December 21, 2024 -- Philippians 1:27-30 -- How do you conduct yourself when suffering?

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Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, 28 and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God. 29 For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake, 30 engaged in the same conflict that you saw I had and now hear that I still have.
Philippians 1:27-30 ESV
 
Paul is writing to the Philippians from his prison cell. He is encouraging the people of this local congregation to do what he is modeling for them, namely, not to be frightened in anything by their opponents. Why? Standing steadfast in the faith while facing trials and temptations and tests is a clear sign to those who oppress you, persecute you and would seek to bring you down that your strength is found in Jesus Christ. You follow Jesus not only when things are going well for you; no! You follow Jesus Christ when your life is in the vice-grip of struggle and sorrow because you know that believing in Jesus Christ is linked to suffering.
 
Face it, life is suffering. It can be poor health. Unmet expectations in your family life. The unexpected death of a loved one. Financial hardships. Difficulties with your peers. Those are standard. But add to this being a Christian as you face standard hardships. You know your burdens increase because people are watching you as you walk through those difficult times. They’re waiting to see if you really are a follower of King Jesus through it all, or if your faith is hollow, empty words.
 
Notice how suffering has two directions. Your enemies who see you enduring for the sake of Jesus Christ are warned that their judgment is sure if they do not repent and believe in Him. That is one direction of good faithful suffering. Second, you endure suffering and find that all you believe about Jesus is true. That is the other direction, your head knowledge becomes deeper understanding, and your own heart is strengthened, and faith grows.
 
It is important to add, what you do publicly and what you do in private must also be consistent. How you conduct yourself through good times must be consistent with your pattern of life in suffering.  Your manner of life, your outlook and your confidence in Jesus, must not waver. Christ Your King is equipping you for fullness of life in Him every minute of every day—He has granted you His Spirit. The promised Helper Who lives in you. Who directs you in the word. Who reminds you that all the promises of God are: “Yes” and “Amen” through Jesus Christ, Who is the Faithful Witness. Your ability to endure is itself a gift of God as you submit yourself to His will.
 
O LORD GOD, when Thou givest Thy servants to endeavour any great matter, grant us also to know that it is not the beginning but the continuing of the same until it be thoroughly finished, which yieldeth the true glory; through Him that for the finishing of Thy work laid down His life, our Redeemer, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Prayer of Sir Francis Drake, April 19, 1587; Divine Service Book for the Armed Forces, 1950

https://youtu.be/9zGbdg1YCYY?si=4SYG2-rNFWtFIdTz “Afflicted Saint, to Christ Draw Near”
 

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