PODCAST
“Whatever” Faith
November 30th, 2010
Philippians 1:19-30
“Whatever! From now on that is going to be my philosophy.” Cartoonist Charles Schultz put those words in the mouth of Charlie Brown’s sister Sally. She foretold a generation of adolescents who respond to comments by their elders with a cynical “Whatever!”
Paul’s “whatever” was not the passive-aggressive response of rebellious youth, but the steadfast statement of faith by a seasoned saint. His “whatever” stood firm (1:8). Paul saw what happened to him had “really served to advance the gospel” (1:12). He said, “Because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear (1:14, TNIV).
Paul desired for the Philippian believers to share his “whatever” faith. “Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ” (1:27). “Whatever” faith demonstrates trust that God is at work through our lives.
