A Privilege to Suffer

March 17, 2009
Text: Philippians 1:27-30
Title: A Privilege to Suffer

 

Thoughts:

There are times when writers just know how to clarify an issue. Over the years, I have enjoyed the Life Application Study Bible and the clarity they offer in various situations. As I read the notes from today’s passage (1.29-30), I felt there was no reason to restate what has already been stated so well.  Here are their comments.

1:29 Paul considered it a privilege to suffer for Christ. We do not by nature consider suffering a privilege. Yet when we suffer, if we faithfully represent Christ, our message and example affect us and others for good (see Acts 5:41). Suffering has these additional benefits: 

    (1) It takes our eyes off of earthly comforts; 

    (2) it weeds out superficial believers;

    (3) it strengthens the faith of those who endure;    

    (4) it serves as an example to others who may follow us.

When we suffer for our faith, it doesn’t mean that we have done something wrong. In fact, the opposite is often true—it verifies that we have been faithful. Use suffering to build your character. Don’t resent it or let it tear you down.

1:30 Throughout his life, Paul suffered for spreading the Good News. Like the Philippians, we are in conflict with anyone who would discredit the saving message of Christ. All true believers are in this fight together, uniting against the same enemy for a common cause.

Paul never urges Christians to seek suffering, as if there were virtue in pain. But we should not forget those who suffer. If your cupboard is full, share your food. If you control the wheels of power, work for justice and mercy. If you are wealthy, give generously to the poor. When life is comfortable, willingly take a share of someone else’s pain, and so tell the world that the gospel is true. (Life Application Study Bible, Philippians 1:29-30)

 

Application:

Do you agree that our faithful representation of Christ in our suffering “affects us and others for good”? Why or why not?

Of the 4 benefits of suffering mentioned, which have you found to be true in your life?

What wheels of power do you control that can be used for justice and mercy? (Here’s a great example of power can be used for good. TheSaturnProject)

 

Prayer:

Father,

As the writers so aptly stated, I do not by nature consider suffering a privilege. Indeed, I question myself, my faith, and You during times when I feel as if my world is falling in around me. This is only heightened when the wicked flourish around me. Nevertheless, I see in Paul’s circumstances and my own that You are there working for Your glory. As You construct my character, may Christ be celebrated. Gracefully, allow me to develop a Christ-like attitude towards discomfort and suffering. And, in my seasons of blessings, may I learn to fight for, care for, and stand with those who are suffering.

In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Above All

March 16, 2009
Text: Philippians 1:27-30
Title: At All Costs

 

Thoughts:

Straight out of his discourse concerning his present circumstances, desires, and ecstatic appreciation of how God was using them for His glory, Paul offers some bubble bursting realities to the believers in Philippi. The theologian Barth refers to it as Paul “raising a finger warning”. (Martin, Tyndale N.T. Commentaries: Philippians, p.85). Unfortunately, somewhere along the way someone had distorted key elements of their faith. Apparently, suffering wasn’t as cool as Paul made it seem. Therefore, they had chosen to reject discomfort, pain, and Paul. Instead, they embraced “ugly symptoms of selfish egotism and pride”. (Martin, p.84)

Naturally, Paul, not defending himself or his calling, responds with a bit of a warning. He writes, “Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ” (v.27). It might be helpful to note  that some have noted that this section of Scripture (1.27-2:18) is ‘what Paul expects from the church’. (Martin, p.84) One can scarcely deny that living worthy of the gospel of Christ is not an excellent summary.

This word ‘only’ (monon in the Greek) is best understood as ‘above all else, at all costs’. (Martin, p.85) The NIV translates it ‘whatever happens’. The idea is that regardless of the costs, be it life or death, one must not wane in the manner in which they live for Jesus Christ. Paul’s fear was that in his absence these believers would lower their standards and the standards of the gospel. Such an occurrence would impute greater damage to Paul than his present circumstances behind bars.

I suppose we all have a tendency to create an ideology of the way we think things should be. It’s kind of a self-preserving way of living that protects ME. Paul, however, strongly warned the Philippians that despite what may arise in their near future, they were to live their lives worthy of the truth of Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. We can change many things, but we must never allow ideas, beliefs, or practices to remain in our lives whenever they stand in opposition to the gospel of Jesus Christ…Above all, at all costs…live worthy of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Application:

Have you ever been guilty of fostering a belief system that protected your comforts, but rejected core elements of the gospel?

Why would we not accept all of the truths of Scripture? Why would we seek to adapt them to our situation?

What is at risk when we alter key elements of our faith?
 

Prayer:

Father,

As I read Paul’s words to the Philippians this morning, I sense my own tendencies to create a theology and lifestyle that protects me. I find scriptural examples of why You would not want me to be in painful situations. Yet, did not our own Savior die on a cross?! What makes me so special that I would be the one You would change for?! Above all, may I live my life worthy of what Jesus Christ died for…it wasn’t my comfort, but my eternal salvation. May I live with that end in mind…not living to protect my body, but my soul.

In Jesus’ name. Amen.