Opportunity and Anguish

For to you has been given the privilege not only of trusting him but also of suffering for him. (Philippians 1:29 TLB)

Suffering for the sake of righteousness.  It is a privilege. As we walk in relationship with Christ, we can expect opposition…even persecution and suffering. But Paul, in this letter, gives the Philippian believers a fresh perspective on this matter of suffering. Along with the privilege of trusting in our precious Savior, we have the privilege of joining Him in suffering.

It is a privilege to be able to trust in Christ because only those who are in intimate relationship with Christ can do that. You cannot trust in someone whom you are not in relationship with. And in this case, we get to trust in the Savior who loves us extravagantly.

As for suffering with Him, it is a privilege to be identified with Christ – to serve Him and to partner with His purposes on earth. And with this association with Christ, inevitably suffering will come. Christ is hated and those who love Him will be hated as well.

His [Gamaliel’s] speech persuaded them. They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. (Acts 5:40&41)

Here is a trustworthy saying: if we died with him, we will also live with him; if we endure, we will also reign with him. (2 Timothy 2: 10-12a)

There’s far more to this life than trusting in Christ. There’s also suffering for him. And the suffering is as much a gift as the trusting. (Philippians 1:29 MSG)

Do you consider the suffering that you endure because of your righteousness to be a gift?  Be encouraged, Jesus says this… “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” (Matthew 5:11&12)

Amen!