For it has been granted to you on Christ’s behalf not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him, since you are engaged in the same struggle that you saw I had and now hear that I have. (1:29-30)
Most of us realize that faith in Christ is a gift from God; something that has been “granted” to us. However, few also realize that suffering is equally a gift from God. It is hard to get our minds around the concept that God allows us to suffer because He loves us. There are many reasons given in Scripture why the Lord sometimes gives us the “gift” of suffering. In fact, there are too many to recount in these few paragraphs. Yet, one of the primary ones is listed for us right here in the context of this passage. Suffering often furthers to advance the gospel.
In vs. 12-13 Paul says, “Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually advanced the gospel, so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard, and to everyone else, that my imprisonment is because I am in Christ.” Paul suffered, not for doing wrong but for doing good, for preaching the gospel of Christ. Yet, he rejoices in that suffering and expects his Philippian readers to rejoice with him because God is taking a bad thing and using it for His glory. Because He was in prison the entire imperial guard was hearing the gospel (v.13). Because He was willing to face suffering well, the brethren had been encouraged to be even bolder in their preaching (v. 14). Even some who wanted to cause Paul trouble were also preaching, but Paul didn’t care because the gospel was getting out there to the lost. (v.18)
Paul’s challenge to the Philippians and to us is to not run away from suffering, but embrace it when it comes. Of course, we are not to seek suffering like some monk who thinks he becomes more holy the more he suffers. This is really about the sovereignty of God and recognizing that He is in control of your life. Whatever happens to you happens for a reason and He is in control of your days and your destiny. If He chooses to bring suffering into your life then there is a reason for that, and that reason is for your good and His glory. Many times how you respond to problems will actually end up being a witness to the lost around you and serve to advance the gospel. That’s what it means to “live your life worthy of the gospel of Christ.” (v.27) See every moment and every circumstance as God’s provision and ask “Lord how can I glorify you in this and how can this advance the gospel.”
