This should be an encouragement for us. I know it is for me. Even if we don't have the opportunity to do some "great" form of witnessing, our influence can spread farther and wider than we think. Even just through the simple witness to those we work with can make a difference. Even if we work in a Christian environment, we can be a witness to strengthen the faith of those with whom we work. Wherever we go, whatever we do, our witness can spread far and wide regardless of our situation.

He whose heart is fixed to serve God will find opportunity to witness for Him. Difficulties will be powerless to hinder him who is determined to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. In the strength gained by prayer and a study of the word, he will seek virtue and forsake vice. Looking to Jesus, the Author and Finisher of the faith, who endured the contradiction of sinners against Himself, the believer will willingly brave contempt and derision. And help and grace sufficient for every circumstances are promised by Him whose word is truth. His everlasting arms encircle the soul that turns to Him for aid. In His care we may rest safely, saying, "What time I am afraid, I will trust in Thee." Psalm 56:3. To all who put their trust in Him, God will fulfill His promise. pg. 467

Not to Us

Psalm 115:1  Not to us, O LORD, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness.

We should seek to bring glory to God, and not to ourselves.

Psalm 115 is a psalm about God. It's purpose is to bring Him glory. Too often in our lives we seek to bring glory, or at least recognition, to ourselves. We are often like little children who go around saying, "Look what I did!" This is a practice, an attitude, that needs to go away.

It feels good to get recognition for the things that we do and say. I'm not going to deny that. However, why do we need that recognition in order to feel good? The Bible is full of people who did not seek recognition for themselves. John the Baptist, that fiery preacher who no doubt drew large crowds, said that he must decrease so that Christ would increase. The apostle Paul, another man who garnered a lot of attention, respect, and sometimes even fear called himself the chief of sinners,  the lowest of the low because of his encounter with Christ. Of course, there is also Jesus Himself who when someone called Him "Good Teacher" stated that there is no one good save God in Heaven. 

We, as Christians, need to be very conscious of our need to be humble and bring glory to God. We need to do this in action and in attitude. We need not only to act humble, we also need to be humble. The reason given in this psalm that God should be the true recipient of glory is because of His love and faithfulness. His love and faithfulness have never wavered. How many times have our love and faithfulness wavered, not only to our God but also for our fellow human beings?

To consistently, constantly bring glory only to God is not something that happens over night. It is the product of a continual surrender to His will. By surrendering to Him, we lose sight of ourselves, and bringing Him glory becomes as natural as breathing.