The Privilege of Suffering for Christ – Philippians 1:29
Who likes to suffer? No one! But we have been given the privilege of suffering for Christ. Rather than complain about it, we should rejoice in it.
But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. (2 Cor. 4:7 NIV)
Studies from Paul’s letter to the Philippian church
Who likes to suffer? No one! But we have been given the privilege of suffering for Christ. Rather than complain about it, we should rejoice in it.
How do you work out your salvation? With fear and trembling. Recognizing that God is at work in you to accomplish his own purpose. Work alongside of him.
How do you respond to the challenging circumstance that you might sometimes find yourself in? Paul’s example is that God can use us even then. Trust him.
I have been a believer for 50 years now. God has brought many fellow believers into my life. And I thank God for each of you.
As believers we should follow Paul’s example. Forgetting our past failures and successes, and looking forward to what lies ahead.
Please be patient, God is not finished with me yet. I am a work in progress. Not by my own efforts. But by the one who knows me best.
How many of us look forward to our physical death? I suspect not many. But, as Paul said, to die is gain. Because then we are with our Lord.
It is sad that many who call themselves Christians actually live as enemies of the cross of Christ, failing to honor him with their lives.
This early hymn is one of exaltation for Jesus, one who was fully God, who became fully man, and who died as a sacrifice for our sin.