SUNDAY September 1, 2024

Suffering for Christ’s Sake

...and not in any way terrified by your adversaries, which is to them a proof of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that from God. For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake, having the same conflict which you saw in me and now hear is in me.
Philippians 1:28-30

Paul was a man unafraid of his enemies. He was full of courage because he feared God, not man. Therefore, he could boldly tell his friends in the faith not to be afraid of their adversaries. Paul knew the beginning from the end. Christians were assured of a future––eternal life. There was no eternal hope for the non-believer. They had no future; they were going to perish in their sin.

Paul wanted to reassure the brethren that he identified with them. He was just like them––subject to suffer for Christ. He shared in their same conflict. He used his circumstances to bring comfort to the believers in Philippi. Paul was unmoved––steadfast in his faith. His attitude was remarkable; he remained rejoicing in the Lord, knowing his circumstances were only temporal. One day, in the future, eternal life will be assured. He became such an example of endurance and perseverance in the Christian faith.

As you continue to abide and stand fast in your faith, be aware that trials and tribulation will come. You may not care for this, but consider the reality of what Paul continued to say, For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for Him.... “Wait a minute,” you may say, “I have to suffer for Christ?” At times, yes.

Look at Paul’s life. It was not a bed of roses; he suffered tremendously. Be steadfast, not only in good times, but when you face adversity. God has His purpose for allowing any suffering in your life. It is during these difficult times that you will draw closer to God. You are never alone in your suffering––God is with you. Remember, suffering is only for a little while; one day, you, too, are going to be in God’s presence.

I am certain that I never did grow in grace one-half so much anywhere as I have upon the bed of pain.
~Charles Spurgeon~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!