Philippians 1:29 – “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.”
This
verse has always been somewhat of an anomaly for me. I dare say for many others
also. I have heard the first half of this verse quoted frequently in my
Christian experience; however, I do not often hear the second portion quoted as
well.
The
average American evangelical avoids the topic of suffering, excuse me, like the
plague. We don’t even like to talk about it publically since it risks the
chance of suffering to attach itself to us. We think if we talk about trials,
tribulations, or testings we will “catch it.” I have actually had believers
tell me to be very careful with books of the bible like James or Job otherwise
I will enter into some form of suffering by the virtue of simply reading them
or handling them.
As
much as we avoid suffering, it is the one thing we need the most. Suffering is
the vehicle by which we are made more into the image of Christ than any other
means. C. S. Lewis once wrote:
“God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but
shouts in our pains:it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world.”
Verse
29 is part of a paragraph that includes Paul’s most ardent desire for these
Philippian believers; “…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.”
Paul
desires that these believers stand firm, to strive or agonize in standing firm.
Paul uses a verb that means to persevere or persist in standing. The verb is in
the present tense meaning to continually stand or to always keep standing. Why?
The answer is found in verse 27, “…let
your manner of life be worthy of Christ…”
The everyday conduct of our life
should be worthy, or suitable to our profession. In other words when we say we
are in Christ then our everyday conduct is to reflect that claim.
Paul
realizes that in our everyday living, which is suitable to Christ, will produce
opposition. We find Paul telling these Philippians “…to not be frightened in anything by their opponents.” Opposition,
persecution, and suffering are real. It cannot be patently dismissed or
ignored.
Then
he makes that mind-boggling statement: “…for
it has been granted to you…also suffer for his sake.” What does granted mean?
The root gives us the idea that it is something pleasant or agreeable. It
includes the idea of a favor in which one is gratified. It can also give the
idea that one is gracious in the giving of such favor or gift.
Paul
is saying to these dear Philippians that God has shown Himself to be gracious
and has bestowed a favor that is pleasant and agreeable upon these believers by
the means of suffering. Of course we know why God gives us this gift, not for
the pain, but for the product that the suffering is designed to produce.
