January 10, 2025 -- Philippians 1:12-13 -- Suffering and the reputation of Jesus and memorization

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I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the Gospel so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ.
Philippians 1:12-13 ESV
 
When Paul was confronted by Jesus on the Road to Damascus and converted, before he received back his sight something was foretold that is quite striking. Ananias, the servant of the Lord who was to pray for Paul so that his eyes would be opened, was told “For I will show him (Paul) how much he must suffer for the sake of My Name” (Acts 9:16 ESV). Today’s verses bear out the suffering of Paul, but also show that suffering is for Jesus Name’s sake.
 
Look how these two brief verses capture both Paul’s willing obedience to suffering for Jesus’s Name sake and how such suffering is used for good. He had been arrested on trumped up charges. He was sent from Caesarea to Rome—shipwrecked along the way not to mention other sufferings—yet at every moment of his life and through whatever was happening to him all these things became a testimony to the grace of God. Even as he is suffering many were converted. They see Paul’s steadfast commitment to Jesus. This is still happening. Through his imprisonment the soldiers of Caesar’s own household are becoming Christians. While he was a prisoner, Paul could still preach the Gospel and welcome those who brought food and gifts to supply his needs. All these events become times where the guards heard the Gospel. They saw how believers’ commitment to Jesus prompted them to go to prison and care for Paul. The impact on the imperial guard is huge. In fact, at the end of this letter, Paul will write “all the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar’s household” (Philippians 4:22 ESV).
 
The message of these verses ought to encourage your heart. The strength of the Good News of the Gospel proves to be greater than suffering, chains, and prison. You can see why Bible memorization is important. You might wonder, as you suffer, does God really see me now? Does what I’m going through matter to Him? Yes, it does! God knew of all of Paul’s suffering and used it for His glory. In the same way, God uses every moment of your suffering for His glory, as you rely on the Spirit He is increasing your progress in holiness, and through it all Jesus is more real to you and Jesus is, through the way in which you endure suffering, becoming more real  to all who meet you.
 
Father in heaven thank You for the work of Your Holy Spirit, Who sustains me when I suffer. Thank You for the glory of Jesus, in Whom is life, life which is proved ever more glorious through suffering. Holy Spirit, help me to memorize so that the truth of Who Jesus Is and how He helps His weary children when they suffer will carry me through all my troubles. As with Paul, so now today, let whatever suffering I am going through be used to bring others to Jesus. Amen.
https://youtu.be/9zGbdg1YCYY?si=_neOwgmJru1wakg- Afflicted Saint to Christ Draw Near
 

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