Author: mary

“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, engaged in the same conflict that you saw I had and now hear that I still have.” ‭‭Philippians‬ ‭1:29-30‬ says. As believers, no one wants to suffer. However, suffering produces character and perseverance as it says in Romans 5. This eventually produces hope and hope does not disappoint. When we suffer, we are putting ourselves aside and taking up the cause for Christ.

Paul’s life was inspiring to all those who encountered him. He was always living his life for the Lord, so when he put himself aside, God used his life to minister to those around him. He used both his successes and his suffering to further the gospel. Some Christians do not understand this. They believe a misconception that after salvation, their lives will always be joyful and never have sorrow or suffering. This is not the truth. There will still be sorrow and suffering, but the difference is that you will never be alone in your sorrow and suffering. Paul knew that he was not alone. Jesus was the joy of his life.

Maybe you have been upset that your life has not always been joyful or you thought that everything would be better once you came to know Christ. There is joy in the midst of sorrow and suffering because Jesus never leaves. He will always stay and help you through difficult times.

“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.” ‭‭Philippians‬ ‭1:28‬ ‭says. Salvation comes from God alone, no one else. He is the giver of salvation. There will be many who come against your faith, but do not fear because God is with you and can lead you and guide you in the way you should go.

In our world today it is very difficult to find people who only believe in one way to heaven. There are some who believe there are many ways, and others who believe that works will earn them a place in heaven. Have you heard people say things like, “Maybe if I do this, it will get me to heaven…” This shows a lack of understanding of who God is. It becomes more about how they live than who God is. They continue to live however they want instead of living the way that God wants. They even see the way Christians live as over the top or “radical.” As Christians the way we live should point to Christ and the gospel. There will always be some who think the way Christians live is not for them, but we should not fear. God will use our lives to lead others to Christ if we allow Him to.

Philippians 1:27 says, “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.” Everything we say and do should be to glorify God. We are message bearers. We bear the gospel message and if we do not act in this way, then we are denouncing the very thing we stand for.

If you had a very important message for someone, wouldn’t you want to share it? What if it determined their next steps and had major consequences if you did not deliver it? You would probably go out of your way to give them that message. This is the gospel. It is the most important message we can ever give anyone. It also has dire consequences if we do not deliver this message. We do not always see the consequences when they do not seem immediate. However, there are eternal consequences that should give us a sense of urgency. Spend some time in prayer today, asking God to give you an urgency for those who do not know Him.

“Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again.” ‭‭Philippians‬ ‭1:25-26‬ ‭Says. The joy of knowing that the church of Philippi was continuing to progress brought Paul joy and spurred him on, just as I’m sure he spurred them on through their obedience to Christ.

Hebrews 10:24 says, “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works.” This should always be our mission in the kingdom of God. We should always want to stir up love and good works in each other. Years ago I was part of a Bible study and this was exactly how we lived. We spent time together, encouraging one another. As some of the people in the Bible Study saw successes or struggles, we were there through it all. When we invest in others, we will spur them on and will be encouraged by their faith as Paul was.

“I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account.” Paul says in Philippians‬ ‭1:23-24‬. Paul had two desires, and he was torn between the two. His first desire was to be with the Lord. He loved Him so much that He desired to be with Him in heaven. He knew that heaven with Jesus was the greatest reward.

However, his other desire was to stay on this earth and continue to serve the Lord. He knew that if he stayed on this earth then he could spread the gospel as far as he could. What a beautiful example of the Christian life. To be with Christ was Paul’s motivation for everything he did. His love for Christ was his driving force, just as a husband or wife’s love for one another should drive them to do things for each other. That motivation drove him to tell others about the Lord. When we love the Lord, we will share that love with everyone else.

So what is your desire? Are your desires for material things or do you desire spiritual things? Spend some time in prayer and ask God to help you desire spiritual things. May you grow in your love for the Lord!