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“Facing the Eternal” Philippians 1:12-26

Drew Boswell Ministries
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“Facing the Eternal” Philippians 1:12-26
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“Facing the Eternal” Philippians 1:12-26

A Study of the Book of

“Philippians”

“Facing the Eternal”

Philippians 1:12-26

 Introduction

In 1799, Conrad Reed discovered a seventeen-pound rock while fishing in Little Meadow Creek. Not knowing what it was made of, his family used it as a doorstop for three years. In 1802, his father, John Reed, took it to a jeweler who identified it as a lump of gold worth about $3,600. That lump of gold, which was used as a doorstop for three years in North Carolina, is one of the biggest gold nuggets ever found east of the Rockies.

 One man sees a doorstep, another man sees opportunity – today we will discover that our relationship with Jesus changes how we see the world and enables us to face the eternal with boldness and excitement.

 Prayer

Honoring Christ in How We Live (vv. 12-18a)

My Reaction to Circumstances (vv. 12-14)

I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, 13 so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ. 14 And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.

 (v. 12) Paul has talked about the church’s and his own partnership in advancing the gospel, and it may appear as though the advancement had been hindered since he is imprisoned; but here he explains that his imprisonment, “has really served to advance the gospel.”

(1) “His chains could easily be viewed as a tragic end to a brilliant career, a restriction of a gifted apostle, and an outrageous injustice against a Roman citizen. Instead of being led by his chains to a negative outlook, Paul used them to lead his guards to the knowledge of Christ.”[1] Paul said, “it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard.”

It may seem, “like a setback to Paul’s agenda to carry the gospel to places where Jesus’ name has not been heard. In fact, however, this restriction of Paul’s mobility has opened doors for the gospel into the halls of power to which he could never have gained access as a free agent!”[2]

(2) Another reason as to why his imprisonment was not stopping the spread of the gospel, was how it was affecting other believers. The chains that held Paul were inspiring others to share the gospel, they “are much more bold to speak the word without fear.” Paul didn’t stop speaking about Jesus no matter where he was.

Paul was not bound to the guards, they were bound to him – he never ceased telling them about Jesus. His example led “most of the brothers” – not some, or a few, but most of the church were emboldened to share about Jesus. There was a remarkable increase in the bold proclamation of these believers. They are doing the very thing that caused Paul to be arrested.

For this church, it took the imprisonment of Paul to embolden them – what would it take for the church in America to become emboldened to share about Jesus? What would it take to shake us from our apathy and comfort? Courage is contagious.

There once was a man who bragged that he had cut off the tail of a man-eating lion with his pocket knife. Asked why he hadn’t cut off the lion’s head, the man replied: “Someone had already done that.”[3]

When we find ourselves “chained” to what appears to the world to be a disadvantage, this may actually be God’s plan, and may actually be an advantage to do what God has called us to do. We may not be chained to the world, the world may find itself chained to us.

 My Motive For Ministering (vv. 15-18)

15 Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will. 16 The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17 The former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment. 18 What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice.

Then among those who are emboldened to speak about Jesus, to share His word, Paul mentions two groups; but they are both Christians, brothers and sisters in Christ. “They are not wolves in sheep’s clothing; they are not pseudo-Christians.”[4] Both of the groups preach about Jesus – they both have the same message. What divides them is how each group thinks about Paul.

 There were preachers who were motivated by love (especially toward Paul) and the preachers motivated by selfish ambition. The second group wanted Paul to suffer, or for him to be troubled. Their preaching, though true in content, was actually a façade, a pretense, for their envious, self-seeking desire to hurt Paul. With Paul being in prison, and their competition removed, now these preachers could attract a crowd larger than Paul – and they believed that this would cause Paul anguish.

There are some people who believe that everything is a zero-sum game. “a situation that involves two sides, where the result is an advantage for one side and an equivalent loss for the other. In other words, player one’s gain is equivalent to player two’s loss, with the result that the net improvement in benefit of the game is zero.”[5] This group of envy-driven preachers believed that in order for them to win in ministry, they have to do better than Paul. Paul is imprisoned, they are able to have more converts, they win.

These two groups cause us to ask the question – why are we engaged in ministry? Is it to bring glory to God and partner with other Christians to expand the kingdom? Or is about building our own little kingdom, our name, our reputation? Does it matter who gets the credit?

 Honor Christ in Life or by Death (vv. 18b-26)

Yes, and I will rejoice, 19 for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance, 20 as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. 21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22 If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. 23 I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. 24 But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. 25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again.

(18b) Paul says that he “will rejoice” (this is pointing to the future) regardless of whether it leads to life or death. Whether he is executed or released, Paul is determined to rejoice. His circumstances “drove him to prayer, but it did not drive him to despair.”[6] Paul’s desire is to honor Christ, above anything else (life, reputation, being slandered, freedom, etc.)

We see this same idea in Job 13:15-16 “Though he slay me, I will hope in him; yet I will argue my ways to his face. 16 This will be my salvation, that the godless shall not come before him.”

Paul is convinced that two things will lead to his deliverance from prison, “through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance.” – Because of their prayers, Paul is filled with joy rather than anxiety. A better way of thinking of “the help of the Spirit,” would be God’s “provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ.” In that time this same word is used in marriage contracts, where a husband provides for material needs of his wife. In this text the provision of the Spirit from God is not something the Spirit gives, but the provision is the Spirit.

Luke 11:13 “If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” Paul is not going to be in prison alone, he is not going to stand trial alone, If he is sentenced to die, then he will not die alone – Paul has the provision of the Spirit with him (because of the prayers of the saints).

Jesus Is With Me Now

(v. 20) When Paul says, “ . . . I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored” his shame is not in his own reputation, but in this circumstance, this trial, he does not want to misstep or say or do something that will corrupt the gospel – he is a defender of the gospel. His shame would be if he failed to do this. He wants above all things that Christ would be honored.

In order for this to happen, he needs “full courage”— Paul believes (v. 19), “for I know” that there is coming a day, when he will stand before the powers that be, and he will give an apologetic, a defense, an explanation of the gospel of Jesus – there will be an opportunity when he will have a forum to share the gospel – and when that day comes, he wants Christ to be honored. He will need full courage. Paul’s witness may cause his execution.

(v. 21) “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” – In the previous verse Paul is talking about not being ashamed of how he has brought Christ honor in his defense of the gospel. In the verse after this verse Paul is talking about what he does with his body, the flesh, and he’s talking about fruitful labor.

If Paul remains, then he will be able to experience Christ being present with him “in the flesh,” if he dies then he will experience being with Christ in eternity. Both are experiences of being with Jesus, both are glorious.

“to live is Christ” – Your life as a Christian is not something that you will ever complete on this side of eternity. Every season of our lives is an opportunity to learn and grow as a person – each day is an opportunity to know and serve Jesus.

Jesus Is With Me In Death

One way of looking at Paul saying, “to die is gain,” could mean that this life has many painful experiences, suffering, and burden that have to be carried, so that death would be a release of these things. But this does not line up with the context of that Paul has said, he finds joy in life, as he is centered on Christ.

If Paul is executed because of his witness for Christ, his defense of the gospel, then it is gain because he would have died defending the faith. It is a gain for the gospel. Paul does not list all the painful experiences, instead he says that if he is able to continue to live, then it means “fruitful labor for me,.”

 I Will Be With Jesus in Heaven

Paul also tells us that for believers, those that have put their faith in Jesus, “to depart and be with Christ” – or when we die we go to be with Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:8-10 “Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord. 9 So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him. 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.” So Jesus is with Paul as he does ministry now, Jesus is with Paul in his moment of death, and Jesus is with Paul in eternity.

The way that we are with Jesus in heaven is different than how we are with him now. Paul says “to die is gain” his whole focus is our relationship with Jesus, so how are things different in heaven and how we relate to Jesus, then here. In heaven our sin is stripped away, our for that is far better. 24 But to remain in the flesh is to still have our sin nature and bent toward sin and rebellion.

Paul says in Romans 7:15 “For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate.” In heaven that tug of war between our sinful nature and our glorified nature will be gone. Our relationship with Jesus will be as Paul says, “gain.”

Throughout this passage there are constant opposites of what we would expect; Paul is joyful and excited even though he is imprisoned. The church people are emboldened to share Christ, even though it could mean they would go to prison just like Paul. The persecution didn’t oppress the people, it emboldened them. Paul is not frustrated by people preaching the gospel with wrong motives, he is excited that it is being preached. While we would more than likely be terrified, facing death, Paul can’t make up his mind which is better to live or to die. How do we have this mindset?

Jeremiah 17:7-8 “Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose trust is the LORD. 8 He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.”

When we trust the Lord, He becomes our source of courage and contentment when life is hard. For Paul, his entire life was focused on Jesus and the calling upon his life (he was a church planter and preacher). The world blows its destructive winds arounds us, but we are not basing our joy on circumstances – instead there is a deep connection to Jesus, that gives us joy no matter the circumstances.

Where is Joy Found?

 Not in unbelief, Voltaire was an infidel of the most pronounced type. He wrote: “I wish I had never been born.” Not in pleasure, Lord Byron lived a life of pleasure if anyone did. He wrote: “The worm, the canker, and grief are mine alone.” Not in money, Jay Gould, the American millionaire, had plenty of that. When dying, he said: “I suppose I am the most miserable man on earth.” Not in position and fame, Lord Beaconsfield enjoyed more than his share of both. He wrote: “Youth is a mistake; manhood a struggle; old age a regret.” Not in military glory, Alexander the Great conquered the known world in his day. Having done so, he wept in his tent because, he said, “There are no more worlds to conquer.” Where then is real joy found? The answer is simple, in Christ alone.[7]

“For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”

_______________________

[1] G. Walter Hansen, The Letter to the Philippians (Grand Rapids, Michigan; William B. Eerdsman Publishing Company, 2009) 69.

[2] Dennis E. Johnson, Reformed Expository Commentary, Philippians (Pittsburg, New Jersey; P & R Publishing, 1013) 58.

[3] Originally attributed to Adrian Rogers

[4] Hansen, 71.

[5] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zero-sum_game

[6] Hansen, 77.

[7] https://ministry127.com/resources/illustration/where-is-joy-found

“Partakers of Grace & Partners in the Gospel” Philippians 1:1-11

Drew Boswell Ministries
Drew Boswell Ministries
“Partakers of Grace & Partners in the Gospel” Philippians 1:1-11
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“Partakers of Grace & Partners in the Gospel” Philippians 1:1-11

A Study of the Book of

“Philippians”

“Partakers of Grace & Partners in the Gospel”

Philippians 1:1-11

Introduction

Prayer

Unity In Purpose (vv. 1-2)

Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons: 2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

 In that day it was very typical of letters sent to include who was sending the letter, “Paul and Timothy,” and to include their title. “Paul usually introduced himself as an apostle of Jesus Christ. But in this letter he makes no reference to his apostolic position . . . (and) he uses the same title for both himself and Timothy. Their work together was that of “slaves,” the literal meaning of the term servants.”[1]

Paul and Timothy are not free to do what they wanted, they were servants of Jesus and they were subject to the claims of the one who owned them. Jesus’ claim was that He was God, Lord – and if that claim is true, then we are servants of God.

The poet William Ernest Henley wrote the words, “I am the master of my fate: I am the captain of my soul.” “No matter how much you would like to think otherwise, your every plan and action is driven by a desire to avoid pain or achieve gain by pleasing or placating some ‘lord’ or other. The master you serve may be success or money, or what money can buy. Your lord may be affection or romance, or reputation and respect. You may be enslaved by other people’s opinions, terrified at the prospect of rejection or ridicule, or perhaps you are haunted by the specter of life alone.”[2] But the truth is that we all are a servant of a lord in our lives.

Moses, Joshua, David – all the great men and women of the Bible are servants, slaves, of the Most High God. You have to submit yourself to something in this life – The rulers of this world use you, disregard you, and when they are done with you cast you away. But King Jesus gives his servants authority, considers them brothers and sisters, Mark 10:45 says, “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” The Lord honors the slave’s role by assuming it himself in his incarnation.

When believers receive the claim of Jesus, that He is Lord, then we are all on the same level as His servants – Paul and Timothy are servants, side by side, each doing what God has called them to do. Any other Christians who say they believe the claim that Jesus is Lord, then there is no hierarchy, only fellow servants serving as each has been gifted and called.

Four hundred years before Paul and Timothy shared the gospel in Philippi “the city was taken over by King Philip II of Macedonia, the father of Alexander the Great—hence the name Philippi.”[3] The city of Philippi “was established in 42 BC as a colony for Roman veterans after the defeat of Brutus and Cassius by Mark Antony and Octavian (later Caesar Augustus).”[4] And later in 31 BC there was a repopulation wave made up of Roman soldiers and Italian farmers. So, it is a retirement city for soldiers.

In the church in Philippi there had been arguing and fighting – some believers were struggling with pride, arrogance, and it had caused strong division within the church. “Paul directs his opening greetings to leaders (overseers and deacons), in the church because they were the potential solution to the problem of disunity.”[5]

Paul refers to himself and Timothy as “servants of Jesus Christ,” then he references the saints, the church at Philippi, and then their leadership (overseers and deacons) but these leaders are not over the church, they are “with the overseers and deacons – the leaders serve the Lord, in a leadership capacity and oversee the church, but they are together, side-by-side seeking to fulfill the mission.

We will see that pride, arrogance and division was tearing the church apart – Paul, in these opening remarks, is saying, we are all (apostles, church members, pastors, deacons, etc.) everyone are all servants to the Lord. Jesus comes first in all of our lives.

“To all the saints in Christ Jesus” – There is this common bond between Christians; “the believer gives up himself, his own life, to Christ, and possesses the life of Christ in himself; he is in Christ, and Christ in him; he is dead with Christ, and Christ becomes his life.”[6]

“the saints,” – The term saint describes a person of purity, and a person that has the privilege of standing before God. But how do sinners become pure able to stand before God? In Exodus 3:3-5 Moses sees the burning bush while he is out tending sheep, “And Moses said, “I will turn aside to see this great sight, why the bush is not burned.” 4 When the LORD saw that he turned aside to see, God called to him out of the bush, “Moses, Moses!” And he said, “Here I am.” 5 Then he said, “Do not come near; take your sandals off your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground.” It was God’s presence that made the ground holy. It is God’s presence in the believer that makes the pure, holy, a saint – not their actions or works.

When there is submission the Jesus as Lord, and we humble ourselves before Him, then we experience grace (unmerited favor) and peace that comes from our being forgiven of our sin and being make right with our Creator – “Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” Paul uses this phrase in all his letters, because it is the mission of the church – God grace and peace that comes from Jesus alone. This is what gives unity and purpose to the church at Philippi and to all the churches that claim to be servants of Jesus.

Partnership In the Gospel (vv. 3-8)

3 I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, 4 always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy[7], 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. 6 And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. 7 It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. 8 For God is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus.

 (v. 3) Paul is in prison and is writing the church at Philippi who (as we will see) have sent someone to help him, and supplies – so the whole letter should be read as a thank you note from Paul to this church. Paul is expressing his thankfulness and gratitude for their support. This letter was written twelve years after Acts 16.

(v. 3) Even in chains and in prison, Paul is thankful; there is joy[8] in his times of prayer – why? “because of your partnership in the gospel” The church at Philippi, are working together with Paul, to expand the gospel. Let me ask you, “Do you have joy in your walk with the Lord?” Paul has joy – when he thinks of the church, he knows all the problems, so he prays for them. Then he is moved to thank God for them and this process fills his heart with joy. Praying for others who you are a partner with you in ministry, thanking God for them leads to joy in our spirit.

Do You Have Joy In Your Christian Walk?

Are you praying for others Christians, and thanking God for them?

Our joy, when you think about church, should be linked to other believers and their struggles as we all are seeking to expand the gospel – but many time this is not the case in churches. We too often link our joy with experiences (music performances, excitement in preaching, etc.) Paul links his joy with people and a common mission.

It can’t just be to a group of people; if it is, then the church is no different than Kiwanis, Chamber of Commerce, or a bowling league. Also, It is not just to the mission, because we are not designed to live the Christian life in isolation. Individually, we don’t have all that is needed to accomplish the mission – this is why the church exists. It is people and a common understanding that the church “exists to make disciples of Jesus Christ.”

The word for partnership (koinonia) was used in that culture in various ways; family relationships, friendships, business partnerships, common ownership of property, citizenship, and religious organizations; these “were all considered examples of koinonia in Paul’s day.”[9] Paul uses this word partnership six times in this gospel – and begins to help us understand that those that partner in the expansion of the gospel is different than any other partnership.

Do You Have Joy In Your Christian Walk?

Are you engaged in the mission of reaching others for Christ?

 The church does not exist to serve you, we exist to serve the Lord and reach others for Christ.

Our relationship with Christ over flows into relationship with others who have also placed their faith in Christ, and as we seek to all be obedient the calling upon our lives. The gospel transforms our lives, and that transformation draws us in a unique, beautiful, and powerful community. (unlike any previous partnership) Even to the point of considering each other family. Paul refers to this body of believers nine times as, “brothers and sisters.”

(v. 6) Paul sees and knows all about the issues the church is facing, but he says, “this I know for sure,” that “he who began a good work in you (the Philippian Church) will bring it to completion,” – “Paul wrote this letter to the Philippians, this koinonia was threatened by opposition from without (1:28) and conflict within (4:2). Intense suffering in a world hostile to the gospel and a bitter dispute between leaders in the church may have called into question the survival of their partnership in the gospel.”[10] Paul is saying, “God started the Philippian church, and God would see it to its completion.”

Picture of eggs in a nest — “draw a picture of what you see”

(v. 7) “for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel,” – it is not until verse 7 that we get a hint of trouble. Paul is writing from prison (and remember that Timothy is with him). The Greek work “imprisoned” is closer to “chained.” Paul was chained as he waited for an appeal to the emperor. By this point he had previously spent two years in custody in Judea, waiting for his “case” to be resolved by officials there in Rome.

“If we are partners in the gospel, it is because we are partners in grace – because of the invincible Spirit of Christ has pulled us, in spite of our ourselves, out of the pit of our self-centered self-reliance, made us face the ugly reality of our guilt and helplessness, and drawn us to trust in Jesus.” We both know of God’s grace, and that draws us closer, and leads us to love one another.

 A Church Known For Its’ Love (vv. 9-11)

9 And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, 10 so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.

Paul prays out loud so that we can hear him ask God for the Philippian church so that their “love may abound more and more,” – “may keep on overflowing, a perpetual flood of love, “yet more and more,” but with necessary limitations (river banks), “in full knowledge,” “and all discernment.”[11]

The Christian life is one of growth. Paul, because of his love for his brothers and sisters in Christ, is not content for them to stay the same – He prays that their love would grow, and the “more and more,” is ongoing, ever growing dynamic for better and purer expressions of love.

The theologian and writer K. Chesterton once said, “Love is not blind. Love is bound. And the more it is bound, the less it is blind.”[12] Love needs to see clearly and speak truthfully. Love knows how to see and speak.

Do You Have Joy In Your Christian Walk?

How Committed Are You to Other Christians?

“with knowledge and all discernment” – the knowledge and discernment mentioned here is in reference to other believers. There is a “recognition of the will of God that is effective and in the conduct of one who knows God.” Christ knows us, in spite of our flaws, and draws us to a deeper relationship with Him. Our love for each other should cause us to push one another toward Christ, to gain knowledge and discernment of Jesus.

In Hosea 4:1, 6 we see the opposite of this, “There is no faithfulness or steadfast love, and no knowledge of God in the land; . . . My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge;”

We need knowledge (of Christ) and discernment of His Word, “so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless”[13] – When we make a decision, we have to look at multiple options, weigh them, and then choose the best way. The way Paul says this is not choosing between good and bad, but between what is good, and what is best (excellent). Paul is wanting their love to grow for one another, so that they will know the best way to express their love one for another (with excellence).

*** see also https://drewboswell.com/partakers-of-grace-partners-in-the-gospel/

_______________________

[1] G. Walter Hansen, The Pillar New Testament Commentary, The Letter to the Philippians (Grand Rapids, Michigan; William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2009) 38.

[2] Dennis E. Johnson, Reformed Expository Commentary, Philippians (Phillipsburg, New Jersey; P&R Publishing, 2013) 9.

[3] Johnson, 4.

[4] Hansen, 41.

[5] Hansen, 42.

[6] W. Robertson Nicoll, The Expositor’s Greek Testament, Volume 3 (Grand Rapids; Michigan; WM B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1967) 416.

[7] “as we entrust ourselves to Jesus, he gives two gifts: a love that stretches our hearts to embrace others, and a joy that places our pain into perspective, enabling us to see our suffering in the context of God’s comprehensive plan to make us like his Son.” Johnson, 22.

[8] “This is the first of fourteen times that the joy note sounds in this letter.” Hansen, 47.

[9] Hansen, 48.

[10] Hansen, 50.

[11] Archibald Thomas Robertson, Word Pictures in the New Testament, Volume IV, The Epistles of Paul (Nashville, Tennessee; Broadman Press, 1931) 437.

[12] Hansen, 59.

[13] “a firm conception of those spiritual principles which would guide them in their relations with one another and the world.” Nicoll, 421.

“The Spray Across the Water” Indicators of Mission Speed

“The Spray Across the Water”

Indicators of Mission Speed

In the sport of high diving there are twists, turns, and flips that take place within seconds of knifing into the water. Once the diver jumps from the platform or board they are relying on years of coaching,  training, and knowing when to make a specific move at a certain height from the water. So, the diver must know how high they are at every given moment of the dive.

As they move at speeds of over 35mph it is incredibly dangerous if they hit the surface of the water incorrectly. In order to assist divers with their perception a jet of water is shot across the surface of the water. This helps the diver to judge depth and height. Without that point of reference, the diver may pull out of a twist or any number of mistimed maneuvers that will at a minimum cost them points or worse a serious injury.

Leadership involves directing and guiding people, and once the ‘train has left the station’ (to mix metaphors) to stop or turn at the wrong point could cause disaster. The leader needs a ‘spray across the water’ or some indicator of how fast they are moving and where they are in the process. If the leader moves too fast or too slow it could cause danger to the mission – and they need awareness of where they are – which often times is difficult to determine if you are moving a what feels like mac speed.

How do we know how fast we are going?

How do we know when it is time to deploy or wait?

Indicators of Mission Speed

  1. Grumbling and Complaining; Once you are moving your group from one place to another grumbling and complaining may be a sign you are going too fast. Create channels or avenues so that you can get the information you need – if they only complain behind your back you may never know until it has caused damage. Grumbling and complaining may also be an indicator that the mission is moving forward after years of non-movement.

If you are walking around in the desert in circles for forty years, does it really matter how fast you are going? (see Joshua 5:6)

  1. Rituals and Celebrations; After you have been traveling for some time you may cycle through events that come year after year (Christmas, Easter, etc.) In the church world there may be annual celebrations – these give you a feeling of tradition and stability – but they may also pull you from your mission if can’t explain why these events are important. One of these annual ‘rotations’ for the leader may be vacations, breaks, get-aways, etc. Time away from the mission may help to determine how healthy you are and the health of the mission.
  1. Staff & Leadership Turnover; Another indicator of timing is how fast you have turn over in key positions. Long term volunteers, staff, etc. may be an indicator that they feel appreciated, and understand the importance of the mission. A frequent or high turn-over may indicate that you may be lacking in the above-mentioned areas. If your people are getting burned-out it may be an indicator that you need to slow down. There must be a balance of caring for people and accomplishing the mission. Don’t treat your people as though they are disposable.
  1. Accomplishing Short-Term Goals; Again, we are looking at indicators of speed and the ability to make moves at the right time. So, there should be a series of weekly, monthly, or short term goals that are being accomplished (or not being accomplished) on a regular basis – and are these things getting accomplished with excellence? If they are not, you may be moving too fast. If they are, it may be time to things up. If the short-term goals are not being accomplished, then you may need to further break down the goals into sub-goals — to a point to where things are getting done, and work up from there.
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"For by grace you have been saved through faith." Ephesians 2:8

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