Word@Work Phil12 - Philippians 1:29-30
Published: Fri, 10/09/09
Word@Work from BeaconLight
SUFFERING BY APPOINTMENT
Phil. 1:29-30 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. (NIV)
Paul has just spent 16 verses (see Phil 1:12-28) explaining his personal reaction to suffering for the sake of Christ. Now, in conclusion, he gently stated that suffering is as integral a part of following Jesus, as believing in Him. The word 'granted' means 'given freely as a favour'! Clearly this is true about our ability to trust the gospel and to respond in repentance and faith - it is a definition of grace. But to apply that same idea to suffering might take us by surprise.
Paul knows that his own experience of suffering, and that of the Philippian church, were not identical in the actions taken against them by unbelievers; but the principle was the same. Jesus first spelled it out: "If the world hates you, bear in mind that it hated me first" (John 15:18). That has been the experience of the church through the ages too. So true faith, in the Saviour of the world who was rejected by the world He came to save, will also bring the rejection to us. But why is this rejection a gift to receive, or even an appointment to keep?
It is all to do with standing together. When we stand with Jesus, what comes to Him comes to us; which is why we must take up our cross daily (see Luke 9:23). It also means that, one day, He will share his glory with us. But it must be a package: the cross always precedes the crown. If we are not willing to die to our old life, why should He grant us glory? But if we endure the suffering He allows ('suffering' is an old English word that means 'allowing') we shall also reign with Him (see 2 Tim 2:12).
So whatever the Lord allows is a privileged gift; because it enables us to have the joy of relying on His grace. As we endure, it shows that He stands by us as we stand by Him. There is no need to fear, only to praise! When Paul and Silas were in prison in Philippi, they prayed and sang praise because they felt the privilege of being identified with Jesus (see Acts 16:25-28). So, when you are under pressure because you are seen as Christ's representative, give thanks; and then trust Him to bring about a glorious outcome.
Prayer: Dear Lord. Thank You for suffering for me, and enabling me to receive Your grace. Help me to stand with You, even when that involves suffering, because I know that it is such a privilege to be counted as Your representative. And may I perform my role to Your glory. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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You can read the verses around this Bible passage from the Internet Bible: - in English, and many other languages
Paul has just spent 16 verses (see Phil 1:12-28) explaining his personal reaction to suffering for the sake of Christ. Now, in conclusion, he gently stated that suffering is as integral a part of following Jesus, as believing in Him. The word 'granted' means 'given freely as a favour'! Clearly this is true about our ability to trust the gospel and to respond in repentance and faith - it is a definition of grace. But to apply that same idea to suffering might take us by surprise.
Paul knows that his own experience of suffering, and that of the Philippian church, were not identical in the actions taken against them by unbelievers; but the principle was the same. Jesus first spelled it out: "If the world hates you, bear in mind that it hated me first" (John 15:18). That has been the experience of the church through the ages too. So true faith, in the Saviour of the world who was rejected by the world He came to save, will also bring the rejection to us. But why is this rejection a gift to receive, or even an appointment to keep?
It is all to do with standing together. When we stand with Jesus, what comes to Him comes to us; which is why we must take up our cross daily (see Luke 9:23). It also means that, one day, He will share his glory with us. But it must be a package: the cross always precedes the crown. If we are not willing to die to our old life, why should He grant us glory? But if we endure the suffering He allows ('suffering' is an old English word that means 'allowing') we shall also reign with Him (see 2 Tim 2:12).
So whatever the Lord allows is a privileged gift; because it enables us to have the joy of relying on His grace. As we endure, it shows that He stands by us as we stand by Him. There is no need to fear, only to praise! When Paul and Silas were in prison in Philippi, they prayed and sang praise because they felt the privilege of being identified with Jesus (see Acts 16:25-28). So, when you are under pressure because you are seen as Christ's representative, give thanks; and then trust Him to bring about a glorious outcome.
Prayer: Dear Lord. Thank You for suffering for me, and enabling me to receive Your grace. Help me to stand with You, even when that involves suffering, because I know that it is such a privilege to be counted as Your representative. And may I perform my role to Your glory. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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