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Church of the Nazarene – Harrisonburg
Living The Jesus Life: Part 3
Philippians 1:27-30
Living The Jesus Life
This series is a part of our annual practice of spending time focusing on one book of the Bible. In this case, the study is of Philippians – the letter Paul wrote from a Roman prison to the church at Philippi, the first church Paul started in Eastern Europe (see Acts 16). The people at Philippi were facing the resistance of Rome but remained a vibrant community of faith.
Philippians is a letter that speaks to living life as a disciple of Jesus in 2023. That’s why we’ve entitled the series, ‘Living the Jesus Life’.
Today’s focus is Philippians 1:27-30.
Philippians 1:27-30
Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God. For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him, since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.
-While most of us do not enjoy pain, the truth is, it’s not pain in and of itself that we hate. It’s pain without purpose.-Paul’s words ‘whatever happens’ is a clear indication that he has experienced joys of sorrows, blessings and suffering.-“For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him” (verse 29).-It isn’t enough to simply believe in Jesus, living the Jesus life means that we are to “suffer for him”.-The suffering Paul speaks of here is given to us, it is granted, like a gift.
While it’s true that there is pain and heartache and suffering in this world because of the presence of sin, it is a mistake to say that God has nothing to do with suffering.
We are sometimes surprised by the suffering in our life.
But we really shouldn’t be based on what we read in our Bibles and on the experiences of those who have followed Christ.
1 Peter 5:10
And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.
Romans 8:18
For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.
James 1:2-4
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
Philippians 3:10
that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,
1 Peter 4:12-13
Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.“
Those who understand God’s sovereignty have joy even in the midst of suffering, a joy reflected on their very faces, for they see that their suffering is not without purpose.” R.C. Sproul
Someone asked C.S. Lewis, “Why do the righteous suffer?”
“Why not?” he replied. “They’re the only ones who can take it.”
3 Reasons We Suffer:
1. The consequences of our actions
Humanity ultimately brought suffering into the world by rejecting God’s authority. When we choose to sin, God honors the free will He has given us, and allows us to experience consequences.
2. The consequences of others’ actions
The choices others make impacts us. Just like we can face the consequences of our actions, we can certainly face the consequences of others’ as well.
3. Because we need to grow
Growth involves resistance, and God sometimes allows suffering so we can be mature.
Bottom Line:
God does more work through pain than any other human experience.
Romans 5:3-5
Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
Verses for further study/reflection:
2 Timothy 2:12
1 Peter 4:1-2
1 Peter 5:10
Romans 8:18
James 1:2-4
Psalm 34:19
2 Corinthians 4:16-18
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