The Place to Be #45

 

Philippians 1:27 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.

We ended yesterday's passage noting that Paul did everything he could, by letter or in person, to encourage this church to view life and ministry from his perspective: that every and any situation was an opportunity to see God at work and be a part of it.  He now challenges them to have the reputation for the same - that whatever sense he used - hearing or seeing - he would have evidence of them striving to stand strong. This was a joint effort on their part: something they needed to do together.  It would be easier to suffer with fellow believers than alone.  Paul knew that. Sometimes he had the support of fellow believers while in prison; sometimes he was abandoned and alone.  Shared suffering is still suffering, but we can help one another see the good that God is doing in a way that is more difficult on our own.  When we stick together we are able to see that suffering for the Gospel, like our salvation, is a privilege given by God through Christ.