Suffering as a Gift

Song 5-8; Philippians 1

“For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him, since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had and now hear that I still have.”

Philippians 1:29, 30

The suffering for the gospel that the Philippian church was experiencing was granted, or gifted, to them by God. This suffering was not an indication of failure on their part, but a sign that the impact of the gospel was threatening the principalities and powers. Suffering on behalf of Christ points others to Christ and causes them to wonder at the value of Christ’s presence in our lives. We only suffer for those things we highly value. Paul’s imprisonment in Rome gave him a platform to speak to Caesar’s court and the leading officials of the empire. The glory of Rome was being opposed by a little Jewish follower of Jesus who was ready to die with love, humility, and boldness for the gospel. 

Are we engaged in the struggle for the gospel, or have we conceded?

“Lord Jesus, fill me with your courage, for your glory.”